By: Tyler Steele, M.Div, Director of Youth & Digital Ministry, Northwest Hills UMC & Rev. Amanda Banda, Director of Communications, Rio Texas Conference

Northwest hills UMC hosted their annual rise against hunger meal packaging event on sept 28, 2025. Photo courtesy of nortwest hills umc.

On Sunday, September 28, more than 300 volunteers from Northwest Hills United Methodist Church and the surrounding Austin community gathered for the church's annual Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging Event. In just a few hours, the team packaged 30,000 meals that will soon be sent worldwide to communities experiencing hunger and food insecurity.

Over 300 volunteers from northwest hills umc gathered for the church’s annual rise against hunger Meal Packaging event. photo courtesy of northwest hills umc.

Thanks to the generosity of members and supporters, Northwest Hills UMC raised $14,534, surpassing its original goal of $12,100. The additional $2,434 will support Rise Against Hunger's ongoing efforts to empower food-insecure communities through sustainable development projects that break the cycle of hunger.

Rev. J.j. wicke, northwest hills senior pastor & Rev. jay cooper, senior pastor, violet crown city church. photo courtesy of northwest hills umc.

Northwest Hills UMC Senior Pastor, J.J. Wicke reflected on the impact of the day, saying, "What happens when you put about 300 volunteers together in one room? You make a huge impact in a short period of time."

This event reflects the heart of Northwest Hills UMC's mission—to serve others in Christ's name and proclaim the Good News through tangible acts of compassion and justice.

The congregation gives thanks for every volunteer, donor, and partner who made this effort possible and continues to live out the call to feed the hungry, both locally and globally.