Volunteers Package More Than 19,000 Mercy Meals

DAYKIN, Neb. — Community members gathered at the Daykin Community Building on February 22 for a Mercy Meals Packaging event that drew strong local support. A total of 67 volunteers helped package more than 19,000 meals destined for hunger relief efforts.

Volunteers from several area churches participated, including Zion Lutheran of Tobias, Immanuel Lutheran and St. John’s of Daykin, St. John’s of Ohiowa, Grace Lutheran and Faith Lutheran of Fairbury, and St. Peter’s Lutheran of Davenport. Participants shared a soup and sandwich lunch as part of the day’s activities.

Mercy Meals are designed to provide complete nutrition using a blend of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and a vitamin and mineral mix. The meals supply essential carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals, with each package capable of feeding up to six children. Organizers note the meals cost approximately 12 cents each.

Mercy Meals of Nebraska distributes food to communities around the world, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Kenya, India, Haiti, and Guatemala, as well as domestic locations such as the Navajo Nation, local food pantries, and disaster relief centers.

Organizers described the event as both productive and uplifting, calling it a beautiful day of service for the region.