Members of The Charlton Lions Club were among more than 150 volunteers who packaged 13,002 meals in 35 minutes to help feed area residents who  are patrons of local food banks.

The service project, sponsored by District 33A of Lions Clubs International, was held on Sunday, January 11 at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester and included volunteers from Lions Clubs, Leos Clubs (high school age Lions) and other high school students. The event was a partnership with End Hunger New England.

The Charlton volunteers spent more than 35 minutes on this effort.  As early arrivals, they spent at least an hour helping to carry in the cases of food and set up the packing stations before the timed packing began.

Dry ingredients for Spanish rice and minestrone soup were measured, packaged, weighed and sealed and the packets loaded into boxes to be distributed to food banks and community organizations throughout Worcester County. 

“This project reflects the heart of what Lions do – bringing people together to serve our communities in meaningful ways,” said Andrew Keane, District Governor, “By working collectively across Central Massachusetts, we are making a real, measurable impact in combating food insecurities in local communities.”

The Lions of Central Massachusetts are part of Lions Club International District 33A, a network of 45 local Lions Clubs dedicated to serving the communities of Central Massachusetts. Lions focus on addressing critical community needs, including hunger, vision care, youth services, and disaster response. To learn more, visit www.lionsdistrict33a.com.