Opportunities From: United Way of Central Iowa

9/11 Day of Service | Meals from the Heartland

September 11 is a day our nation remembers with reflection, gratitude, and respect. We honor the lives lost, recognize the courage of the first responders and service members who answered the call, and remember the countless individuals who came together to help their neighbors in the days that followed.

At Meals from the Heartland, that same spirit of service is at the heart of our mission. Every meal packaged by volunteers is an act of compassion, providing nourishment to families facing food insecurity and communities recovering from disasters and times of crisis.

Join us for a Day of Service as we gather to honor 9/11 through meaningful action. Together, we'll package meals, recognize those who dedicate their lives to serving others, and celebrate the power of community to bring hope, healing, and resilience.

Event Schedule

Because even in our hardest moments, we are strongest when we serve one another.
Please sign up on our website- 9/11 Day of Service: Meal Packing Event

National Nonprofit Day: Celebrating the Power of Service

Join Meals from the Heartland and fellow nonprofit organizations for a special National Nonprofit Day packaging event at the Patty Cownie Packaging Center. This gathering brings together nonprofit leaders, volunteers, and community partners for a shared day of service, connection, and impact.

While our missions may look different, we share a common purpose: caring for people and strengthening our communities. Together, we will assemble nutritious, nonperishable, and culturally adaptable meals that provide nourishment and hope to children and families experiencing food insecurity locally and around the world.

Every meal assembled represents compassion in action. It can support a child ready to learn, provide comfort to families recovering after natural disasters, bring stability to communities facing hardship, and remind people that they are not alone.

This event is more than packing meals. It is an opportunity to lead with heart, serve with purpose, and create meaningful impact alongside organizations dedicated to making a difference.

Come join us as we assemble meals and deliver hope. Together, we can make an impact that reaches far beyond the walls of our Packaging Center! 

Please sign up on our website- Meal Packaging Event: National Nonprofit Day

Packaging with Meals from the Heartland!

Volunteers play a hands-on role in the fight against hunger by working together to assemble nutritious meals during a two-hour shift. You’ll work alongside fellow volunteers and our staff at stations to fill, weigh, seal, and box meals. Each packager helps create about 540 meals- enough to feed two children for a full year! This impactful work supports Meals from the Heartland’s mission to fight hunger both locally and globally. Together in 2026, we’re aiming to assemble 23.3 million meals, and your time and teamwork help make that goal possible.

Before You Arrive:

Please arrive about 10 minutes early for check in and orientation.

Closed-toed shoes and comfortable, casual clothing are recommended. 

Long hair should be tied back- hairnets and beard nets will be provided. 

Please remove jewelry before packaging to help maintain the integrity of the meals, this helps ensure items don’t get lost and keeps food safe for the families we serve.

Celebrate your team, corporate or branded apparel is encouraged. 

Bring your energy and teamwork, we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish

Volunteer Waiver:
By volunteering with Meals from the Heartland, you agree to our standard waiver of liability. Participation is voluntary, and your registration confirms your understanding.