Feed the Body, Feed the Soul

2025 event details

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025
7:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.
SUNNYVIEW EXPO CENTER, OSHKOSH

Group of volunteers packing at the 2024 Feed the Body, Feed the Soul packing event in Oshkosh

Working together to
drive change

Oshkosh Corporation is committed to helping fight poverty — and that starts right at home. Since 2017, Feed the Body, Feed the Soul has brought together over 1,000 volunteers to pack more than one million pounds of food staples for those in need, all while feeding the soul with live music. Thanks to the support of our team members and community partners, we’re working together to drive meaningful change.

Group of volunteers at the 2024 Feed the Body, Feed the Soul packing event in Oshkosh

Event Overview

Each year, Oshkosh team members and community volunteers unite to package essential food items for distribution to local food pantries. In Northeast Wisconsin, the region where Oshkosh is headquartered, one in eight people face food insecurity — and among them, one in six are children who go to bed hungry each night.

Through our partnership with Feeding America and its affiliates, food products — purchased thanks to the generosity of sponsors — are secured and delivered 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 is a cherished tradition at Oshkosh Corporation and has grown across our portfolio into other regions. We look forward to coming together again this September. We hope to see you there!

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

At 'Feed the Body, Feed the Soul,' we came together to do more than pack food — we shared hope, compassion and a belief that every meal makes a difference. It was a powerful reminder that a small act of kindness can nourish more than just hunger.”

Emily Bryan, Senior Marketing Specialist, JLG

I love to volunteer for Feed the Body, Feed the Soul because it's giving back and taking care of families right in our area. The fun music is an added bonus that keeps me coming back!”

Devon Hudak, Executive Assistant, ARC Contracting

With the proceeds from the Feed the Body, Feed the Soul event, our food pantry partners have been able to provide a consistent offering of nutritious food staples to families facing hunger.”

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

I am in awe of the volunteers who come out every year to help us pack staple food items. The commitment of volunteers making a difference in our community is truly humbling.”

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

Schedule

Runs from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
in two-hour shifts:

Shift 1: 7:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.
Shift 2: 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Shift 3: 12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Shift 4: 2:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Shift 5: 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.

*This schedule applies only to the Oshkosh, Wisconsin event.

Two female volunteers at the 2024 Feed the Body, Feed the Soul packing event in Oshkosh

Group of JLG volunteers at the 2024 Feed the Body, Feed the Soul packing event in Hagerstown

Feeding more,
reaching further

In Hagerstown, Maryland, our JLG and Jerr-Dan businesses hosted their first Feed the Body, Feed the Soul event — marking a powerful expansion of the initiative. In November 2024, a team of 200 dedicated volunteers came together to pack 1,300 boxes of pasta, totaling an incredible 26,000 pounds. This effort supported local families in need and reflected our continued commitment to making a difference in the communities where we live and work. What began as a single initiative has grown into a movement of generosity and connection.

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, please reach out to our community engagement team at [email protected].

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