As we dive into the heart of summer, many of us are enjoying a glut of delicious and fresh foods, but this is not the same situation for others around the world. Midwest Coordinator for Mary’s Meals, Ellen Miller, says her organization is working to feed children in several different countries.
In Malawi, Africa, for instance, ground maize is processed into porridge for the kids who are seven and older, and a more diluted form of it, called nsima is given to the younger children. The ripple effect comes into play in that Mary’s Meals is more than just the $19.50 cents that feeds one child for a school year. There are other people stepping up and benefiting from the program.
And when possible, Mary’s Meals will buy that corn locally, shoring up the economy as well. This global organization is continually spreading their message and supporting fundraisers, like dodgeball tournaments for teenagers and garage sales, as well as the Mary’s Meals 5K and 10K run on Mother’s Day weekends in Des Moines. And now a new effort that began in 2017, brings people together—mind, body and soul—to give in support of the program. They have invited a Nashville, Tenn. band called High South to hold free-will concerts. Miller says they are an extremely talented group of vocalists and musicians.
That first concert had about 1,200 attendees and was able to raise enough money to provide meals for more than 1,000 children. Miller says they were able to feed an entire school in Malawi by just relaxing, having snacks, beer and wine and listening to some amazing music. They have brought the concert back this year and are expanding their reach.
The Friday, Aug. 3 High South concert in Jefferson will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Wild Rose Casino and Resort, and everyone is invited to attend. Anyone interested in learning how they can use their ideas to support Mary’s Meals’ mission, can contact Miller directly through the email address included below. Those who would like to learn more about the program, how that $19.50 donation feeds a child for a school year or how to give, can follow the link included there as well.
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To contact Ellen Miller:
Mary’s Meals Information:
