OSHKOSH (WLUK) — A 12-hour volunteering event is making a difference for families in need across the state.

Oshkosh Corporation hosted the Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin “Feed the Body, Feed the Soul” event Thursday.

Nearly 1,000 volunteers came together at the Oshkosh Arena to package 200,000 pounds of rice in family-sized portions to be delivered to food pantries.

Liz Wollenberg, vice president of Northeast Wisconsin at Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, says rice is a high-demand staple at food pantries.

“As a food bank, we love to provide staples to food pantries, so what are things that everybody can have in their pantry and use at any time? And so in conversations with Oshkosh Corporation, they wanted to do something to engage their employees, to engage their community, so how can we match the need for these shelf staple products with a big, huge volunteer base? So we came together and said, let’s get all those volunteers in an arena and let’s pack rice,” she said.

Event organizers are still looking for volunteers to fill two-hour time slots throughout Thursday, but primarily during the 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. shift. All participants must be at least 10 years of age or older and signing up in advance for available slots is highly encouraged.

Published Date: September 22, 2023