A Conversation with Jeff Medders of the Hunger Relief Army
Hunger isn’t always visible—but in Arkansas, it’s widespread. In fact, Arkansas consistently ranks among the highest states in the nation for hunger per capita. That reality is exactly why I chose the Hunger Relief Army as the very first feature in my Charity Spotlight project.
I recently sat down with my longtime friend, former client, and all-around good human, Jeff Medders, Program Coordinator for the Hunger Relief Army, a program of City Connections, Inc.. What followed was a powerful, hope-filled conversation about feeding people, restoring dignity, and creating opportunities for everyone to serve.
Meet the Organization: City Connections, Inc.
City Connections is more than one nonprofit—it’s a hub for compassion in action. Jeff explains it this way:
“City Connections has three or four different pieces, all focused on helping people rebuild their lives and meet real needs.”
Their Core Programs Include:
Hunger Relief Army – Volunteer-powered food packing events that produce nutritious meals for Arkansans facing hunger
Operation Restore – A missional employment program for people coming out of prison or rehab, providing not just jobs, but back-to-work kits with clothing, hygiene items, and essentials
Nonprofit Hub – Affordable office space helping small nonprofits grow from kitchen-table operations into fully functioning organizations
Monthly Educational Luncheons – Community learning events highlighting issues like human trafficking and how to be better advocates
“The camaraderie that happens when you’ve got an office full of people trying to change the world in their own way—that’s priceless.”
What Is the Hunger Relief Army?
At its heart, the Hunger Relief Army exists to engage volunteers of all ages to pack highly nutritious, great-tasting meals that are quickly distributed through church food pantries across Central Arkansas.
“It’s one of the few volunteer opportunities where everyone is invited to the table—kids, seniors, people who need to sit down, people who want to move fast.”
Why This Model Works
✔ Volunteers as young as 4–5 years old can help
✔ Seniors and those with mobility issues have seated roles
✔ Meals are ready for distribution within 1–2 days
✔ Churches already have the infrastructure to get food directly to families
Jeff put it simply:
“I sell parties. I give away food.”
The Impact (Yes… It’s Big)
843,000 meals packed in 2020 alone—during the pandemic
Annual growth year over year, reaching 618,000 meals in a recent year
47 packing parties in one year, engaging thousands of volunteers
One 90-minute event can pack 20,000 meals—feeding 20,000 people
“We don’t warehouse food. It goes on the trailer and comes right back off—usually within a day or two.”
The Food: Nutritious, Practical, and Actually Good
This isn’t bland emergency food. Every meal is fortified with protein, vitamins, and minerals, designed for real life.
Common Meals Packed Include:
Rice & Beans (complete protein, fast cooking)
Spanish Rice (a volunteer favorite)
Cheesy Rice
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Raisin Cinnamon Oatmeal
Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce
Dessert options (because joy matters, too)
“When a working mom gets home exhausted, she can have dinner ready in 20 minutes. That matters.”
Why Dignity Matters
This part of the conversation stopped me in my tracks.
“Every person is made in the image of God. When I serve a poor person, I’m serving Jesus himself. The question is—is what I’m giving good enough for Him?”
This philosophy shows up everywhere—from making sure the food tastes good, to offering laundry detergent, to respecting people without judgment.
Another Powerful Option: Laundry Detergent Packing Parties
Not every organization can fund a large food packing event—and that’s okay.
Jeff and his team also host Laundry Detergent Packing Parties, which are:
💲 Only $250 per event
👥 Perfect for 30–40 volunteers
📦 Produce 600+ single-use detergent packets
🚫 No hairnets, gloves, or aprons (a hit with teens and men!)
“Food stamps don’t buy soap. When someone gets laundry detergent, it’s like handing them gold.”
These detergent packs go to:
Homeless outreach programs
Tiny home communities
Church blessing boxes
Women & Children shelters
Operation Restore participants
Ways YOU Can Help
1. Host a Packing Party
Food or laundry detergent—churches, schools, businesses, clubs, youth groups welcome.
2. Be a Host Location
Have a gym or fellowship hall but no budget? You can still help by offering space.
Link your Kroger card to City Connections and donate while you shop.
5. Pray, Encourage, Share
Support doesn’t always require money—prayers and encouragement matter.
6. Connect a Food Pantry
If your church has a pantry and isn’t on Jeff’s list yet—reach out. Food is always given at no cost to distribution partners.
Want to Get Involved?
Jeff makes it easy:
“Call me. Text me. Email me. I’ll bring you food.”
You can also:
Follow City Connections Inc on Facebook
Watch packing party videos
Message me directly and I’ll connect you
Final Thought
“I’ve only got one life to spend—and I want to spend it on something that matters.”
That’s exactly why this organization is the perfect place to start the Charity Spotlight project. If you’re looking for a way to serve that’s meaningful, practical, joyful, and deeply human—this is it.
Arkansas Charity Spotlight 