The Salina Area United Way is doing things a little different to kickoff its 2014 fall campaign this week. At a kickoff event Friday, volunteers will assemble and deliver 50,000 meals.

Executive Director Amanda Michaelis tells KSAL News that in lieu of a typical campaign kickoff, the Salina Area United Way is hosting an event that will help the Salina area fight hunger and food insecurity. Organizers and volunteers will gather at the Salina Bicentennial Center early Friday morning to package 50,000 macaroni and cheese meals.

Michaelis says that 14.5 percent of Saline County residents are food insecure. This means that people have a lack of access to enough food for all the members of their household and uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods.

The United Way has enlisted the help of a national organization called Outreach that will help over 200 volunteers package the 50,000 macaroni and cheese meals in just 2 hours. Outreach will provide the necessary ingredients, packaging equipment, training, supplies, and certified food safe event coordinators. The event is designed to include people of all ages and backgrounds.

Volunteers are encouraged to invite their family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, sports team, civic/community group, religious organization, or anyone else who would want to participate in this unique event. Tasks will differ greatly, so if you have limited mobility or are a heavy lifter there will be a job for you. Please wear close toed shoes, but feel free to dress comfortably and casually.

The cost to attend is $10 per person, which helps pay for the event. All the food you help prepare will stay in the Salina area community. Local organizations with food banks or pantries, or who give food assistance will receive the packaged meals.

Contact the Salina Area United Way for more details and to become a volunteer.