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 $0.35 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?

Food insecurity is expected to remain at alarming levels as we enter 2026. Beyond visible famine, hidden hunger – micronutrient deficiencies affecting billions – weakens health systems, stunts economic growth, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and instability.

318 million people in the world today are facing acute hunger levels of regular access to safe and nutritious food for proper development and an active and healthy life in just the 68 countries that the United Nations World Food Programme (WRPP) works.  The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that, even with a decrease since 2023, an estimated 8.2 percent of the global population, or about 673 million people, are still experiencing hunger in 2024.  Two simultaneous famines have been confirmed in parts of Gaza and Sudan – a devastating first this century.

Diets poor in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients affect the health and life prospects of millions of people. The worst affected are children, with long-term consequences for their physical and mental development.  Malnourished children are up to 12 times more likely to die than a healthy child.  Malnutrition slows economic growth, perpetuates poverty, impacts children’s education and adult’s workforce skills with dire consequences for countries’ human capital and future development.

In a joint 2024 study done by the WHO and UNICEF, 150.2 million children under 5 years of age were too short for their age (stunting) with 42.8 million were too thin for their height (wasting). One in four children around the world is stunted (a measure of malnourishment). 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 continue to be the number one risk to health worldwide – greater than AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined.

Sources:

http://www.wfp.org/ending-hunger

Joint child malnutrition estimates (JME) (UNICEF-WHO-WB)

Global hunger declines, but rises in Africa and western Asia: UN report

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.