Anyone — no matter your age — can get involved in the work to end world hunger! The children and young adults of Church of the Vietnamese Martyrs in Richmond, Virginia, know this well. They recently oversaw a Rise Against Hunger meal packaging event at the church, making a big impact!  

In observation of the 40 days of Lent, Church of the Vietnamese Martyrs youth designated this as a period of service. They led three service projects at the church: cleaning and caring for the church facilities, beautifying the church garden, and fundraising for Rise Against Hunger and planning a meal packaging event. 

In the weeks leading up to the meal packaging event, the youth led the fundraising efforts, from spreading the word about the event, to rallying volunteers and seeking donations. Their tireless, altruistic efforts resulted in the children not only meeting their fundraising goal but even surpassing it! They raised $8,700 to support Rise Against Hunger’s work to end hunger.

This wasn’t the first time the children at Church of the Vietnamese Martyrs raised funds and hosted meal packaging events with Rise Against Hunger — but it was the biggest year yet! In 2017, the children raised $6,000 to package 14,000 Rise Against Hunger meals, and they raised $7,425 in 2022 to fund the packaging of 18,000 meals. 

Their passion for helping end world hunger resulted in the church being able to package 21,000 meals this year. On Saturday, April 12, hundreds of people — young and old alike — from the congregation came together to package the meals. TSC Anre Phu Yen described it as a day “filled with laughter, teamwork and a few whipped cream pies to the face — a sweet and silly celebration of a mission well accomplished.

TSC Anre Phu Yen was inspired by the children’s dedication to helping others, saying, “Their witness to faith, hope and charity was not only a blessing to others, but also a powerful reminder to all of us: when we serve with love, we can make a lasting difference.” This local action led by the church’s youth will have a global impact. The meals packaged at the event were shipped to the Philippines to provide immediate, nutritious food for children and families facing hunger in the country. 

We’re so inspired by this group! We know a world without hunger is possible, especially with children like these as the next generation of Hunger Champions. Want to host your own meal packaging event, a hands-on volunteer opportunity perfect for people from four years old to 104? Fill out this form to learn more!