Volunteers help prepare packets of food for hungry children in third world countries.
/ Lisa Edge
Helping feed hungry children in third world countries is the mission of a group of Grand Strand volunteers.
More than 100 people took part in a pack-a-thon sponsored by the group Feed the Hunger. For about two hours the group put together packets of food that contain vitamins with chicken flavoring, dehydrated vegetables, soy protein and rice. It's a special blend for the children so they receive enough nutrients.
"The hands on opportunity here is great because you actually get to pack the food yourself so essentially you're going on a mission trip yourself and you never have to leave the Grand Strand," said organizer Lee Parish.
The packets are headed to a warehouse in North Carolina, then to Haiti and Jamaica. The meals are cooked and served at schools. It's often the only meal the children eat the whole day.
"No child should go without food and the reality again is 16,000 kids die a day just because they don't get food. We have hungry kids in America here too and we're working to address that issue by working with hunger groups," added Parish.
Parish went on to say they are also collecting canned goods for Low Country Food Bank.
The pack-a-thon wrapped up Saturday afternnon. They exceeded their goal and put together 152,712 packets of food. Parish said that's enough to feed 636 kids for an entire year.
