Rotary Clubs team up for major meal-packing event More than 100 volunteers will come together to package 35,000 meals, which will be sent to Haiti and Nicaragua.

The Rotary Clubs of Valdese and Burke-Sunrise (North Carolina, District – 7670) have been working hard to continue their annual tradition of supporting “Stop Hunger Now,” now known as “Rise Against Hunger,” a Raleigh-based non-profit that leads groups in packaging nutrient-rich meals for the undernourished globally.
The clubs’ annual packaging event will take place on April 7 (Saturday) at 8.30 am in the gym at Hallyburton Academy in Drexel and will bring together a multitude of area churches, high school service clubs and individuals looking to provide a helping hand to those around the world that are malnourished and hungry.
According to Paul Mears, director of International Service for the Valdese Rotary Club, more than 100 volunteers will come together to package 35,000 meals, which will be sent to Haiti and Nicaragua. The meals consist of rice, soy protein powder, dehydrated vegetables and a vitamin/mineral packet. The cost of each individual meal is 29 cents.
Valerie Carpenter, the assistant programme manager for the Charlotte branch of Rise Against Hunger, said each bag would serve a meal for six people. The organisation ships the meals to schools and orphanages in 65 countries worldwide.
More than $10,000 has been raised by local churches and service clubs to support this effort.
Both clubs are continuing their partnership with Hallyburton Academy this year, according to Ted Carothers, the director of Youth Services in the Valdese Rotary Club. This gives the high school students an opportunity to be involved with a hands-on community project that helps them understand that they can play a valuable part in serving humanity and living the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”