Since 2005, Woodhaven Kiwanians and Friends have met on one cold, wintry Saturday to Pack Kids Against Hunger Packets. This year it was Saturday, January 31 at the Woodhaven Upper Elementary School.

The packets included rice, soy, vegetables and 21 essential vitamins and minerals. The meals can be prepared anywhere there is water and a heat source, and are designed to meet the religious and cultural needs of people around the world.

Our Kiwanis Friends who pack the food make the whole process work. This year our Kiwanis friends included over 350 school students – third, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders from the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District; fifth graders from the Anderson School Student Council and members of the Brownstown Middle School Charity Club and National Junior Honor Society.

Leadership was provided by high school students, represented by the Woodhaven High School Robotics Squad, National Honor Society and hockey team. The JROTC from Southgate Anderson handled the Quarter Master responsibilities.

It was a great day to see so many students from different schools working together to help reduce food insecurity locally and around the world. The day also showed elementary school students that you don't outgrow helping others as they worked with high schools involved in a wide range of high school activities.

Additionally, 21 Woodhaven Kiwanians helped keep everything moving smoothly.

Locally, food packets are distributed to Our Lady of the Woods, Faith Lutheran Church, Community Lutheran Church, St. Philips Lutheran Church, the Downriver Food Pantry and Downriver Salvation Army. Packets are also shipped around the world wherever the U.S. Military flies humanitarian aid. As part of the day, students watched a video of meals being delivered to Ukraine.