Local volunteers fight hunger by packing oats and raising awareness | Local News

Shannon McAllister, executive director of the John 3:16 Center in Littleton, said they are working with Harvest Pack and in partnership with East Tenth Christian Church to pack 20,000 meals. McAllister said volunteers come from various churches and businesses in the area, such as ECU Health North Hospital, Smurfit Westrock and Kennanmetal.

“This is our first time doing this and we would love to do it again,” she said. “We hope to use the momentum we've gained here to host an even bigger event maybe in about six months with the support of some local businesses.”

McAllister said the idea came when a team member attended a conference in Chicago last year and learned about Harvest Pack.

According to its website, Harvest Pack is based in Minneapolis and was founded in 2012 as a 501© organization (3) to address food insecurity by supporting volunteers at food packing events in communities.

Bradford Fleming, partnership manager at Harvest Pack, said it was his first event with the church in Roanoke Rapids, but he has done one at Averett University in Danville, Virginia, Ferrum College in Ferrum, Virginia, and other projects in Raleigh and Charlotte. Fleming said food insecurity is everywhere and often overlooked.

“I think in certain areas, people are just blind to food insecurity or are blind to it,” he said. “Projects like this raise awareness. Unfortunately, it's not a problem that's just rural or big cities. Events like this do several things. First, it raises awareness so people realize, 'Oh, wow, there's a problem in my area. There are people near me.' Second, it gives people the opportunity to actually do something about it with little effort. Packing 20,000 meals takes a couple of hours. So awareness and bringing people together makes a difference in an effective, powerful experience like this.”

McAllister said one in four children in the region is food insecure.

“So if you think about four children, one of them is food insecure in our community,” she said. “And also, poverty in general is very high here.”

McAllister said they have seen people struggling to get essentials at grocery stores and that food supplies are essential to that end.

Fleming added that companies also participate in the event as it also contributes to team building.

“Companies love doing this, especially if they do it during the day,” he said. “Employees take a break during their workday and Harvest Pack sets up in a conference room or a meeting area, and employees come by and pack meals during the day. We also do this with community groups, your Rotary members, your Kiwanis and the like. So anything that brings people together for a common cause. Churches are a big support for us, but we also do a lot of corporate events.”

The pre-packaged meals are quick-rolled oatmeal. Fleming says Harvest Pack has found a niche with this food because it is a fortified oatmeal with cinnamon that provides plenty of nutrients for a balanced meal.

“Pantries and food banks often get dry and sugary cereal, so they're happy when they get this porridge,” he said. “Obviously, it's more of a breakfast dish, but it's a very portable breakfast dish. Our porridge has three ingredients – rolled oats, sugar and fortified cinnamon. So the sugar takes the edge off the porridge, but it's fortified with vitamins that help keep the mind sharp, especially in young children – that may be the only meal they get.”

Volunteer Damien Scott of Roanoke Rapids said it was his first time packing meals.

“It's incredible,” said Scott. “Everyone is working together and it's moving pretty quickly. Coming together and working as a team is what makes organizing events like this great.”

Shadae Williams of the John 3:16 Center said it was also her first time and she had a lot of fun.

“I love being able to help people and have fun while doing it,” Williams said. “It's a good experience.”

McAllister said the event was a great opportunity to engage people in the community to do something positive and raise awareness about food insecurity.

“I have accomplished several goals with this and I think it is a great way to show God’s love through actions in our community,” she said.