We Asked You to Share #WhyIVolunteer With Rise Against Hunger — Here’s What You Said
Every April, Global Volunteer Month is recognized to celebrate the power of volunteerism and encourage people to get involved. Volunteers play a vital role in positive change across the globe.
At Rise Against Hunger, we impacted over 9.4 million lives in 41 countries in 2024 — and this truly wouldn’t be possible without volunteers like YOU! Volunteers help us package millions of meals each year that provide critical nutrition for people facing hunger.
In honor of this year’s Global Volunteer Month, the organization Points of Light encouraged other nonprofits to share #WhyIVolunteer stories and we wanted to be part of it. We are so thankful for our volunteers for coming alongside us in our mission, and we know each of you has a unique reason for volunteering to help end world hunger. To celebrate some of the many reasons, we asked a few volunteers in Texas, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Georgia to share why they volunteer with Rise Against Hunger. Check out their stories below!
Shonda, a volunteer at a meal packaging event with Central Pointé Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas, in March 2025
“Volunteering for Rise Against Hunger, this is probably my third time. It is just so meaningful and heartfelt to know that we are giving and contributing to communities beyond our four walls to feed them and nurture them. So, that’s why I volunteer and my family volunteers for Rise Against Hunger.”
Demarcco, Congregational Care Minister at Central Pointé Church of Christ and meal packaging volunteer in Dallas, Texas, in March 2025
“We just wanted to be a part of this because, as a church, God wants us to go out and do all we can to help those that are in need.”
Olivia, a volunteer at the February 2025 community meal packaging event in Nashville, Tennessee
“I work for the [Nashville] Sounds and they put a big emphasis on getting out into the community and volunteering, so I thought this was a great opportunity since I volunteered for a few years back home with Rise Against Hunger and wanted to give back to my new community here in Nashville.”
Lizzy, a volunteer at the February 2025 community meal packaging event in Nashville, Tennessee
“I’ve been involved with Rise Against Hunger since I was in elementary school. In 2012, I got the chance to go to Nicaragua with the organization and see where these meals go and feed them myself. It meant a lot to me. It changed my life. I’ve been involved with the organization even more since. When I was in high school, I hosted two of my own [meal packaging] events and packaged combined over 50,000 meals… I’ve loved this organization forever, and I want to do more with it.”
Meal packaging volunteer at an event with St. Monica Parish in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, in April 2025
“I came out today because it’s a tradition for our family. I think it’s really important to give back and to help those in the community who need food and substance.”
Volunteer at a meal packaging event with St. Monica Parish in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, in April 2025
“It’s super fun to do this, and I really like coming back, helping people.”
Cleve (pictured right), a volunteer since 2023 at the Rise Against Hunger Atlanta warehouse in Marietta, Georgia
“I volunteer with Rise Against Hunger because it is my way of giving back. I have been blessed with much, and those of us who are blessed are obligated to bless others. In that light, it is an honor and privilege to be a part of an organization that touches so many lives around the world.”
Feeling inspired to volunteer? There are lots of ways you can get involved with Rise Against Hunger — like hosting a meal packaging event, volunteering locally at one of our warehouses, donating and more. Find the engagement opportunity that is the best fit for you here!