On Dec. 16, Meals of Hope gathered together thousands of volunteers to pack 433,440 meals for struggling individuals. Volunteers worked in groups to pack our Fortified Cinnamon, Sugar and Diced Apple Oatmeal that will be distributed within the local community throughout Southwest Florida.

“We are thankful and appreciative of the support provided by the Lee County Civic Center and all the volunteers to help us combat the hunger epidemic,” said Stephen Popper, President/CEO of Meals of Hope. “These types of events make for a fun and rewarding day for the volunteers, and they help us deliver healthy meals to underserved individuals.”

Last year at the Holiday Without Hunger volunteers packed 400,000 and this year they surpassed that number.

Meals of Hope developed seven dried fortified meals specifically designed for the American palate and with added vitamins, minerals and proteins to supplement an unbalanced diet. Food packages are designed to address the need for an economical, nutritious solution to aid in the fight against hunger. Each packet contains enough food to provide six to eight meals.

About Meals of Hope

Meals of Hope, is the largest food pantry provider serving 16 weekly locations and distributing to more than 4,000 needy families per week. Meals of Hope, is the only food packing organization with a priority on keeping that food within the United States. More than 35,000 volunteers and 15 full-time staff members assist Meals of Hope in achieving its Mission of “communities coming together to end hunger.”

Meals of Hope combats hunger through three primary initiatives: meal packing events; 16 local food pantries where families receive frozen meat, fresh produce and canned goods, and various out of school programs such as a Weekend Backpack program where approximate 10,000 weekend backpacks are distributed monthly to Elementary School aged children throughout SWFL.

To find more information about Meals of Hope go to mealsofhope.org or follow on social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and Linked In.