Drake University athletes package the first of 3 million meals.

DES MOINES, Ia.—August 26, 2008.

The interior of Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines holds 1-1/2 football fields. September 1-9 this will be the site of Meals from the Heartland: a massive food drive to restock Iowa food banks and a huge assembly line to package 3 million meals for the world’s hungry.

Last week, members of the Drake University football, men’s and women’s soccer, and volleyball teams raced to see who

could package the most meals to kick off Meals from the Heartland. The Drake Athletic Office staff was also part of the fun “throwdown” competition. The Freshmen Men’s Soccer Team packaged the most meals and walked away with a first-place trophy, and a new sense of the impact Iowans can make to fight world hunger.

Drake University teams packaged a total of 19, 440 meals. Athletic Director Sandy Hatfield Clubb was moved by the experience. “It became very powerful when I looked at a bag of food I just sealed and realized that bag will feed a family of six.” She added, “I am bringing my family to Hy-Vee Hall in September to package more meals.”

Volunteers are needed to package the meals at Meals from the Heartland. All ages (including school age children) are encouraged to participate.

Businesses, schools and volunteer groups can make Meals from the Heartland a group activity by signing up teams to assemble the meal packets.

Online donations to Meals from the Heartland are now being accepted. All donations will provide additional ingredients and packaging supplies. Every 25-cent donation will provide the means to package one more meal for someone who is hungry.

Iowans Helping Iowans…
Event volunteers are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or school supplies for our fellow Iowans in need.

Embrace Iowa and the Food Bank of Iowa have created lists of school supplies and food that are needed most. The lists can be found on the Iowans Helping Iowans page.

Click here to volunteer at the event, or to make a donation, please visit our donation page.

Meals from the Heartland: Why are we doing this?

WEST DES MOINES, Ia.— August 6, 2008.

The interior of Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines holds 1-1/2 football fields. In September this will be the site of Meals from the Heartland: a massive food drive to restock Iowa food banks and a huge assembly line to package 3 million meals for the world’s hungry.

So why put the effort into such a huge project to benefit people you will probably never meet? Ask any Meals from the

Heartland organizer and they will tell you the answer is simple: because there are hungry people in our world.

Jane Patton regularly volunteers to package food for Kids Against Hunger. “As a parent…you don’t realize what it would be like to not be able to feed your children.” Speaking to the need for food in other countries, she adds, “They need food, they deserve food.”

Thousands more volunteers are needed to package the meals at Meals from the Heartland. All ages (including school-age children) are encouraged to participate. Patton’s 6 year-old volunteers, along with her parents and 93 year-old grandmother. “There aren’t too many opportunities where you can serve as an entire family,” she says.

Corporations, schools and volunteer groups can make Meals from the Heartland a group activity by signing up teams to assemble the meal packets. Volunteers planning to spend the night in Des Moines may call Country Inn & Suites (515-457-3606), Embassy Suites Des Moines on the River (515-244-1700), Renaissance Savery Hotel (800-514-4706) Quality Inn & Suites – Events Center (515-282-5251) for a Meals from the Heartland group discount.

Event volunteers are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to be distributed to  Iowa food banks for our fellow Iowans in need.

Meals from the Heartland will demonstrate that Iowans are better together. Working side by side, our state can make a global impact. Patton understands the power of Iowans coming together for a common goal. “If everybody would just step into the game, that’s what it will take.”

MealsFromTheHeartland.org
Updated with New Features
•    Facts about world hunger.
•    Video featuring Max Holmes, founder of Kids Against Hunger Des Moines.
•    Directions and parking information for Hy-Vee Hall.
•    Downloadable Meals from the Heartland brochure.
•    List of businesses supporting Meals from the Heartland.

Click here to volunteer at the event, or to make a donation, please visit our donation page.