March 29, 2024

Packaging 15,000 meals is goal of Greenfield church through June 17 event

The Greenfield United Methodist Church reports they want a little help from the community in completing a big task they know seems impossible, but it’s really not. They want to pack 15,000 meals for the organization Meals from the Heartland in four hours.

“That’s not unheard of. We’ve done it at the church the last two years,” said local organizer Deb Blazek. “We’ll need between 50-70 people to do that. Everybody from 8-year-olds and up can help with this.”

The event will be 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17 at the Adair County 4-H/FFA Building on the fairgrounds. Blazek reports that for those who wish not to stand the entire time, seats will be available for them so they can still help. Step stools will be available for children who want to help.

“We make accommodations so this is something that absolutely everybody can do,” Blazek said.

There is a cost to the church for this event, and fundraising is currently underway to cover those costs. Blazek said it is nice that Meals from the Heartland comes to facilitate this packaging event, otherwise it would be in West Des Moines at their headquarters.

“They bring everything. There is training for efficiency, to meet meal specifications, as well as for infection control, since this is a food product,” Blazek said. “It’s a fun event. Everybody switches off on jobs with this, so nobody ever gets bored with this. It really is a fun event. Time goes very quickly.”

Each pack of food from Meals from the Heartland contains rice, soy protein, dried vegetables, vitamins and minerals. The meals were formulated by a nutritionist to be accepted by numerous cultures around the world and by those who are malnourished, Meals from the Heartland’s website says. When cooked in boiling water, the rice expands, the soy adds protein and the dried vegetables and vitamins provide additional nutrients that are needed. Taco Mac is also packaged here in the United States.

The Greenfield United Methodist Church will furnish a sack lunch for volunteers following their event. Blazek would like to know how many volunteers to plan food for. Those interested in helping may reach her at 641-745-5331 or contact the church at 641-743-2715.

Caleb Nelson

Caleb Nelson

Caleb Nelson has served as News Editor of the Adair County Free Press and Fontanelle Observer since Oct. 2017. He and his wife Kilee live in Greenfield. In Greenfield and the greater Adair County area, he values the opportunity to tell peoples' stories, enjoys playing guitar, following all levels of sports, and being a part of his local church.