Feed the Body, Feed the Soul

Oshkosh Corporation is committed to helping fight poverty — and that starts right at home. Each year, Feed the Body, Feed the Soul brings together over 1,200 volunteers worldwide to pack more than 250,000 pounds of food staples for those in need, all while feeding the souls of our volunteers with live music.

Working together to
drive change

Thanks to the support of our team members and community partners, we're working together to drive meaningful change to help those fighting food insecurities. Each year, Oshkosh team members and community volunteers worldwide unite to package essential food items for distribution to local food pantries.

Event Overview

Worldwide, 28% of people face food insecurity — and among them, two million are children who go to bed hungry each night. Thanks to the generosity of Oshkosh and our sponsors, staple food products are purchased and packaged into smaller bags. Local and national food banks then work to deliver these products to those in need.

Our dedicated volunteers bring passion and energy to this effort, working to the sound of live music as they give their time to a meaningful cause. We're deeply thankful for their contributions.

Feed the Body, Feed the Soul reflects a core Oshkosh value: We are better together. When team members, partners and community members unite around a shared purpose, we can make a greater impact and help strengthen the communities where we live and work. What began as a single event has grown into a cherished tradition across our portfolio and in communities around the world — bringing people together to serve others and make a lasting difference.

Maryland Food Bank was grateful to be a part of the event, and proud to participate in such a great display of volunteerism supporting the needs of our hungry neighbors in Western Maryland. Working with the team at JLG and Oshkosh was an incredible experience and we look forward to where this partnership leads in the future.”

Doug Vitro, Senior Manager Volunteer Program, Maryland Food Bank

This event is fantastic! Thank you all. For once, we will have premium products to offer to people in need, especially teenagers. We never have fancy products for them. It's not because you are poor that you are not allowed to get something fun or fancy for breakfast, right?”

Miguel Martinez, President, Banque Alimentaire of the Region

I love the comradery of this event. The energy and positive attitudes made the day amazing!”

Feed the Body, Feed the Soul Volunteer

Feed the Body, Feed the Soul represents what’s possible when a community chooses to act with purpose. Every pound packed is more than food on a shelf, it’s stability for a family, dignity for a neighbor and strength for our entire region.”

Liz Wollenberg, Chief Systems and Strategy Officer, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin

What makes Feed the Body, Feed the Soul extraordinary isn’t just the food we pack — it’s the hearts of the volunteers who show up ready to serve.”

Jodie Larsen, Vice President of Community Engagement, Oshkosh Corporation

We get several things like rice, beans and pasta. We’ve been a beneficiary of this event for years, and it makes a huge difference. This year with the supply chain issues these items were essential.”

Marty Lee, Executive Director of Waushara County Food Pantry

Oshkosh, WI Hagerstown, MD Tonneins, France

Our roots in Oshkosh, WI

Feed the Body, Feed the Soul began in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, home to Oshkosh Corporation’s global headquarters. Rooted in community wellbeing, the initiative goes beyond products to care for neighbors in need. In partnership with Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin, volunteers pack food alongside live music — fostering connection, energy and shared purpose in the fight against hunger.

Two employees at Oshkosh Feed the Body, Feed the Soul event 2025

Growing the mission

In 2024, JLG and Jerr-Dan teams launched Feed the Body, Feed the Soul in Hagerstown, Maryland. 200 volunteers packed 1,300 bags of pasta — totaling 26,000 pounds — to support families facing food insecurity. The event marked a meaningful expansion, powered by teamwork, generosity and a shared commitment to all of the communities where we live and work.

Group of employees at Hagerstown FTBFTS event 2025

Going global

In Tonneins, France, JLG-Oshkosh hosted Feed the Body, Feed the Soul in support of Banque Alimentaire du Lot-et-Garonne, an organization working to reduce hunger and food waste in the Lot-et-Garonne region. 86 volunteers transformed 1.4 tons of cereal into 2,900 breakfast packs. With live music and strong local support from JLG leadership and the mayor, the day strengthened community bonds and supported vulnerable neighbors with care.

Group of employees at France Feed the Body, Feed the Soul event 2025

Frequently asked questions

How do I register?

Registration is done through SignUpGenius. When a link is available, it can be found at the top of this page.

Are children able to participate?

Because of the work that is to be done, we ask they be 10 years of age or older to participate.

What should I wear to the event?

This is a packing event, so please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. No open toe shoes, hanging jewelry or anything that may fall into the product we are packing. If you have long hair, please bring a hair tie to contain. Other equipment such as hairnet, gloves and aprons will be provided at the event. If you prefer to wear a baseball hat in place of a hairnet, you may do so, as long as long hair is still secured. Volunteers will receive a complimentary Feed the Body, Feed the Soul t-shirt that can be worn at the event.

What should I bring?

Everything you need will be provided and we recommend that you leave all valuables behind as you will not be able to use them while packing.

Can I take photos?

There will be a photo area set up for you to grab a photo of your team. We will also be taking photos during the event. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let our team know upon arrival.

When is the date set?

Typically Feed the Body, Feed the Soul occurs in the fall. Look for dates to be announced early in the calendar year.

Does this work require heavy lifting?

There are some tasks that require lifting of boxes. If you are unable to do so, just let your table know so we can assign you a task that does not require heavy lifting.

Can I sit while volunteering?

There are some accommodations we can make for you to sit during the packing event, however many of the tasks involve some walking and standing. While we would love to have everyone come, if you have difficulty standing or walking within a two-hour period, it may be best for you look for other opportunities to participate.

What if I am not feeling well?

While we would love to have you pack with us, if you are feeling ill, please stay home, we want to keep everyone safe.

What safety protocols are in place?

At all times, we take your safety seriously. We eliminate trip hazards, safe walkways and even look to follow CDC guidance on illnesses. However, we also depend on you to watch out for your neighbors and yourself as we do have equipment in the area to assist with the packing process. A first aid representative is on hand for all shifts in case you need them. Watch for updates on safety procedures in our pre-event communications.

What are the costs to participate?

There are no costs to participate, we just ask the participation of your time and talent.

Thank you 2025 sponsors

Your generosity makes this event possible and a success.

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

Learn more

For questions or information about volunteering or hosting your own event, please reach out to our community engagement team at [email protected].

Learn about our impact on the world

Learn about our philanthropy

Discover careers at Oshkosh

Our website uses cookies