Rise Against Hunger (RAH) is a global organization that provides meals, safety nets, crisis relief, and empowerment programs to communities facing hunger. On Sunday, November 10, First Church Congregational partnered with this organization for the sixth time to provide for those in need. RAH Events Manager, Victoria Giordano, spoke during worship about the program, inviting the congregation to participate in their mission. More than 70 members and friends, ranging in ages from 5 to 85, came together following worship to package 10,000 meals.
Volunteers work at First Church putting together meals for the Rise Against Hunger mission.
Food insecurity is a global crisis. Nearly 1 in 11 people in the world do not know where their next meal is coming from. Rise Against Hunger provides over 70% of its meals to support development programs such as school lunch programs, vocational training programs, early childhood development programs, orphanages and medical clinics. Working with these programs allows the beneficiaries to break the cycle of poverty through education, skills development and healthcare while also receiving needed nutrition.
This annual mission event is a First Church favorite. It provides an immediate needed service as well as a time for connection and fun with each other in the process. The congregation scooped, measured, sealed, boxed and counted 10,000 meals. The gong was struck each time 1,000 meals were packaged and the enthusiasm in the room was palpable. RAH works with churches, schools, communities and many companies to bring people together for their packaging events.
Rise Against Hunger is an international 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Raleigh, NC, servicing 76 countries around the world. Visit their website at www.riseagainsthunger.org. Together we can make a difference.