Volunteers came together to prepare meals for those facing hunger at the annual event hosted by the San Carlos Week of the Family. This tradition, started six years ago at the San Carlos First Baptist Church, took on a new level of urgency as food insecurity rises globally.
Rise Against Hunger, an international nonprofit, partners with local groups to tackle hunger by enabling communities to give back. “Families get to do something meaningful for others,” said Tim King, president of the San Carlos Lions Club, who helped organize the event along with church leader Jerome Madigan.
Approximately 20,000 meals were packed in a single day, destined for countries like Cambodia and the Philippines. Volunteers, from students to adults, scooped ingredients like rice, barley, and dried vegetables into bags, sealing them with care. A gong would mark every 1,000 meals completed, filling the room with cheers and appreciation.
According to the United Nations’ World Food Programme, about 318 million people worldwide, or roughly 3.6% of the global population, face serious hunger issues, a rise fueled by conflicts and economic challenges. Yet, community-driven initiatives like this help tackle the access issue. “There’s plenty of food; it’s just about getting it to those who need it,” said Raymond Pun, a market development manager at Rise Against Hunger.
Food insecurity is not just a distant problem. Locally, around one in five people in California struggle with access to adequate food, according to the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. This highlights the importance of local solutions like the Carlmont Food Pantry that provides support right in the heart of the community.
Volunteering isn’t just about packing meals. It fosters connections among people. As At ven de Hout, president of the San Carlos Rotary Club, noted, it transforms into a bonding experience. Many volunteers find a deeper motivation to give back because of personal family histories or the desire to make a difference.
“We’re lucky to have so much, yet many take it for granted. Volunteering reminds us of our privilege and our ability to help,” said Vivian Ivanov, a high school freshman whose parents immigrated from Bulgaria. Her story reflects a broader trend where personal backgrounds influence a commitment to helping others.
The energy in the room was palpable as volunteers shared smiles and stories, reinforcing their collective mission to fight hunger. Each small act of kindness adds up, making a significant impact in the fight against food insecurity.
For anyone looking to make a difference, joining a community event like this is a great start. As Sanjay Kacholiya, a local parent, expressed, contributing—even in small ways—can create ripples of change. It’s not just about the act of giving; it’s about building a stronger, more compassionate community.
