A trumpet, a can of beans, and a big idea.
Harvest Pack began with one small act of kindness on a sidewalk in Belize — and grew into millions of healthy meals on tables across America and around the world.
It started in San Ignacio
One evening in the small town of San Ignacio, Belize, our founder William McNally came across a man playing his trumpet under a dimly lit streetlight. Talking together, William learned the man hadn't eaten all day. He offered the little cash in his pocket as thanks for the music.
From down the street, William watched the man stop at a humble vendor and buy a can of beans, a loaf of bread, and a roll of toilet paper. That simple act of kindness followed William home to Minnesota — first into volunteering at local food shelves, and in 2012, into founding Harvest Pack.
This story is an invitation: embrace the spirit of compassion and lend a helping hand to those in need, regardless of background or circumstance.
Hunger is the world's #1 health risk
In 2023, approximately 47 million Americans suffered from food insecurity — including more than 1 in 5 children. Worldwide, over 250 million people struggled with acute food insecurity. Hunger spills over into housing, safety, education, mental health, and every other part of life.
Volunteer-powered
We support volunteers in bringing meal-packing events to their own communities, then donate the meals to established nonprofit partners who get them to food-insecure neighbors.
Schools & backpack programs
Food insecurity hits children hardest. We partner with school counselors and backpack programs to put food on every student's table.
U.S. focus, worldwide heart
Our primary fight is hunger in the U.S. — and we proudly support global needs through selected international partners in the Philippines, Haiti, Honduras, and Ukraine.
So, what's in it?
We started with research from food scientists to create meals that are nutritionally rich — carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins that are easily digestible, with all nine essential amino acids for complete nutrition. Just add boiling water.
- Local: fortified instant oatmeal. The most nutrient-rich oatmeal we could formulate — soy and GMO-free, flavorful, in bright pouches of 8 servings, donated to food shelves and pantries where it's packed.
- International: rice pilaf. Six servings of vitamin-packed, protein-rich pilaf per pouch, mixed to taste with local spices around the world.
- For everyone. Every meal is nut-free, vegan, Kosher, and Halal.
Over a decade of full tables
- 2023 — 3,167,551 healthy meals packed with more faith groups, businesses, and schools than ever.
- 2022 — 73 organizations and 10,708 volunteers; ~71% of meals stayed local across 12 states. 100% of partners said they'd pack with us again.
- 2019 — 50 events across 12 states; 8,849 volunteers; 1.4 million meals; zero-waste education added to every event.
- 2018 — High school scholarship and elementary leadership programs launched.
- 2017 — #5MillionIn5: five million meals distributed in our first five years.
- 2012 — Harvest Pack founded in Minneapolis.
Good for tables, good for the planet
A sustainable future is a more just and equitable one. As we celebrate over a decade of service, we keep advancing environmental stewardship alongside food relief.
Nothing wasted
Surplus ingredients that can't be used for meals are donated to SoulSpace Farm Sanctuary, where they nourish the sanctuary's beloved residents.
Plastics, recycled
Plastic wrap, bin liners, and gloves from our Hunger Projects are collected and transformed into deck planking and sturdy park benches.
Fresh produce for all
At select events volunteers receive tomato seeds to grow at home — with ripe tomatoes donated to local food shelves for the people who need them most.
The people behind the packing tables
William McNally
Executive Director & Founder. A logistics background, a pilot's license, and a passion for community sparked by that night in Belize.
Heather Swanson
Events Director. 20+ years in nonprofits, including 11 years leading international teams and food packaging at Youth Encounter.
Brad Fleming
Partnerships Manager. "I've never seen a volunteer frown while packaging meals!" Based in Columbia, South Carolina.
…plus a crew of partnership managers, event leaders, and warehouse pros across the country — Allie, Lauren, Aaliyah, Griffin, Chris, Pete, Peter, and Kira — guided by a six-member volunteer Board of Directors.
It takes a network to fill a table
Our meals reach neighbors through established distribution partners.
GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency · EIN 46-0967063
Be part of the story
From a sidewalk in Belize to 18 million people served — the next chapter is packed by people like you.
Host a Packing Event