An increasing number of organizations are using logistics processes and practices to help carry out humanitarian efforts. Last week my colleague Maddy and I had a blast at the Stop Hunger Now volunteer opportunity that kicked off CSCMP’s 2015 Annual Conference.  Stop Hunger Now is a meal-packaging event that provides a hands-on way of making a difference and impacting the lives of those suffering from hunger around the world.

At CSCMP’s Annual Conference, more than 200 of the 2900 supply chain professionals attending the event came together to volunteer through a mobile operation using ingredients and the supplies set up by the Stop Hunger Now organization. During the event, volunteers worked in teams at various packaging stations to place raw ingredients (i.e., rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and a flavoring mix that includes 23 essential vitamins and minerals) into small meal bags, weigh and seal the bags, box the bags, and stack the boxes on pallets. The pallets were then loaded on a truck to be distributed around the world to people in need.

As I looked at my colleague and the other professionals working diligently and as efficiently as possible, I wondered how many meals we packaged. We were informed that we packaged more than 45,000 meals. Not bad for two hours’ worth of work and 200 volunteers. I realized we were able to accomplish this because Stop Hunger Now really has their processes down to a science and that was communicated well to each of the volunteers. Not only was this event a great way to educate volunteers about global hunger and get them involved, but it also provided hands on-experience with logistics activities that take place at consumer products organizations.

I think we will continue to see organizations use supply chain processes and activities to carry out humanitarian efforts.