Youth Leaders help package meals to fight hunger locally and globally

SIGOURNEY — Five members of the Keokuk County 4-H Youth Council, along with two Keokuk County Extension staff members, spent Saturday, Feb. 1, volunteering at Meals from the Heartland in Des Moines. The group joined other volunteers in packaging meals to help combat food insecurity in Iowa and around the world.

Meals from the Heartland is a nonprofit organization based in West Des Moines that empowers volunteers to package nutritious meals for those in need. Since its founding in 2008, the organization has distributed over 250 million meals to families and children facing hunger in Iowa, across the United States, and in more than 45 countries worldwide.

“This annual service project is a meaningful way for our youth leaders to give back,” said Keokuk County Youth Coordinator Ashley Yedlik. “It’s hands-on, impactful, and reinforces the 4-H values of pledging our hands to larger service.”

The Keokuk County 4-H Youth Council participates in this volunteer effort each year, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and compassion. Through their service, these young leaders contribute to a global mission to alleviate hunger and make a positive difference in the lives of others.