Packin with a punch for hunger

It’s become a well-oiled machine – something of a miracle, considering every shift has a new staff and many of them have never done the job before.

But the annual Feed My Starving Children pack in Owatonna once again exceeded its goal of packing 100,000 meals in just three two-hour shifts.

“Volunteers really are the heart of what makes this two-day event go,” said Kaye Wattermann, a member of the six-person planning group.

The group is tasked with raising enough money to pay for the ingredients that create the MannaPack meals – a vitamin-and-mineral fortified rice meal specifically for malnourished children and distributed around the world by FMSC.

The goal is $30,000; as of Saturday, there was about $400 still needed.

For about 15 years, the committee has reached out to churches, businesses and organizations – and they answer the call.

Over the three shifts Nov. 7 and 8, the final count was:

• 475 volunteers
• 468 boxes
• 101,088 meals
• 277 children fed for a year

“We have something of a rhythm,” Wattermann said of the approach. While many corporations and churches are loyal donors, “every year, we try to identify some new businesses in the community and reach out to them.”

Whether it’s money or people, the help is welcome.

To donate, volunteer or to learn more about FMSC, visit give.fmsc.org/campaign/2411-131ea-owatonna-mn-owatonna-area/c569679