The World Food Prize Foundation, in partnership with Meals from the Heartland, is bringing thousands of volunteers together at the Iowa Events Center’s EMC Expo Center with an ambitious goal: package 600,000 meals in one hour and set a new world record. The current record stands at 530,064 meals.

But this effort is about much more than breaking a record. It’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. With more than 1,000 volunteers working together, the event will package enough nutritious meals to feed 2,307 children for an entire year.

Volunteers will package meals using nutritious ingredients. Meals prepared for international distribution will include rice, soy protein, vitamins, minerals and dried vegetables, while meals distributed locally will contain enriched pasta, textured vegetable protein, and vitamin- and mineral-fortified cheese mix.

Half of the meals packaged during the event will remain in Iowa and be distributed to children and families through six local food bank partners. The remaining meals will be distributed throughout Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska and eight countries around the world.

The world record attempt will take place during the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue. Volunteers should arrive at the EMC Expo Center by 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Join us for an incredible evening of teamwork and service as we work together to fight hunger, nourish communities and make history.

This hands-on event is part of the larger Borlaug Dialogue, which is held from Tuesday, October 21 through Thursday, October 22, and includes inspiring speakers, interactive exhibits and engaging panel discussions.