Central
Minnesota

"I usually turn the channel when I see commercials about starving children. It makes me too sad. But something about what you are doing touched me and I want to help. I am only 16, but I think that I have to do something. I have to help these starving children." Emily A., Oklahoma

Because Kids Against Hunger is a volunteer-driven effort, there are many ways to help. Of course, the easiest way is to make a tax-deductible monetary contribution. we have to purchase all supplies and ingredients from vendors, and could not exist without the fianancial support of individuals, corporations, schools, clubs, and people like you.

There are also many other ways to help. When you volunteer your time or resources, we save money that can then be used to purchase additional ingredients and supplies for our life-saving meals. Some of our needs are great, some are much smaller and easier to fulfill, but every single one of them needs to be fulfilled for us to continue our fight against world starvation.

• Package food - it is a wonderful, fulfilling way to feel that you are making a real difference! You can see the progress with each bag you package and box up. From the very young to senior citizens, any group can be involved in this process. The most effective way to help in this manner is to do fundraising. Since there is currently a high demand for food packaging sessions, and it is challenging for us to keep up and replenish the additional ingredients and supplies used, we urge all volunteers to help us cover the cost of the meals they package by bringing in a financial contribution.
  
  On average, each volunteer packages close to two boxes of food in a two-hour session. At $0.17 per meal, that equals $60-$80 worth of ingredients. We want to give everyone the opportunity to package our meals, but the reality is that we must also cover the cost of the ingredients. Like many nonprofit organizations, we are suffering from the effects of the current economic downturn. We realize that the donation of your time is very valuable, and don't want to turn anyone away for lack of funding, but we have found that it is possible for each volunteer to raise at least $25 or more by asking their family, friends, and/or neighbors for support. If you would like more information on how to fundraise, click HERE. We are happy to provide you with literature and other promotional materials to support you in your fundraising efforts.

• Come to the office and help with the clerical side of things! We are always in need of volunteers to assemble our literature, maintain our correspondence and do janitorial work. Volunteers currently in college might consider a long-term internship. You would get on-the-job training in a nonprofit environment while fulfilling your community service project requirement. Not to mention that internships look great on your resume!

• Make a financial contribution by clicking on the "Donate" link under 'support'

There are countless ways to get involved and be a part of this massive campaign to end death by starvation. Can you think of another way to help? Let us know!