Congregation and community members to package 10,000 bags of pre-packaged food in two hours to be distributed internationally to children at schools and orphanages
FRISCO, TEXAS – Connection United Methodist Church in Frisco invites the community to help Stop Hunger Now by participating in the church’s Global Impact Day - a special meal packaging event on Sunday, January 26, from 3 – 5 p.m., at the Frisco Discovery Center, 8004 N. Dallas Parkway, Frisco, Texas 75034. Register online at connectionumc.net by January 24.
Stop Hunger Now is an international hunger relief agency that has been fulfilling its commitment to end hunger for more than 15 years. Since 1998, the organization has coordinated the distribution of food and other lifesaving aid to children and families in countries all over the world. The meal packaging program, created in 2005, combines rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and a flavoring mix including 21 essential vitamins and minerals into small meal packets. Each meal costs only 25 cents. The food stores easily, has a shelf-life of two years, and transports quickly. Stop Hunger Now works with international partners that ship and distribute the meals.
“At Connection UMC, we have partnered with Stop Hunger Now for our Global Impact Day, inviting our congregation as well as any additional community members and families with children ages 5 and up to participate in this hands-on activity,” said Rev. Edlen Cowley of Connection UMC. “So far we have had a great response and hope to inspire others to join this important cause. It’s also a wonderful way for teens in need of service hours to give back.”
The use of volunteers for product packaging has resulted in a cost-effective operation while, at the same time, increasing awareness of global hunger and food insecurity issues across the world. Stop Hunger Now provides over 70 percent of its meals to support transformational development programs such as school feeding programs, vocational training programs, early childhood development programs, orphanages, and medical clinics. Working with these programs helps enhance lives by giving beneficiaries the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty through education, skills development, and health care while also receiving much needed nutrition. Stop Hunger Now’s goal is to allocate 80 percent of its meals to transformational development programs by 2015.
“One thing our congregation loved about this program is that these meals are made at the schools increasing enrollment, ultimately helping to break the cycle of poverty,” added Rev. Cowley. “Parents are at peace knowing that their kids will get a hot meal at school, and their children are doing so much better in their schoolwork once they have had something to eat. Please visit our website at connectionumc.net, and join in this tangible effort making a difference!”
For any questions, please call 214-705-6070.
Connection UMC, formerly St. Andrew UMC Frisco, changes lives by inspiring people to connect with Jesus Christ. The church aims to help people grow in all aspects of life: as parents, in marriage or significant relationships, in fiscal health and in finding balance with a hectic schedule. It is located at Pink Elementary, 3650 Overhill Drive, Frisco, TX 75033. For more information, please visit www.connectionumc.net or call 214-705-6070. Contact Rev. Edlen Cowley directly at ecowley@connectionumc.net.