2017 Iowa Hunger Directory 2017 Edition | Page 379

Mary's Meals DESCRIPTION CONTACT NAME Kaitlyn Flynn EMAIL info@marysmealsusa.org PHONE 800-385-4983 OFFICE ADDRESS 590 Bloomfield Avenue, Unit 280 Bloomfield, NJ 7003 TYPE OF WORK Mary’s Meals provides daily meals to chronically hungry children in a place of learning. In this way the hungry child is attracted to the classroom where they can gain a better future for themselves and their community. The main focus of Mary’s Meals is their school feeding program but they also have a long history of providing emergency relief to vulnerable regions around the world. They occasionally provide residential care for children when funds allow and when this complements their school feeding program. Mary’s Meals grew out of a response to the Bosnian conflict in the early 1990s. Many of the people who work for Mary’s Meals are motivated by their religious faith, but Mary's Meals is not a faith-based organization, and people of every and no creed find common ground in the humanitarian focus of Mary’s Meals. Iowans support the mission of Mary's Meals through fundraisers including dodge ball tournaments, walk/run events, school activities, and more. Iowa Volunteer Leader Ellen Miller travels to approximately three k-12 schools each month to facilitate hands-on activities and presentations on hunger and poverty around the world. International, Advocacy COUNTIES Activities Statewide HOW TO HELP Individuals, organizations, and faith communities can support the work of Mary's Meals by making a donation or volunteering. Volunteers spread awareness, raise funds, and offer prayer support. Larger groups and organizations can also sponsor a school. Contact their Iowa-based organizer, Ellen Miller at ecosmo@mchsi.com for local volunteer opportunities or to schedule a presentation at your school or church group. Page | 378