NEW YORK /OCTOBER 17, 2018/ Rise Against Hunger, an International Hunger Relief non-profit based out of Raleigh, N.C., officially became a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title holder on October 16 – World Food Day. The organization inspired volunteer groups around the globe to join hands together to package hunger relief meals in a simultaneous five-minute period of time. Rise Against Hunger now holds an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the ‘Most people assembling hunger relief packages simultaneously (multiple venues).’
“Our hope is that this official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title achievement brings awareness to the fact that it IS possible to end hunger by the year 2030,” said Rod Brooks, President and CEO of Rise Against Hunger. “It was simply remarkable to see volunteers from all around the world join hands together at the same time to package meals.”
A recent report from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) stated that the number of hungry people in the world has increased to 821 million – about one in every nine people. This number has increased in the past year which is why its important to take action —now more than ever. World Food Day — founded by the FAO and recognized each year on October 16 — is a day to publicly show commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2– to achieve zero hunger by 2030.
“As this year’s theme (for World Food Day) calls on all of us to work together to take action for #ZeroHunger, we are pleased to see Rise Against Hunger mobilizing individuals to take action around the world, while gaining recognition from GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS indicating the power of collective action,” said Vimlendra Sharan, Director of FAO North America.
This year, Rise Against Hunger celebrates 20 years in the fight against hunger. They’ve built a global movement and the organization’s GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS attempt on World Food Day is an innovative, exciting way to gain awareness. By building resilient, self-sufficient and empowered communities around the globe, the organization strives to end hunger for the 821 million people worldwide who do not receive enough food to live healthy, active lives.
Rise Against Hunger operates meal packaging locations in 28 cities throughout the U.S. and five international locations in South Africa, Malaysia, the Philippines, Italy and India. Since 1998, volunteers in the U.S. and worldwide have packaged more than 423 million meals which have been sent to 74 countries around the world. To learn more, visit riseagainsthunger.org/get-involved