INDIANAPOLIS — One million meals for Hoosiers in need will be packed in a single day this month during the 12th annual Million Meal Marathon.
The event takes place Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at the newly-renovated Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Thousands of volunteers — small groups, large groups, corporate teams, families and individuals — work in shifts to pack meals that will be distributed to food pantries across Indiana.
Volunteers are needed on Monday, Oct. 24 for event setup and on the day of the event for one of three packing shifts. Non-packing shifts are also available with the M3 Crew, which helps run the event. Go here for more information or to sign up.
The Million Meal Marathon, held in partnership with Pacers Sports & Entertainment, is the signature event for nonprofit organization Million Meal Movement, which has a mission to feed the hungry while also teaching the community about the importance of volunteerism.
About 1 million people in Indiana — including one in five children — don’t know where they’ll get their next meal, according to the nonprofit. COVID-19 and inflation added to the burden, dramatically increasing demand from food banks and food pantries.
If you can’t be there Oct. 25, there are other ways to help. Businesses can sign on as sponsors, and individuals and families can donate. Every $1 donated provides three meals.
Small packing events take place year-round at Million Meal Movement’s Indy headquarters, and businesses or corporate groups can sponsor a private packing event for employees.
To keep up with Million Meal Movement and all its events, follow them on Facebook or Instagram at @MillionMealMovement.