MeaningFULL Meals donations and volunteers accepted now

(Greensboro, NC) – There are more than 72,000 students in grades K-12 at Guilford County Schools. More than 56% of these students qualify for free or reduced price lunch. In the summer months, when school is not in session, these children often do not have the same access to a nutritious meal and go hungry.

To compliment the work of Guilford County School feeding centers, MeaningFULL Meals is a summer nutrition project by United Way of Greater Greensboro and The Volunteer Center of Greensboro to help feed hungry children in our community in the evening. The organizations are calling on the community for help. Donations and volunteers are needed to be sure the program has the greatest impact on feeding children this summer.

“There are children right here in our community who are hungry in the evening and we believe that is unacceptable,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “I’ve had people ask me if their donation of a few cans of food really matters. My answer is yes, yes, yes.”

“Come out and volunteer at the pantry or start your own food drive,” says Carley Swaim, executive director of The Volunteer Center of Greensboro. “Giving of your time and resources to help children and families have access to nutritious meals this summer is your chance to make a difference and invest in our future.”

Donations of foods are accepted Mondays and Wednesdays June 23-August 7, 2014 from 11am-2pm at The Volunteer Center of Greensboro, 1500 Yanceyville Street, or Wiley Elementary School, 600 West Terrell Street.

Volunteers are also needed Tuesdays and Thursdays June 23-August 7 to help distribute food and pack bags for the next day. Those interested in volunteering can sign up at www.volunteergso.org or by calling 336-373-1633.

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The Volunteer Center of Greensboro strengthens our community by creating meaningful volunteer connections. We connect people, promote volunteerism, support nonprofits and build partnerships. www.volunteergso.org

United Way of Greater Greensboro pools resources, time and talent to support programs, initiatives, and partner agencies meeting the critical needs of our community and offer a high quality of life for all. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org.