Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the idea come from?
The University of Guelph was the first Canadian university to join Universities Fighting World Hunger (UFWH). In 2011, Guelph hosted the 6th annual Universities Fighting World Hunger summit. During the event, U of G students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends volunteered for an hour to pack more than 159,850 meals, setting a world record. In 2012, about 2,000 volunteers packed over 315,000 meals, a new record.
The World Record Event to Fight Hunger is made possible through partnerships with Numana Inc., ONEXONE and the World Food Program.
For 2013, the U of G community has set an even more ambitious goal: to pack more than 650,000 meals in two hours. To meet this goal, we will need more than 2,000 volunteers and 100 special Green Shirt volunteers.
What is the challenge?
The challenge is to best last year’s achievement of 315,000 “famine relief meals packaged by a volunteer team in one hour.” We need about 2,000 volunteers to meet our goal of packaging 685,000 meals in two hours.
When and where will this event be held?
The event will take place Sept. 7, 10 a.m., in the Gryphon Field House at the University of Guelph.
Do I have to register? Does it cost anything to participate?
The event is free. Please register to help us estimate the number of participants. But if you bring along more volunteers at the last minute without registering them, that’s OK.
We also need volunteers for set-up, clean-up and special event roles. Please sign up as a Green Shirt volunteer.
Where will the meals go?
The meals will be distributed in Mauritania to help relieve a food crisis in the region.
What is the nutritional value of the meals and where does the food come from?
The meals we will pack contain four ingredients: rice, soy beans for added protein, dehydrated vegetables and a flavour/nutrient packet with 21 vitamins intended to boost the immune system of a malnourished individual.
How are the meals prepared? Where do people get the water they need to prepare these meals?
An assembly line of volunteers will prepare the meals at table stations. Volunteers will measure the ingredients with scoops, and fill and seal the bags as teams. Recipients abroad may boil the meals in a pot. ONEXONE will work with local agencies to provide water where needed.
How much does it cost and who is paying for the food?
The food has been paid for by Kinross Gold Corp. We thank them for their generous support.
Is the event accessible?
Yes! All are welcome to join the packaging process. Please contact Stephanie Butler at sbutle01@uoguelph.ca for more information and to let our team know if you require accommodations or assistance.
Does this volunteer opportunity qualify for high school students’ requirements of 40 hours of community involvement?
Yes! We will ensure you receive the documentation you need toward your community involvement hours. For even more hours, register as a Green Shirt volunteer.
Where can I learn more about The BetterPlanet Project, Universities Fighting World Hunger and ONEXONE?
www.universitiesfightingworldhunger.org
For more information about the World Record Event to Fight Hunger please contact Stephanie Butler, Community Engagement Manager:
Phone: 519-824-4120 ext. 54988 Email:sbutle01@uoguelph.ca
