Fighting Hunger: Our Church Completes 12,000 Bags of Food

On November 8th Wesley United Methodist Church partnered with Rise Against Hunger to help fight food insecurity around the world. In just a few hours, 60 volunteers of all ages measured rice and soy, sealed bags, labeled boxes, and packed 12,000 bags of nutritious meals to be shipped overseas. The fellowship hall buzzed with laughter, chatter and the steady rhythm of people serving side by side. Thank you to everyone who showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and helped to share God’s love in a practical way.

Photos and captions by Barbara Hiura

Hurray!  The first shift of the day completed 6,000 bags of food.  The team was halfway to their goal, and (below) the afternoon shift were beside themselves with joy when they were told "You're done !" as both shifts finished a total of 12,000 bags of nutritious vitamin enriched packaged dry soup to be sent to countries in need.

Bagging the dry goods in the first step of the process were Brian Hamilton and Barbara Mulford in a team of three.  

John Tanaka and Judy Yasutake weighs precisely so each bag is about the same weight.

Brenda Gee (left) and Lilian Flores (from Grant School) teamed up to seal the bags.

Jim Mar was efficient in ensuring that 36 bags went into each box.

The gong was struck after teams completed 1,000 bags shown here by Flo Oishi (above) and Bev Acuna's (below)  mighty swing.