West Des Moines United Methodist Church Partners with Meals from the Heartland to Feed Thousands (Blog)

One hundred seventy volunteers of all ages gathered at the West Des Moines United Methodist Church (WDMUCM) on Saturday, May 18 to package meals that will feed thousands of starving people.

Prior to the event, WDMUMC raised nearly $13,500 in donations to purchase materials for the 67,176 meals that were assembled that day. Partners of the West Des Moines-based organization Meals from the Heartland (MFTH) will distribute the meals to those in need around the world.

"It was a modern day miracle similar to that of Jesus feeding the five thousand,” says Dr. Wesley S.K. Daniel, Lead Pastor at the West Des Moines United Methodist Church. “Sixty-seven thousand meals packaged in one day by a group of dedicated people is remarkable. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things!” Although this was the first opportunity that we had to partner with Meals from the Heartland, we definitely plan to work together again, said Daniel. “Meals from the Heartland is a great organization doing incredible things around the world. We are very excited to be a part of their very important work.”

Mike Powers, WDMUMC coordinator for the event with MFTH, agreed the event was a big success. “Church members as well as people from the community were very enthusiastic about this project,” Powers explained. “It is gratifying to see the magnitude of the help that can be provided when the strong spirit of the people in our community is coupled with the great capabilities of the Meals from the Heartland organization.”

“The volunteer and financial support by the West Des Moines United Methodist Church family was tremendous. We look forward to working with them again in the future to make a difference both locally and around the world,” said Dave Bradley, Executive Director of Meals from the Heartland.

Meals from the Heartland is a non-profit, 501(c) 3 organization composed of volunteers who package meals for delivery to starving people around the world as well as locally. For more information on Meals from the Heartland and to donate, visit http://www.mealsfromtheheartland.org/.

The West Des Moines United Methodist Church is a growing, vibrant church community located at 8^th and Grand. WDMUMC is open to everyone. For more information visit www.wdmumc.com.