Joseph J. Foy, Ph.D. President | Benedictine University

Benedictine University is collaborating with Feed My Starving Children to host the annual Feed the Need! MobilePack event on March 8 and 9. The initiative aims to pack over 800,000 meals for children and families worldwide. Community members, including individuals, families, schools, churches, and businesses, are invited to participate.

Since its start in 2011, the MobilePack initiative has mobilized volunteers nationwide to pack millions of meals. This year’s effort is expected to exceed 10 million meals nationwide.

The event will be held at Benedictine University's Rice Center. Volunteers will measure, scoop, and pack meals consisting of rice, soy, dried vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. These meals are designed to provide essential nutrients to malnourished children globally.

Volunteer shifts are scheduled as follows: Saturday from noon–2 p.m., 3–5 p.m., or 6–8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.–noon. Participants as young as five years old can join in this service opportunity. Benedictine University faculty, staff, students, and alumni are encouraged to participate in the Saturday afternoon shift.

The event is organized by a coalition of churches, civic organizations, businesses, schools, and individuals from DuPage County and surrounding areas. Gerald Subaru of Naperville and North Aurora has donated supplies for packing 70,000 meals. Over 40 additional partners have also contributed.

Organizers are seeking volunteers for setup and cleanup tasks before and after the event. Interested individuals can contact event coordinators for more information.

To register or learn more about the event visit feedtheneedillinois.org or fmsc.org. Walk-in volunteers are welcome.