A multi-generational project by Phoenix (Ariz.) Christian Reformed Church helps nourish hungry children around the world. Families with children as young as five participate in the monthly effort.
(L-r) Thomas Peltzer, Cabot Wigginton, and Ella Peltzer help pack food.
“It is so easy to do because it is so fun,” said Paul Winn, one of the volunteers who helps pack boxes called MannaPacks. “Volunteers like to compete to see who packs the most boxes.” Ellie Winn, 6, said she likes to load the veggies.
Each MannaPack feeds six children. MannaPacks consist of food designed by food scientists to meet the nutritional needs of growing children, with raw ingredients like rice, soy, and over 20 minerals and vitamins. MannaPacks cost only 22 cents to produce. Since June 2012, as many as 50 Phoenix CRC members have helped pack MannaPacks in Tempe, Ariz., at the newly established and only Western packing plant for Feed My Starving Children, an international Christian organization.
Founded in 1987, the organization partners with humanitarian relief organizations to feed 150 million children in over 70 countries.
After each packing session, volunteers are told how many children they helped feed for a year. “This number is amazing—usually between 30 to 40 kids for an entire year,” said Jenna Huitink, outreach committee chair of Phoenix CRC. “It has been a blessing to see those who have been led to get involved fall in love with serving together and making a difference.”