Numana, saving the starving.

Another Container Heads to Africa

Outside my office I hear the rumble of the semi-truck backing up to our warehouse.  Instead of a trailer, the truck is pulling a 40’ empty container. It has come here to load up 261,360 Numana meals that are beginning the long journey to Africa.  They’ll go to the east coast to load on a ship, then begin the slow journey across the Atlantic, then down around the tip of South Africa, then back up around Madagascar and finally to Mombassa, Kenya and then overland to Dedaab, Kenya.

And then to feed refugees who have suffered enormous deprivation and violence leaving Somalia to reach the hope of food in Dedaab.  1,500 people- mostly women and children- will arrive there today looking for food. Another 1,500 tomorrow. And another 1,500 the next day. The need is overwhelming, but from the middle of the United States in the quaint town of El Dorado, help and hope is being sent abroad.

As I watch the truck leave my mind is filled with the images and sounds of the thousands of people who have lovingly packaged each meal. Little kids drawing pictures and writing messages on the boxes to elderly people in wheel chairs sitting at a station and sealing a bag have helped put each meal together.

There’s something incredibly special about being able to make a meal that will feed a starving person. In fact, I often tell people at our events that each hour they spend around a station with 10-12 other people, they will have fed about 2,000 people an hour. And when, in the course of your year, have you spent a more impactful hour than one packaging Numana meals?

Thanks to all of you who have helped us package those meals.  You were on that truck that just pulled out of here, and your gift has begun the slow but powerful trip to Africa.