Another project is the Packaged Meals Program. There are two different meals at this time, and both provide valuable protein and nutrients. One meal is the Rice Pilaf, which consists of soy protein, seasonings, and rice. This can either be assembled by hand or with a machine. The packaging system in the Distribution Center produces about 9,000 meals an hour in a sealed bag. The cooking directions are printed in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Romanian. Currently Rice Pilaf is shipped to Haiti, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, as well as locations within the United States.
The other Packaged Meal is the Barley Vegetable Soup, which is also a one-pot meal made with dried ingredients. It consists of barley, rice, soy protein, dehydrated vegetables, and seasonings. This is assembled by hand. Soup kits, consisting of enough ingredients to assemble 1000 bags of soup, are available at the Fairbury Distribution center for others to pick up and assemble at their own locations. The finished product can then be returned to the Fairbury center or distributed to local food pantries.
