FAQ

What is Project 216?

Project 216 is an international food-aid organization that provides the Nutri-Plenty meal to malnourished or starving people, particularly children.

What does the Nutri-Plenty meal consist of?

The Nutri-Plenty® meal was developed by food scientists at The Mathile Institute for the Advancement of Human Nutrition®. It consists of rice, soy, vegetables, flavorings, and Mathile M+ Micronutrients®, a scientifically-proven blend of 21 vitamins and minerals that relieve and reverse the effects of micronutrient malnutrition in young children.

What makes Project 216 unique?

One of the best aspects of this organization is the unique way people can get involved. Rather than just giving support by writing a check, groups and individuals are able to package the food themselves in an assembly-line format that gives a real sense of ownership and satisfaction. Children of five or six and older are able to help with packaging, providing a hands-on opportunity for families to work together. Participation also helps raise awareness of world hunger issues and provides a great springboard for discussion with children.

Do you actually distribute the food?

No. We partner with non-government organizations around the world who are working hands-on with those in need. Our goal is to get the food into the hands of people who are aware of the needs of the area and are committed to supporting the people there in a holistic way – ministering to them in the areas of material needs, education, emotional support, and spiritual guidance.

How are you funded?

Project 216 is a non-profit organization and depends on the financial support of event hosts, individual donors, packing volunteers, and local businesses. All donations are tax deductible under IRS 501(c)(3) guidelines.

How much does the food cost?

The program cost, which covers food, shipping, and overhead, comes out to $0.30 per meal.

Can I determine where the food goes?

We strive to send 80% of our food to international partners outside of the U.S. and keep 20% of our food local. Within those parameters, we would be more than willing to work with your group or church to send the food to a particular mission or organization. Many details need to be considered and we can work through those with you.

What is a public event?

Public events will be held several times a year in the Fort Wayne area and anyone can attend. Check our website for the next scheduled event or sign up for email updates to stay informed of news and upcoming events.

What is a private event?

For a private event, we will work directly with an organization on details such as time, place, number of volunteers, material cost, and fundraising. Private events are great for churches, youth groups, Boy/Girl scout troops, schools, extended families, companies, etc. A private event allows a great deal of freedom for the host to plan it however they would like (i.e. team building, volunteer opportunities, social concerns, etc.). Contact us to learn more.

Where does the name Project 216 come from?

The meaning behind our name is threefold. First, all of our food is packed into boxes that contain 216 meals, so our food is sent out 216 meals at a time. Second, at a normal packing event, each volunteer packs the equivalent of one box, or 216 meals. Every volunteer at a Project 216 packing event can feel personally responsible for providing 216 meals to hungry people around the world. Finally, as a Christian organization, our name is a reminder of why we do what we do, as it refers to James 2:16, “If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

How big is the problem of world hunger?

Whereas good progress was made in reducing chronic hunger in the 1980s and the first half of the 1990s, hunger has been slowly but steadily on the rise for the past decade.

842 million people in the world today do not get enough to eat to live healthy, active lives. That’s one in eight.

One in four children around the world is stunted. In some countries, as many as one in three children is stunted.

And in developing countries, one third of all child deaths are linked to hunger.

Hunger and malnutrition are the number one risk to health worldwide – greater than AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined.

Source: World Food Programme website http://www.wfp.org/share-a-hunger-fact

Can we really make a difference?

Yes! Relieving hunger and nourishing the body with the things it needs to thrive allows a person to maximize their ability to work and learn. When people can eliminate the daily stress of finding food, they can focus on education and finding work. By partnering with organizations and missions who are committed to providing holistic support, we can make a difference for whole communities to become self-sustaining.