The United Way of Johnson and Washington County is preparing for their first large-scale meal distribution, and they’re calling it “Hunger is NOT a Game.” Patti Fields, Vice President for Impact and Engagement, said the event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 7th. It involves around 120 volunteers spending two hours packaging 20,000 meals, which will be distributed through local food shelters to families in Washington and Johnson counties. The food they’ll be packaging? Apple cinnamon oatmeal.

Fields said the choice of oatmeal is because they are focusing on the importance of breakfast in a child’s development. The overall goal of the event is combatting food insecurity, as Fields explains, “The local data tells us that one in seven are food insecure in the last year. Which means at one point they weren’t sure where their next meal was coming from.” Fields said if anyone is interested in helping the agency visit UnitedWayJWC.org or contact Fields at 319-339-7823.