By Jody Sackett
RUMSON – “It starts with the meal,” said Anthony Vaber, as he surveyed the 74 volunteers in the Rumson Presbyterian Church who had just packed 10,152 nutritious meals in 90 minutes.
As the events coordinator for Rise Against Hunger (RAH), he explained how his nonprofit organization strives to combat global hunger by shipping food packages to at-risk populations worldwide. The organization starts by feeding primarily schoolchildren because a hungry student doesn’t learn or thrive as a well-fed one can. To flourish, children need nourishment.
It was Rumson Presbyterian’s second time hosting a RAH event Feb. 2 because it was such a hit the first time, organizers said. The church provides the space, recruits community volunteers, and pays for all supplies, RAH staff and equipment use. Community volunteers, who worked under the direction of RAH staff, came from northern New Jersey and Monmouth County.
Food assembly teams packed ingredients into plastic bags, weigh and seal teams checked each bag, and boxing teams filled cardboard boxes. Runners moved between the stations, replenishing ingredients from 50-pound bags as needed, carrying finished food bags to be sealed, and moving completed boxes out to the waiting truck.
Each food packet, which has a two-year shelf life, contains 20 vitamins and minerals, rice, soy and dehydrated vegetables. One package contains six ser vings, which feeds six younger children or three older students.
The crowd erupted with energetic cheers each time a loud brass gong announced another 1,000-meal milestone had been reached.
“We’re a small but mighty church,” said event chair Lee Clay when all was done.
Helping those in need is part of the church’s mission, no matter how daunting the task. “Combating food insecurity can seem overwhelming,” added Vaber. “But it’s like moving a mountain – you start one shovelful at a time.”
The article originally appeared in the February 13 – 19, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
