You’ve signed up for your first meal packing event with Million Meal Movement! Now what? You may be wondering what to expect, and you probably have a few questions. We’re here to help! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding our meal packing events.
What Should I Wear?
Dress comfortably. You won’t be getting dirty, but you will be working. If you’re packing meals as part of an organization or a corporate event, wear a shirt with your logo. We love seeing your organization on display and it looks awesome in photos! You’ll be on your feet while packaging meals, so wear comfortable, close-toed shoes.
How Long Will It Take?
Times can vary, but most meal packing events last about 2 hours.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Volunteer?
We can find a job for just about anybody and we don’t want to exclude anyone from a volunteer opportunity. We recommend children are 6 or older, but we welcome all ages. Just keep in mind when bringing younger kids that they may not have the interest or ability to pack for the entire shift.
What Happens During a Meal Packing Event?
We ask that you arrive a few minutes before the event begins to check in. Prior to packing, we’ll take a few minutes to welcome you. We’ll show a short video about our organization as well as an instructional video for meal packaging. You’ll then be assigned to a table with other participants. A member of our M3 Crew will help everyone find a spot and answer any further questions on your specific job. You’ll put on a hair net and gloves and get to work! During this time, feel free to switch positions and try different jobs at your table. Once your packing shift has ended, you’ll help clean up your table and get a final update of just how many meals you helped pack.
What Kind of Jobs Will I Do?
There are lots of ways to help along the assembly line. Jobs include: scooping rice, vitamins and minerals, dried vegetables and soy protein into the bags, preparing the bags to be filled, weighing and adjusting the bag volume, sealing the bags, and packing the bags in boxes.
What’s the Atmosphere Like?
While we’re packing, we have fun! We play music, dance, get to know each other, and cheer each other on as we fill boxes.
How Many Meals Will I Pack?
One volunteer can pack about 200 meals in 1 hour.