The Million Meal Marathon is a one day event held at Lucas Oil Stadium in partnership with the Indianapolis Colts. Thousands of Hoosiers gather in an attempt to pack one million meals in one day. Each and every meal packed at the Million Meal Marathon stays right here in Indiana, benefiting hungry Hoosiers. This positive, hands-on experience is family-friendly and engaging. As you can imagine, it’s no easy feat to pull off an event of this size, and we can’t do it without our M3 Crew. We depend on the skills and talents of 200 M3 Crew members to make this event a success. We know you have questions about being a Million Meal Marathon volunteer.
Here’s everything you need to know about being an M3 Crew Volunteer at the Million Meal Marathon:
When is this year’s Million Meal Marathon?
This year’s Million Meal Marathon is Tuesday, November 12, 2019.
What is the M3 Crew?
Our M3 Crew members are non-packing volunteers that help run our meal packing events. They also help us run the Million Meal Marathon, making it possible for packing volunteers to pack one million meals in one day.
What’s the difference between a packing and non-packing volunteer?
A packing volunteer is an individual who signs up, either as an individual or with an organization, to participate in the meal-packing process. They’re the ones filling, weighing and sealing the meal bags. A non-packing volunteer is an individual who signs up to be a part of the M3 Crew. They’re the ones instructing our packing volunteers, refilling supplies, and taping and moving boxes.
Who can be on the M3 Crew?
Anyone! We can’t stress enough how family-friendly our events are. It’s a part of our mission: teaching the importance of volunteerism. While there are some jobs that require heavy lifting or do require an age limit, there are plenty of jobs that are perfect for little hands or those with lifting restrictions. Bottom line: there is a job for everyone and we welcome volunteers of all ages.
You say all ages are welcome to volunteer at the Marathon. Do you really mean it?
Absolutely! If you’re still apprehensive, give us a call (317-863-8655) or send us an email (info@millionmealmovement.org) and we’ll answer any of your questions or concerns.
What if I’ve never packed a meal or volunteered with Million Meal Movement before?
Prior packing experience is helpful for line leaders, but definitely not a requirement for being a part of the M3 Crew. Everyone on our team is friendly and welcoming, so if you’re unsure of what to do we’ll walk you through it.
Does it cost anything to be on the M3 Crew?
No, we just ask for a few hours of your time. Parking at Lucas Oil Stadium on the day of the Million Meal Marathon is free.
What are the job responsibilities of Million Meal Marathon Volunteer?
- Event Set Up: Assist in event set up the day before the event.
- Set Up Crew: Help prep and set up for the Marathon the morning of the event at Lucas Oil Stadium
- Check-In: Assist volunteers and participants during the check-in process.
- Line Leader: Monitor 3-4 lines (tables) to ensure packing volunteers understand the process and have what they need. Line leaders also make sure packers are filling, weighing and sealing the bags properly. Line leaders may be in charge of table of adults or children. Prior packing experience is helpful for this position.
- Warehouse 1: Refill ingredients and supplies during the event. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
- Warehouse 2: Tape and move filled boxes to a pallet. Some light lifting of filled boxes if able, however this position is suitable for families or groups that want to work as a team.
- Clean Up Crew: Clear table tops, organize and sort packing supplies, stack supplies on pallets. Adults are preferred for this shift (minimum age 16+).
In every job except for Clean Up Crew, children are welcome and can be accommodated. They can help the line leader keep the tables clean and make sure the packing volunteers have the supplies they need. They can help in the warehouse by taping and moving boxes. Families can work as a team!
What are the available shift times for the Marathon?
- Event Set-Up (Monday, November 11): 8 am- 12 pm
- Set Up Crew: 8-10 am
- Shift 1: 9 am-12pm
- Shift 2: 11:30am-2pm
- Shift 3: 2-5 pm
- Shift 4: 5-8pm
- Clean Up: 7:30pm-9pm
I can’t volunteer on the day of the Marathon. Is there another way I can help?
Yes! We need about 50 volunteers to help us set up the day before the Marathon (November 11) from 8 am-12 pm. More information about this shift is available here.
How do I sign up to be a M3 Crew member?
Fill out your information here to join the Crew. Choose “Other” if you’re only interested in being a Million Meal Marathon volunteer. (Although we’d love to have you at other events as well!)
How do I sign up for a specific shift at the Million Meal Marathon?
After signing up to be a M3 Crew member, use our dedicated link at SignUp.com to choose your desired shift time and job. You will need to enter your email address and choose the month of November to see the choices for the Million Meal Marathon.
We hope we’ve answered everything, but if you still have questions reach out to us! Call us (317-863-8655) or send us an email (info@millionmealmovement.org) and we’ll answer any of your Million Meal Marathon volunteer questions or concerns.