Feeding South Florida
“We packed 14,331 lbs of food which will feed 11,645 meals.”
Lynne, Pembroke Park, USA
1 August 2026 · Fulbright at 80
Celebrating the first Global Day of Service
One day. Six continents. Seventeen time zones.
Fulbrighters and friends from 35 countries led 120 service projects in their own communities.
The day in numbers
120
Projects
35
Countries represented
6
Continents
104
Cities and towns
17
Time zones
55%
of projects outside the US
Voices and impact from the day
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The moment I’ll never forget was after the sessions had ended. A young girl came up to one of our volunteers and quietly said:
“I didn’t know someone like me could become that.”
That one sentence made the whole day worthwhile. It helped a child see new possibilities for her own future.
The Living Library Project
Where it happened
120 projects in 104 cities and towns. Click any pin to see the project.
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Explore by theme
Five kinds of service, each chosen locally.
11,645
meals from 14,331 lbs of food packed in South Florida alone
Reported by organisers
Chapters across the US stocked pantries, prepared meals and fed shelter residents, alongside alumni cooking for hospital families in Panama.
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Greater LA Chapter x Hope the Mission
“Working side by side in the food prep line, felt like Senator Fulbright’s vision made tangible.”
Valerie, Van Nuys, USA
QLU Fulbright Scholars Cooking and Feeding Hope in Panama
“Most family members of patients in public hospitals come from the provinces of Panama and some of them may not have the resources to buy a meal. Seeing their happy faces was the most memorable moment.”
Oscar, Panama City, Panama
Nazareth Housing's Food Pantry Distribution
“Most memorable moment: communicating with seniors through service and big smiles, even though we didn't speak each other's languages.”
Carmen, New York, USA
Volunteer at the San Antonio Food Bank
“It felt amazing to do something for our community.”
Maria Veronica, San Antonio, USA
What it meant
Explore reflections in participants’ own words.
“The day of service made me reflect on the value of collaboration and willingness to serve.”
“It was encouraging to see volunteers from different backgrounds come together with a shared purpose of giving back to the community.”
“When we unite in service, we not only meet immediate needs but also build stronger, more connected communities.”
“I really enjoyed the collective work with the other Fulbrighters.”
FROM THE FULBRIGHT ASSOCIATION
Messages from the Fulbright Association
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Every person has a unique story, along with skills and gifts they have chosen to share with the world. Opportunity comes with a responsibility to give back, and service is one way we can honor that responsibility. Seeing so many people taking part filled me with hope and reminded me how much we can accomplish when we come together. I feel proud of our community and grateful for everyone who took part. This year was only the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what we make possible together in the years ahead.
Fulbright Association board members on 1 August
Fun facts
Things we didn’t expect to learn from one day.
Talsi, Latvia
Fulbrighters spent their day of service working on a roof.
“Mutual understanding, it turns out, is built one roof beam and one small gift at a time.” Elīna, Dižstende Idea Manor
21
projects in the Philippines, more than any other country outside the US.
More than 1 in 4
reflections came from teachers. Educators carried the day.
7 tons
of food (14,331 lbs) packed by one chapter in South Florida in a single shift.
“Fulbright konstwi lavni.”
Children in Camp-Perrin, Haiti made up their own chant: “Fulbright builds the future.”
A big thank-you to everyone who joined us who isn’t a Fulbrighter.
Among them: a pastry chef in New Orleans, a 22-year-old founder in Nigeria and a doctor in Benin, who now wants to become a Fulbrighter.
Who showed up
1 in 3
projects were led by community organizations, partners and friends of Fulbright, not only Fulbrighters.
Led by
17 Fulbright Association chaptersFulbright Commissions80+ local partners
Alumni of 10+ programs, serving together
FLTATEAILEPHumphreyForeign StudentDAIETAGlobal UGradOPENYoung Leaders Program
Took part on 1 August? Share your story.
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