Open School Packs 50,500 Meals at Spring Kids Against Hunger Event 5/4/2009 12:27 PM On April 24, 2009, Open School held its third Kids Against Hunger Day, packing high protein meals bound for Haiti.  We learned that more than 40,000 children die each day of hunger, malnutrition and related diseases each day.  John Neisen from Kids Against Hunger, based in Stewart, Minnesota, brought the truck with all the food and materials (soy protein, rice, dried vegetables and bouillon, heat sealers, scales, cardboard boxes), so that kindergarteners through twelfth graders had another opportunity to help feed starving children.  John shared some information about visiting countries worldwide, where starvation is so prevalent. Peg Keenan of Haiti Outreach, visited us and provided information on hunger and starvation, and her organization's inspiring work in Haiti.  Prior to our event, curriculum ideas were provided to our staff to teach our children about local, national and international hunger, food waste and food shelves.  A special thanks to all the parents that came to help out. All day, multi-age groups of students gathered in 50 minute shifts to work together for this worthy cause.  Hans provided some “working music” which kept the atmosphere lively.  A good work ethic and great energy kept this event moving in such a positive manner so that we packed 50,500 meals, making our total for the year 105,000 meals. We will be asking students to brainstorm ideas for various methods of fundraising, whether personal or as a class.  Congratulations to all the Open School students and volunteers from our school community!