YHC students prepare 100,000 meals for those in need
Young Harris, GA (05/05/2026) — Young Harris College students have prepared more than 100,000 meals over the past decade as partners with Rise Against Hunger. The college was recently recognized by the charity for its work.
Each year, YHC students, led by Rev. Adam Daniels, work as part of the "The Big Meal" event, preparing typically around 14,000 meals per event. This past March, the campus effort put YHC over 100,000 meals packed for Rise Against Hunger.
"Reaching 100,000 meals packaged is a huge milestone for YHC because of all the students, staff, and faculty who worked and volunteered for these events for over a decade," Daniels said. "No one did this alone. It's such an amazing reminder of what we can do when we work together towards something greater than ourselves."
In recognition, YHC was presented with a gong, which is used at meal preparation events. The gong is sounded after every 1,000 meals is packaged.
Rise Against Hunger is an international hunger relief non-profit organization that coordinates the packaging and distribution of food and other aid to people in developing nations. Based out of Raleigh, NC, the organization was founded as Stop Hunger Now in 1998 by Ray Buchanan and John Hewitt.
"These meals have saved and will save thousands of lives," Daniels added. "What an incredible legacy for all involved. I know I am enormously proud to have been a part of it and look forward to all the ways YHC continues to work together on the big problems of the world. There is still work yet to do, but what a wonderful thing to celebrate at a time when such things need to be celebrated more!"
Special thanks also go out to Sharp Memorial UMC for helping sponsor this milestone event.
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master's degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College offers 34 majors and 23 minors, ranging from biology or outdoor studies to business administration or kinesiology. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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YHC students prepare meals for Rise Against Hunger. In 10 years, YHC has prepared more than 100,000 meals for the charity.
Young Harris College
Steve Esser, slesser@yhc.edu, (706) 379-5331Share this Story
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