With bells, cheers and upbeat music, more than 300 volunteers put together 100,000 meals in two hours to feed hungry families.

The volunteers at United Way BCKR’s third annual United Against Hunger event brought more energy than ever, according to Stephanie Slingerland, Director of Philanthropy/Social Impact at Kellogg Company. Kellogg was the presenting sponsor.

“Our employees are very passionate about giving back to the community,” said Slingerland, who also chairs United Way BCKR’s Board of Directors. “They love a little competition and seeing how fast they can pack those meals, so it’s a perfect opportunity for them to engage.”

About 200 Kellogg employees took part, Slingerland said. “We are very passionate about fighting hunger in our local communities.” Through its Kellogg’s Better Days initiative, Kellogg Company tackles food insecurity worldwide, with a commitment to impacting 3 billion people by 2030.

Locally, United Way addresses food insecurity through its Basic Needs programs and partnerships. An estimated 1 in 7 households do not know where their next meal is coming from. United Way invests more than $1.2 million in food distribution and removing barriers that leave individuals and families food insecure.

The meals assembled at United Against Hunger will be distributed to food pantries across the region through the South Michigan Food Bank.

For a complete photo gallery of this year’s United Against Hunger, visit our Facebook page. To learn more about United Way’s work in Basic Needs, click here.