This past weekend, NC State MBA Student Association (MBASA) partnered with the non-profit Rise Against Hunger to fight hunger and food insecurity. The result was incredible, as over 50 students volunteered to package over 20,000 meals that were deployed to Haiti and Nicaragua. Lizzy Reklau and Chapman Thomas, President and Vice President of MBASA, organized the meal packing event as a service event and shared their thoughts about the experience:
Why did you do this meal packaging event?
Chapman Thomas:
As a dual degree student, I have the privilege of serving as the Vice President for NC State’s MBASA Veterans Association and Campbell’s Outreach Chair for the National Security and Military Law Student Association (NS-MLSA). I realized there was an opportunity, since before this event, NC State and Campbell had only partnered to offer students the chance to pursue a MBA/JD program — but there weren’t any flagship events students could network and build lasting relationships. My wife’s business, Daily Fuel Online Fitness, donates 10% of all proceeds to Rise Against Hunger — and Daily Fuel had been setting aside its donated funds with the goal of eventually raising enough money to host a meal-packing event where patrons could pack 10,000 sustainable meals. When thinking about a collaborative event, I realized NC State, Campbell, and Daily Fuel Online Fitness could partner to make this event possible.
How many meals did you pack?
Lizzy Reklau:
With the amazing contributions from NC State, Campbell University, DailyFuel, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, we were able to package 20,000 meals! We had a little over 50 volunteers come out to support the cause. Our ability to hit the 20,000 meal mark was exceptionally impressive because the recommended number of volunteers to pack that many meals was 80-100. That achievement is a testament to the dedication, excitement, and drive of all the amazing volunteers present!
Who was this event for/who did it benefit?
Chapman Thomas:
The meals will be going to impoverished communities in Haiti and Nicaragua. I enjoyed the palpable energy and character of all those who volunteered. Rise Against Hunger recommends that there be 80-100 people to successfully package 20,000 meals in a two hour time period— and we did it with significantly less in three hours.
How can Jenkins MBA students get involved with MBASA?
Lizzy Reklau:
It is extremely easy to get involved with MBA Student Association either as a member or leadership! All MBA students are eligible to join, and there is only a one-time membership fee which gives students access to all MBASA events and special interest clubs as well! I may be biased, but I believe that MBASA is an incredible and vital way to elevate your MBA experience.
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