Hundreds volunteers gathered at Penn State Berks Friday to participate in United Way’s Big Cheese 7 event.
“Families across Berks County face increased food need challenges, and United Way and our volunteers recognize the need to step up to the plate to make a difference,” shares Tammy White, President, United Way of Berks County. “The Big Cheese event helps ease some of the need.”
“500 volunteers enthusiastically raised their hands to be a part of Friday’s event. When the event registration opened last month, all of the spots filled in less than 30 minutes. We are grateful for the individuals, families and employee teams who are sharing their kindness and generosity. We applaud their LIVE UNITED spirit.”
Volunteers packaged 250,000 nutritionally fortified mac and cheese meals, along with apple cinnamon oatmeal meals, which were a new addition this year.
Once assembled, meals were provided to and will be distributed by Helping Harvest. A supply will also be provided to the Reading School District to share with students in need throughout the year.
United Way works with The Outreach Program, a national nonprofit that organizes food-packing events with local organizations across the country.
Each meal includes all the dry ingredients to make approximately six servings. Each meal costs 25 cents; costs were supported through United Way’s community impact budget directed towards meeting basic needs, along with corporate and community support.
United Way’s 2023 Premier Sponsors helping to support this event included Customers Bank, EnerSys FirstEnergy Foundation, Penske Transportation Solutions, UGI Energy Services and UGI Utilities.
