Meals of Hope, a national nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity, celebrated the grand opening of its Ohio chapter on Saturday, March 15th, with a highly successful meal-packing event in Hilliard. In partnership with the Hilliard Food Pantry, Kiwanis Club of Hilliard, and the Hilliard United Methodist Church, nearly 200 volunteers packed over 50,000 nutritious meals for Central Ohio families.
The event, held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., marked the official launch of Meals of Hope’s presence in Ohio. Spearheaded by Hilliard resident Jen Markewicz and her family, the event brought together nearly 200 volunteers from multiple different organizations, including McKesson, Hilliard Church of Christ, Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge, Parker Hannifin, and Hilliard Davidson High School to address the growing need for food assistance in the region.
Meals of Hope has a 17-year history of organizing community-driven meal-packing events across the United States. To date, the organization has mobilized over 250,000 volunteers and packed more than 100 million meals. The Ohio chapter aims to continue this impactful work by providing local organizations with a tangible way to support their communities.
“Our goal for volunteer turnout was 100 people. When nearly 200 people showed up, I was overwhelmed with emotion and pride for my Central Ohio Community,” said Jen Markewicz. “The event was full of energy, excitement, and people working together for 2 hours to pack 5 pallets of a pasta meal that will be distributed right here in our community. Over 50,000 meals!”
The packed meals will be distributed through the Hilliard Food Pantry and Kiwanis Club of Hilliard to food-insecure families in Central Ohio. Meals of Hope in Ohio is now open and actively seeking partnerships with organizations interested in hosting future meal-packing events. These events offer a unique team-building experience while directly addressing food insecurity.
Organizations interested in volunteering or hosting a Meals of Hope event can contact the Ohio chapter at (614) 636-1026 or visit https://mealsofhope.org/ohiosouth/. Meals of Hope is available to set up events anywhere and encourages any organization looking to make a direct impact on their community to reach out.
About Meals of Hope:
Meals of Hope is a national nonprofit organization that empowers communities to combat hunger through hands-on meal-packing events. For over 15 years, Meals of Hope has brought together volunteers from businesses, organizations, and communities to package nutritious meals for those in need.
Meals of Hope just received a significant boost in their mission to fight hunger in Southwest Florida. B. Thomas Golisano has awarded them a $3 million grant that will strengthen their efforts to provide nutritious meals to families in need.
Southwest Florida has seen increasing numbers of people struggling to put food on the table. Meals of Hope has been at the forefront of addressing this challenge, and this new funding will allow them to reach even more community members facing food insecurity.
A Significant Investment to Help Combat Hunger
Tom Golisano, — entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader — is the founder of Paychex, Inc., the nation’s largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses. His philanthropic contributions to education, hospitals, disability services, animal welfare, and numerous other organizations exceed $860 million. This grant is part of a larger $85 million distribution to 41 Southwest Florida nonprofits. These grants are special because they come without restrictions, allowing organizations like Meals of Hope to use the funding where it’s most needed.
During the announcement, Golisano said, “I hope this unexpected funding helps them broaden their impact and strengthen their organizations so they can expand their services and those they serve.”
For Meals of Hope, this means they can provide more meals, grow their programs, and offer greater support to families facing food insecurity throughout Southwest Florida.
How Meals of Hope Plans to Use the Grant
More Mobile Pantries
Meals of Hope currently runs 15 mobile food pantries that provide thousands of families with weekly fresh groceries. With food costs rising and more people needing help, this grant will allow them to distribute more food, reach additional areas, and help ensure families in Southwest Florida have enough to eat.
Expanded Baby Pantries
Food insecurity particularly affects babies and young children. Meals of Hope recently grew its Baby Pantries program, which now helps over 300 babies and children every week by providing formula, baby food, diapers, and other essential supplies. The grant will allow them to help even more families with young children.
More Meal Packing Events
For over 15 years, Meals of Hope has organized volunteers to pack and distribute meals across the country. Working with corporate sponsors, community groups, and individual volunteers, they’ve packed more than 110 million meals. With this additional funding, they can organize more meal-packing events, involve more community members, and distribute more meals.
Stronger Partnerships
Meals of Hope works with local food banks, churches, and other nonprofits to keep food within the community. The flexibility of this grant will allow for more collaboration, strengthening the network of organizations fighting hunger in Southwest Florida.
The Value of Local Giving
Tom Golisano’s approach to philanthropy follows his belief that “The only wealth you get to keep is that which you give away.”
This grant represents more than just money—it’s help for thousands of families struggling with hunger, an opportunity to improve food relief efforts, and a reminder of how communities become stronger when people work together.
How You Can Help
While this grant will help Meals of Hope expand its work, addressing hunger requires ongoing support from individuals, businesses, and community groups. Here are ways you can contribute:
Host a Meal Packing Event – Gather people from your workplace, school, or community to pack nutritious meals for local families.
Sponsor a Program – Businesses and organizations can support specific initiatives like mobile pantries or Baby Pantries.
Donate – Financial contributions help Meals of Hope purchase and distribute essential food and supplies.
Volunteer – Help at a meal-packing event or assist at a mobile pantry.
Spread the Word – Share Meals of Hope’s mission with others to inspire more people to help.
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps provide food and support to those who need it.
Join the Effort to Address Hunger
This grant is important in expanding Meals of Hope’s work, but there’s still much to do. Hunger affects millions of people; together, we can make a meaningful difference.
Would you like to be part of addressing hunger in your community? Visit Meals of Hope to learn more about getting involved, donating, or hosting a meal-packing event.
Looking for ways to give back to the community without money or time constraints? Virtual volunteer opportunities are changing how we fight hunger. Maybe your schedule is packed, you live too far away, or traditional in-person volunteering just isn’t an option right now. The good news? Online volunteering and alternative support methods can make just as meaningful an impact with Meals of Hope – no physical presence required. Different forms of volunteering, such as digital advocacy, virtual fundraising, and corporate sponsorships, offer new ways to support the fight against hunger.
Speak Up: Your Voice Matters
Spreading awareness is one of the most accessible ways to support our mission. When you share Meals of Hope’s social media posts, you help reach people we might never connect with otherwise. Your network – friends, family, colleagues – all become potential supporters when they learn about our work through you.
Many people aren’t aware of the extent of food insecurity in their own communities. By starting conversations about local hunger statistics – at community gatherings, in workplace discussions, or online forums – you help build understanding that leads to action.
Advocacy creates meaningful change too. Contacting local representatives about hunger relief programs, school meal initiatives, or SNAP benefits can influence policies that help thousands of people access nutritious food. Your voice advocating for these programs makes a real difference in addressing food insecurity at a systemic level.
How Businesses Can Create Impact Without In-Person Volunteering
Businesses have multiple avenues to support hunger relief efforts without requiring staff to volunteer physically.
Corporate sponsorships provide essential funding that helps Meals of Hope purchase food in bulk at better prices than retail, coordinate distribution logistics, and get meals to more families efficiently. These partnerships directly translate into more meals for those in need.
Matching gift programs are powerful tools companies can implement. When businesses match employee donations, it encourages individual giving while doubling the impact of each contribution. This approach builds a culture of giving within organizations while significantly increasing support for hunger relief.
Companies might also consider event partnerships where they sponsor meal-packing events financially, even if their team members can’t participate in person. This type of support ensures events can continue providing vital meals to communities.
Digital Fundraising Opportunities
Modern technology has transformed fundraising, making it accessible to anyone who wants to help.
Online fundraising campaigns through social media platforms or dedicated fundraising sites allow supporters to rally their networks for donations. Whether it’s for a special occasion like a birthday or holiday, or simply because hunger relief matters to you, these campaigns can raise significant funds without requiring physical gatherings.
Virtual challenges represent another effective fundraising approach. Activities like read-a-thons, fitness challenges, or skill-based competitions can be organized online with participants seeking sponsorships or donations. These create community engagement while generating crucial support.
Workplace giving programs, such as payroll deductions, offer a sustainable way for employees to contribute regularly. Small amounts from each paycheck, when combined and continued over time, provide reliable support that helps Meals of Hope plan effectively for ongoing needs.
The Power of Monetary Donations
Direct financial contributions remain one of the most effective ways to support hunger relief efforts. When you donate to Meals of Hope, you provide the flexibility to address immediate needs in communities.
Financial donations help in numerous ways:
Supporting the purchase of nutritious food items for distribution
Enabling quick response when families face sudden crises
Helping maintain food delivery to seniors and those with limited mobility
Keeping pantry shelves stocked with balanced food options
Providing weekend meals for children who might otherwise go hungry when school meals aren’t available
Monthly recurring donations are particularly valuable as they allow for better planning and program sustainability. Knowing certain funds will be available helps Meals of Hope make informed decisions about food purchasing and program expansion.
In-Kind Donations That Make a Difference
While monetary contributions provide flexibility, specific food and supply donations help meet immediate community needs.
Food pantries consistently need items like:
Protein sources (peanut butter, canned tuna, beans)
Whole grains (pasta, rice, cereal)
Shelf-stable milk and juices
Canned fruits and vegetables
Essential non-food items are also crucial for many families:
Baby formula and diapers
Personal hygiene products
Household cleaning supplies
For those unable to deliver donations personally, alternatives exist. Consider ordering online with direct shipping to Meals of Hope facilities, or organizing neighborhood collections where items can be gathered with minimal contact before a single drop-off.
Contributing Professional Skills Remotely
Professional skills represent another valuable contribution that doesn’t require physical presence.
Graphic design expertise can help create compelling materials that effectively communicate our mission. Writing skills strengthen grant applications and outreach content. Marketing knowledge helps expand awareness to new audiences. IT support improves systems for tracking food distribution and managing resources.
These professional contributions often save significant expenses while improving operational efficiency, ultimately helping Meals of Hope serve more families in need.
Creative Ways to Support Hunger Relief
The most effective support often comes when people connect their unique interests and abilities to the cause of hunger relief.
Consider possibilities like:
Creating educational content about nutrition or food budgeting
Organizing virtual awareness events through online platforms
Developing classroom projects that teach students about food insecurity while raising support
Offering professional workshops with proceeds benefiting hunger relief
These approaches tap into individual strengths while advancing the mission of ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food.
Every Action Creates Broader Impact
Supporting Meals of Hope – in any form – creates ripple effects beyond the initial contribution. Your social media advocacy educates others about food insecurity. Your company’s support might inspire other businesses to get involved. Your online fundraiser raises both awareness and critical funds.
This multiplier effect transforms individual actions into community-wide impact, building momentum in the fight against hunger.
Join Us in Whatever Way Works for You
Everyone has something valuable to offer in addressing food insecurity. Your support – whether through awareness, advocacy, fundraising, donations, or skills – advances our mission to ensure families have access to nutritious food.
Ready to explore virtual volunteer opportunities and ways to give back without in-person volunteering? Find the approach that aligns with your interests, resources, and availability and Get Involved Today! Together, we’re making sure no one worries about where their next meal will come from – and there are many different forms of volunteering to help make that possible.
Food insecurity is a pressing issue in the community, and organizations like the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Meals of Hope and the Guadalupe Center are stepping up to help. They are making a difference for families, particularly single-parent homes with young children.
Samantha Gonzalez, a 14-year-old student, shared her story.
“I lost my father like a few years ago, so at a young age. So this does help my mom since she’s supporting me and my siblings,” said Gonzalez.
Organizations recognize the importance of supporting children beyond just their educational needs.
“It’s important to serve the whole child. And one of the things that we know is that if a child is going home and they are going home to food insecurity or housing challenges, that really makes receiving a good education a difficult thing,” said Kelly Krupp, VP of Philanthropy at the Guadalupe Center.
Gonzalez knows the struggle of food insecurity all too well, as she helped her mom pick up food.
“Yeah, because there’s I can’t help her with anything. So I’m still young, so I can’t,” said Gonzalez.
Families like Luz’s also benefit from these efforts. Luz expressed her concerns for her younger sister.
“I’m just worried a bit because it’s mainly for my sister. They’re still small, so they need this food to grow up. Well, us, we can kind of survive without it,” said Luz, an Immokalee resident.
For Gonzalez and Luz, the food they receive means one less worry and one less empty stomach.
“I love you, and thank you for everything you do and for being somebody I can rely on and look up to,” said Gonzalez.
These efforts provide a momentary reprieve, allowing teenagers like Gonzalez and Luz to focus on being kids.
Get involved with Meals of Hope by hosting a meal-packing event, volunteering, or making a donation. By participating, you become part of a community that provides food, hope, and the opportunity for a better future.
Hunger isn’t just a statistic. For 44.2 million Americans, including 7.3 million children, it’s a daily struggle filled with uncertainty. Imagine the impact if your company could bring relief, nourishment, and hope directly to families in need. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) should be more than a policy – it should be a purpose. Meals of Hope meal-packing events bring your team face-to-face with that purpose, turning CSR goals into moments that matter.
Picture your team, sleeves rolled up, laughter and camaraderie filling the room. Boxes and tables lined with ingredients, every station buzzing with energy as volunteers work together. This isn’t just another event. It’s an opportunity for employees to connect, to feel the power of giving back, and to witness the immediate impact of their efforts. Each meal packed is a message of hope, a reminder that someone cares.
A HANDS-ON WAY TO FULFILL CSR GOALS
Meals of Hope makes it easy for companies to give back in a meaningful way. Meal-packing events allow teams to join forces in tackling food insecurity head-on. Each event provides an uplifting experience that employees will remember long after the last box is packed, creating a ripple effect.
WHY CHOOSE MEAL PACKING?
Here’s why companies choose Meals of Hope meal-packing events for their CSR initiatives:
Immediate Impact: Every meal packed goes directly to families who need it most. Employees see firsthand the difference they’re making, creating a sense of purpose that goes far beyond the office.
Seamless Setup: Meals of Hope manages all the logistics – setup, training, and transportation – allowing your team to focus fully on the experience. We make giving back simple and effective.
Custom Fit for Every Team: Events are tailored to match your company’s size, CSR goals, and schedule. Whether you have a team of 20 or 2,000, each event is structured to maximize engagement.
A Team Bonding Experience: Packing meals together builds connection, pride, and teamwork, creating an electric energy in the room. Your team leaves not only with a sense of accomplishment but also with a renewed sense of unity and pride in their impact.
BEYOND A DAY OF SERVICE
Meals of Hope meal packing events spark more than just a day of giving. They create ripples of change that inspire continued support and awareness. Participating companies become part of a larger movement to end hunger, bringing hope and resilience to communities in a way that resonates far beyond a single event.
READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Go beyond simply fulfilling your CSR goals. Watch your team come together and witness firsthand how each person contributes to something larger than themselves. Smiles, high-fives, and a sense of pride fill the room as box after box is packed, each one destined for a family in need. By the end of the event, you’ll feel the impact—not just in the meals packed, but in the bonds strengthened and the hope sparked. Join us and see how a few hours of teamwork can ripple out, changing lives and building a stronger community.
The holidays are a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration. Yet, this season brings additional financial and emotional strain for millions of families across the country. While many prepare feasts and exchange gifts, others struggle to put even the simplest meals on the table. This hidden hunger crisis intensifies during the holidays, revealing a heartbreaking disparity that calls for immediate action.
UNDERSTANDING THE HOLIDAY HUNGER SPIKE
Food insecurity affects millions of Americans year-round, but it often peaks during the holiday season. The reasons are multifaceted:
Increased Financial Pressures: Families face higher utility bills as temperatures drop, holiday expenses for gifts and celebrations, and additional costs for child care during winter breaks. These added burdens stretch already limited budgets, leaving less for essentials like food.
Seasonal Costs for Basic Needs: Heating bills soar in the winter months, forcing families to make difficult choices between staying warm and staying fed.
Limited Access to Assistance: Many schools that provide free or reduced-cost meals to children are closed for winter break, cutting off a vital food source for millions of students.
These financial pressures often push families into impossible situations, forcing them to prioritize immediate needs over long-term stability.
SEASONAL STRUGGLES FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
While hunger impacts people of all demographics, certain groups face heightened risks during the holidays:
Children: When schools close for winter break, children lose access to school meal programs that provide consistent nutrition. For families already struggling, this adds another layer of stress.
Seniors: Many older adults live on fixed incomes, making it difficult to absorb the higher costs associated with the holiday season. Seniors often face the painful decision of choosing between paying for medication, utilities, or food.
Working Families: Families living paycheck to paycheck face the greatest pressure during the holidays, with limited resources stretched even thinner by seasonal expenses.
These vulnerable populations feel the brunt of food insecurity during the holidays, underscoring the urgent need for targeted relief efforts.
INCREASED DEMAND ON FOOD RELIEF ORGANIZATIONS
The holiday season places immense strain on hunger relief organizations. Food banks, pantries, and nonprofits like Meals of Hope see demand skyrocket as families seek assistance. Meeting this surge comes with unique challenges:
Supply Chain Strain: The increased demand for food means organizations must work harder to secure enough supplies to meet the needs of their communities.
Volunteer Shortages: While the holidays inspire many to give back, the sheer volume of need often outpaces available volunteer resources.
Financial Pressures: Higher demand requires greater financial support to purchase food, transport goods, and coordinate distribution efforts.
Despite these challenges, hunger relief organizations remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring no one goes hungry during the holidays.
HOW MEALS OF HOPE IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Meals of Hope is dedicated to addressing the hidden hunger crisis, especially during the holiday season. Through innovative programs and community partnerships, Meals of Hope tackles food insecurity head-on, providing hope and nourishment to families in need.
Meal Packing Events: Meals of Hope hosts meal packing events that bring communities together to create immediate and tangible impact. These events are family-friendly and offer a hands-on way for individuals and groups to contribute to the fight against hunger. The meals packed are designed to provide essential nutrients and comfort, making them ideal for families, children, and seniors.
Partnerships with Local Organizations: Collaboration is at the heart of Meals of Hope’s approach. By partnering with schools, faith-based organizations, and businesses, Meals of Hope ensures that meals reach those who need them most, whether locally or in areas impacted by disaster or economic hardship.
Targeted Holiday Efforts: During the holiday season, Meals of Hope ramps up its efforts to meet the increased demand. Programs like the Holidays Without Hunger campaign focus on mobilizing communities to pack and distribute meals to families who might otherwise go without.
Innovative Distribution Models: Meals of Hope adapts to the unique needs of each community, whether by supplying meals directly to food banks or hosting mobile pantry events that bring resources to underserved areas.
These initiatives demonstrate the power of collective action and show how one organization can spark a ripple effect of hope and change.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF GIVING BACK
Volunteering during the holidays is about more than giving time—it’s about creating a legacy of compassion and connection. Here’s how getting involved can make a difference:
Strengthening Community Bonds: Meal packing events bring people together, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Providing Immediate Relief: Each meal packed offers nourishment and hope to families struggling to make ends meet.
Inspiring Long-Term Impact: Acts of service encourage others to give back, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the holidays.
HOW YOU CAN HELP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
The hidden hunger crisis during the holidays is daunting, but you can be part of the solution. Here’s how:
Host a Meal Packing Event: Bring your community, workplace, or family together to pack meals for those in need.
Volunteer Your Time: Join an existing meal packing event or support local food distribution efforts.
Make a Donation: Financial contributions help purchase ingredients and cover the costs of getting meals to families.
Meals of Hope offers a variety of ways to get involved, making it easy for everyone to contribute, no matter their schedule or resources.
A CALL TO ACTION
Hunger doesn’t take a holiday—but together, we can ensure that families in need experience the joy and connection that define this season. Meals of Hope is committed to turning compassion into action, and we invite you to join us in this mission.
