World record? 12,892 mac ‘n cheese boxes collected during Knock Down Hunger Challenge in Bowmanville

Kraft Dinner is about as Canadian as it gets and the organizers of the Knock Down Hunger Challenge at the Garnett Rickard Centre in Bowmanville collected plenty of them on Canada Day to try and break a world record while making sure no neighbour goes hungry.

The goal was 11,936 boxes of macaroni and cheese and by the time the counting was done and the cheering had abated they had done that and plenty more, with the Seeds of Hope Project team collecting 12,892 boxes of macaroni and cheese in a spectacular domino display – besting the old record by nearly a thousand boxes.

Now, organizers wait while the Guiness World Records folks do their due diligence as the Canada Day mac ‘n cheese attempt enters the official review process.

Organizers are preparing to submit all required evidence, including video footage, photographs, witness statements and official count verification for review before Guinness World Records determines whether or not the attempt will be officially recognized.

While official confirmation is pending, one thing is already certain: 12,892 boxes of macaroni and cheese will help fight hunger across the region, said Seeds of Hope founder Nancy LeBlanc.

“This event was always about much more than a world record” LeBlanc noted. “Whether or not Guinness confirms what we were able to accomplish, our community has already achieved something extraordinary. People from throughout Durham Region came together with one purpose – to help neighbours facing hunger – and that’s what really matters.”

Every box collected during the Knock Down Hunger Challenge has been donated to Feed the Need in Durham, where it will be distributed through local food banks and community partners to support children, families, seniors and individuals experiencing food insecurity.

LeBlanc said the Seeds of Hope Project organizers extends their thanks to every donor, volunteer, sponsor, community partner, participant and supporter who helped make the Knock Down Hunger Challenge an “unforgettable celebration of generosity, inclusion and community spirit.”