A milestone that invites us to reflect, CELEBRATE, and anticipate!
Recently, at First Evangelical Free Church in Rockford, Illinois, Kids Around the World (KATW) and our exceptional partners gathered to pack meals and celebrate what once felt beyond imagination:
100 MILLION meals packed!
What began with a donated supply of food from a local businessman connected with Kids Against Hunger—and five willing volunteers—has grown into a global effort to nourish children and families around the world.
Celebrating at First Free made the moment even more meaningful, as it was KATW’s original sending church and home to our first president, Jim Rosene. It was a full-circle reminder of where this ministry began and how far God has brought it.
Over three shifts, volunteers of all ages ranging from young children to grandparents, came together to pack meals for Reach Global ministry. Especially meaningful was having the original five volunteers, led by Jim’s wife, Denise, who packed the first meals in 2008 join us again in celebration. Their presence was a powerful reminder of the humble beginnings behind this growing global impact.
How It Started
In that first year of packing, activity kicked off in our office. As churches and partners stepped in to help, the vision quickly began to grow.
In 2009, our OneMeal Food Program officially launched and went mobile. That first year saw:
- 136,000 meals packed
- 10 events hosted
- 400 volunteers serving
Many of those meals were sent to Haiti following devastating hurricanes, and again in 2010 after the earthquake. As the need grew, so did the response of compassionate partners and volunteers!
By 2010, more than 3 million meals were packed in a single year, including our first 1-million-meal event.
Each of these meals—containing rice, lentils, vegetables, and essential vitamins—has provided reliable nutrition for children and families since the very beginning!
Where Those Meals Have Gone
Kids Around the World meals have:
- Reached children and families in 39 countries
- Served children in our Global Communities across 7 countries
- Equipped trusted partner ministries in 32 additional countries
- Supported food security across the US through local food pantries
These meals meet real needs and strengthen communities. And it’s all made possible by YOU: churches, businesses, schools, civic groups, and individual donors who gave and responded by sponsoring events and volunteering their time.Â
From Milestone to Momentum
When we first started, God set in motion something incredible. Faithful partners stepped in to Share HOPE and together, we have now reached 100 million meals packed.
This milestone belongs to every volunteer, every partner, every organization, and every supporter who said yes.
And your continued YES is what allows us to keep growing and reaching even further.
In 2026, we expect to pack more than:
- 18 million meals
- At over 150 events
- With more than 60,000 volunteers
Together, we are building momentum to reach even more children and families in the years ahead.
Be Part of Packing More HOPE
Hunger and malnourishment remain constant challenges—but the power of big-hearted people coming together is even stronger.
Whether you volunteer at or host an event, partner with us, or support our FOOD program, you become part of what God is continuing to do.
We invite you to continue to pack, pour, and #ShareHOPE through FOOD—because every meal reminds a child and family:
God sees you.
God knows you.
God cares.
Allow God to use you in carrying HOPE forward. Â JOIN US at the TABLE!