Rise Against Hunger: Our Event Partner

We began our relationship in 2012 when we held our first packing event in partnership with Stop Hunger Now, founded in 1998 by Ray Buchanan — a United Methodist minister. After enlisting as a U.S. Marine during the Vietnam War, Ray Buchanan quickly recognized that accomplishing a mission required “commitment to something larger than yourself.”

In 2017, Stop Hunger Now was rebranded to become Rise Against Hunger, but the organization continues to this day to be driven by the same vision of a world without hunger. Their firm mission is to end hunger in our lifetime by providing food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable and creating a global commitment to mobilize the necessary resources.

Rise Against Hunger recognizes that ending hunger is more than just feeding people. Although the world-wide relief organization focuses its feeding programs in areas where it can have a real impact, it has also expanded its hunger-fighting programs beyond just meal packaging and distribution.

Rise Against Hunger meal packaging volunteers produce millions of nutritious meals annually that are then distributed to partners in countries around the world. Those partners are best able to address the causes and effects of hunger based on their local presence and expertise. Through a thorough monitoring and evaluation process, The meals are distributed by those partners who are thoroughly monitored and evaluated and are used as a tool to change lives by promoting education, improving students’ health and nutrition, addressing gender inequalities, stimulating economic growth and fighting child labor.

Another core focus of Rise Against Hunger is responding to crises — both natural and man-made. From droughts to floods, in conflict zones and transitioning political situations, food is often the most immediate need. When everyday access to food, wages, and market systems are destroyed in the wake of emergencies, Rise Against Hunger works through a network of in-country partners to address these needs. It strives to ensure aid is efficiently and effectively deployed to and received by communities when it is needed most.

The meals prepared as part of the Hanover Area Community Meal Packing Events help support efforts to feed the hungry, particularly children, through Rise Against Hunger and its network of trustworthy, reliable and committed partners around the world.