Jamestown 40 members of Jamestown Kiwanis raised over $7,000 for Saturday’s Kiwanis Against Hunger event, at the Jamestown Rural Fire Department. Each mea packed consists of rice, soy, nutrients and flavoring. Recipients only need to add boiling water to create a nutritious meal. The meals cost less than 25 cents per serving.

Event Chair Krysten Perkins says, “About one-third of all North Dakota students rely upon free and reduced lunches during the school day. We worked with Orphan Grain Train and Great Plains Food Bank to provide these meals locally and around the globe.”

After a pandemic pause, this Kiwanis Against Hunger is the first since 2019.

Kiwanis President Hayley Wolf. points out that, “This is our first time holding this event post-pandemic,” said Kiwanis President Hayley Wolf. We didn’t really know what to expect as the pandemic still impacts our community. However, the need for meals is high, especially as we see increases in gas and grocery prices. Kids need Kiwanis more than ever.”

From 2011 to 2019, the annual meal-packing event generated about 1.26 million meals for children in North Dakota and around the world. Throughout those years, the club raised $291,000 to make this possible.

Perkins added, “We are happy to be back in action, working toward our mission,” We couldn’t have done it without our amazing community.”

Wolf says, “The Kiwanis family felt determined to hold this event again, once it was safe.”

Each year, Kiwanis members donate their time to various community projects and causes including, but not limited to, the Arts Center, Jamestown High School, Camp Rokiwan, SAFE Shelter and Salvation Army.

To learn more about Kiwanis or Kiwanis Against Hunger, E-mail JamestownKiwanis@gmail.com.