Staff writer
Forty-six Goessel FFA members want to fight hunger by packaging 24,000 meals with Numana, Inc. a hunger relief organization. But they are going to need some help to pull off the daunting task, set for 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Feb. 16 in the commons area of Goessel High School.
“We are excited to play a vital role that affects a variety of people in the world,” adviser Zana Manche said. “Our students have worked very hard to raise the money needed to buy food supplies, now we are asking the broader community to come out and support or volunteer with us.”
Goessel FFA members organized and worked several fundraisers during the first semester of school to raise the $6,000 needed to sponsor a Numana event. They caddied golf clubs for a local tournament, served concessions at athletic events, and put on several by-donation meals to buy the required food supplies for the event.
On Feb. 16, members and other volunteers will pack the supplies in pouches that provide six meals for an individual in an impoverished area.
Those wishing to help can volunteer online at www.numanainc.com. A tab for the Goessel High School event is located under the upcoming events heading. Individuals, other groups, or businesses can also donate funds to offset the costs of hosting the event and purchasing materials in this way.
“Every day 25,000 people in the world die from starvation,” Manche said. “Sometimes we take for granted what we have here and this is a good way for our students to become involved in a world issue.”
Numana has facilitated the distribution of more than 23 million meals in places like Haiti, Colombia, Zambia, the Horn of Africa, and other regions. The components in the food pouches they distribute provide all the daily nutrients needed and can be made simply by adding boiling water.