In the heart of Redwood Shores, a waterfront community in Redwood City, California a Patel family has quietly been leading a campaign that tackles one of the world’s most pressing issues – hunger. Last month they reached a significant milestone as they packaged their one millionth meal through their ongoing partnership with Rise Against Hunger, a global movement with headquarters in the United States.
Rise Against Hunger is a worldwide initiative dedicated to combating hunger in communities with high food insecurity. The organization supplies volunteer-packaged meals and other forms of assistance, often through school feeding programs, to improve nutrition, education, and health for children and families in need. Additionally, Rise Against Hunger collaborates with local leaders to introduce sustainable farming and income-generating projects, fostering long-term food security and empowering communities to achieve self-sufficiency.
What began as a one-time volunteer event for Rohan Patel, then a freshman in high school, has grown into a family-led initiative that has mobilized nearly 3,000 volunteers over the past eight years. Reflecting on how it all started, Jay Patel, Rohan’s father, shared that Rohan’s dedication, which began as a potential Eagle Scout project in school, has now become a cause that his entire family and community have embraced. The magnitude of the global hunger crisis deeply impacted his entire family, including his wife Nimisha and daughter Shivani.
Jay, Rohan, Shivani and Nimisha Patel
Rise Against Hunger estimates that about 733 million people globally face hunger due to various factors like climate change, conflict, and economic downturns. Since its inception, the organization has packaged and delivered approximately 600 million meals to vulnerable communities worldwide. The Patel family’s efforts have significantly contributed to this mission, with their packaged meals reaching countries like the Philippines and Vietnam.
Each meal packaging event requires meticulous planning. Sponsors like the Patels are responsible for rallying volunteers, raising funds for the food supplies, and securing a venue for the event. Rise Against Hunger provides bulk food supplies, which the volunteers then package into individual meals consisting of rice, soy protein, dehydrated vegetables, and a vitamin packet. For the Patel family, these events are more than just meal packaging—they are opportunities to strengthen the spirit of giving and community.
Jay Patel credited Rohan’s realization about food insecurity as a significant moment in their, and especially Rohan’s journey. “I think the biggest thing he has gotten out of it was that he aligned with the packaging events because he came up in an environment where he never had to worry about food on the table,” said Jay. “This was the first time he realized that not everyone grew up that way.”
The family’s enthusiasm has spread to extended relatives and friends. “After the event, you come off of a high and you are ready for the next event.”
Patel Family during a campaign in 2016
The Patel family’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Jay Patel now serves on the national board of Rise Against Hunger, advocating for more community-led initiatives to combat hunger. He highlighted how the Bay Area’s diverse cultural landscape has played a crucial role in garnering support for the cause. “When it comes to giving and volunteering, (differences don’t) matter,” Jay emphasized. “People come out to help.”
Initially, the family’s goal was to package 75,000 meals. They surpassed that milestone with ease and quickly set their sights on a more ambitious target of one million meals. With their latest goal achieved, the Patels have no intention of slowing down. Jay confirmed that their new objective is to package two million meals. “We are probably never going to stop,” he said.
The Patel family’s commitment to Rise Against Hunger has not only brought the community together but also raised awareness about food insecurity on a larger scale. Their journey exemplifies the power of collective action in addressing humanitarian challenges.
Their story serves as an inspiring reminder that even small acts of kindness can create ripples of change across the world. As Jay Patel aptly put it, “When you see people come together for a cause, it’s hard not to be moved. The need is great, and so is the spirit to help.”
