Westfield Volunteers Pack 40,800 Meals in Rise Against Hunger Community Event October 2026

More than 200 volunteers gathered at Westfield High School on Saturday, October 10, 2026, to pack meals for Rise Against Hunger, an international nonprofit organization that coordinates food distribution and community programs to end world hunger. Union County Life is reporting on the results of Westfield Rises Against Hunger, an event that exceeded its fundraising goal but fell slightly short of its meal-packing target.

Organizers set two targets for the day: raise $20,000 and pack 50,000 meals. By the end of the event, volunteers had raised $21,085 and packed 40,800 meals. The effort represents the collective work of churches, local businesses, and families across Westfield, who came together for a single day of community service.

The event began with two people. Georgann Papadakos, a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, attended a Rise Against Hunger event earlier in the year and was inspired to bring a similar event to Westfield. She shared the idea with Rev. Alison V. Philip, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Westfield and chaplain for the Westfield Police Department. Together, they worked with other clergy members who brought the idea to their respective congregations.

Support came through six sponsorship levels, ranging from bronze ($250) to platinum ($2,500). Sponsors included local households, businesses like Salumeria Regina, and faith communities including Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, First United Methodist Church of Westfield, and St. Helen’s Roman Catholic Church. The Westfield NJ Greek Festival provided double-diamond sponsorship.

Volunteers worked at several assembly stations. They measured and packed ingredients into bags, which were sealed, labeled, and boxed for shipment. The meals themselves were designed to be nutritious and shelf-stable, containing rice, soy protein, vegetables, and vitamins.

Shondor Sulton, a Westfield community member who has participated in four meal-packing events, described the experience: “I would tell them that this is a great way to give back to the community and to the world, to people who are underprivileged and in poverty and don’t have meals.”

Organizers expressed interest in making the event annual. Papadakos said: “Seeing our neighbors, friends and families unite for such a meaningful cause is truly incredible. Our hope is to make Westfield Rises Against Hunger an annual tradition, growing the event each year while also expanding our efforts to support local organizations fighting food insecurity.”

Rev. Philip encouraged residents to learn more about food insecurity advocacy through organizations like Bread for the World, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, and the Food Research & Action Center. Local residents can also connect with the Westfield Food Pantry for information on community food security efforts.

Find more Westfield events, businesses, and local news on Union County Life.

Q: What is Rise Against Hunger?
A: Rise Against Hunger is an international nonprofit organization that coordinates food distribution and community programs to help end world hunger.

Q: How many meals did Westfield volunteers pack?
A: Volunteers packed 40,800 meals, which fell short of the 50,000-meal goal but represented significant effort by 200+ community members.

Q: Did the event meet its fundraising goal?
A: Yes. Organizers set a fundraising goal of $20,000 and raised $21,085, exceeding the target.

Q: What organizations supported the event?
A: Support came from local businesses, families, churches including Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and First United Methodist Church of Westfield, and the Westfield NJ Greek Festival.

Q: Will there be another Westfield Rises Against Hunger event?
A: Organizers expressed interest in making it an annual tradition and growing the event each year.

Q: Where can I learn more about food insecurity in my community?
A: You can contact the Westfield Food Pantry, or reach out to Bread for the World, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, and the Food Research & Action Center.