Rotary & Rise Against Hunger: End Hunger by 2030

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” (African proverb)

 Rotary International, which comprises more than 35,000 clubs with 1.2 million members in 200 countries and geographic regions, was big enough to be a major partner in the eradication of polio, the largest health initiative ever undertaken! 

Today, Rotary’s goal is 250 million meals by 2030 and eradicate hunger.. 

The northern part of Rotary District 5870 accepted the challenge to end world hunger by 2030.  It produced a Rise Against Hunger packaging event hosted by Marlin’s Rotary Club on March 13 at the Marlin Men’s Civic Association Building, 1106 North Business Hwy 6, in Marlin.

Rotarian Letitia Estep of Marlin announced, “We have purchased and are prepared to pack 13,176 meals today for shipment to hungry persons internationally!”

The assembly process combined rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and a micronutrient flavoring mix formulated by Kraft Heinz Company Foundation that includes 20 essential vitamins and minerals. The food has a shelf-life of two years.

Representatives from American Legion Post 31, Marlin Independent School District Principals and Athletic Department Coaches, National Honor Society, MISD Athletics, Lions Club of Marlin, Rotary Club Marlin, Rotary District 5870, Rotary Club of Temple South, plus citizens from the Marlin community measured, weighed, sealed, and packed thousands of meals. Every 1,000+ meals, a gong was struck and participants heralded nearing the goal. Packing 13,174 meals took less than 2.5 hours!

All personnel wore hair nets and/or caps, masks, gloves, beard nets, no jewelry, and comfortable clothing and shoes. Social distancing was observed. Finally, a packaged lunch from famed Miller’s Country Market in Lott was served.

In time, no one will go to bed hungry every single night because we took action in what we believed in achieving — ending world hunger by 2030.