Meals from the Heartland Makes History with New GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title!

Over 1,000 volunteers came together to package 990,684 meals in just one hour, nearly doubling the previous world record!

On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Meals from the Heartland partnered with the World Food Prize Foundation to make history by setting a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most hunger relief meals packaged in one hour!

Nearly 1,000 volunteers gathered at the EMC Expo Center in Des Moines during the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue with one big goal: package as many meals as possible in just 60 minutes.

Together, they packaged an incredible 990,684 meals in ONE HOUR, nearly doubling the previous record set in 2013!

More Than a World Record

While setting a world record is an incredible accomplishment, the impact of these meals is what makes this moment so meaningful.

Half of the meals packaged will stay right here in Iowa, helping feed children and families facing hunger through six local food bank partners. Every meal packaged represents an opportunity to provide nutritious food to someone who needs it.

A Community That Made History

This historic accomplishment would not have been possible without the dedication of nearly 1,000 volunteers, the partnership of the World Food Prize Foundation, and the support of our community partners.

From the planning and preparation to the excitement of packaging nearly one million meals in just 60 minutes, this event was a powerful reminder of what is possible when people come together with a shared purpose.

To every volunteer, partner, and supporter who helped make this day possible, THANK YOU!

Be Part of the Fight Against Hunger

The world record may be set, but our mission continues! There are opportunities to make a difference throughout the year at our Patty Cownie Packaging Center in West Des Moines.

Whether you're volunteering for the first time or returning for another shift, we'd love to welcome you!

Sign Up to Package Meals