Day 2 of Experience Learning

Today was my second day of volunteering over at the Trinity Lutheran Church's Food Pantry. When I first arrived I was greeted by Wanda who is one of the main volunteers and organizers for the food pantry. Like I have mentioned before, this specific food pantry only expects a small number of families each time they are open (about 20 to 25 families).

Since it is a smaller food pantry each customer can only come to collect food once a month. It is getting closer and closer to the end of the month and therefore we thought that many more families would be coming to visit today, but unfortunately we only served about 10 families. During the times we weren't helping out customers we separated out fresh produce: oranges, apples, potatoes, and eggplants. We also helped package bags with dry goods. There are two different kinds of bags this food pantry hands out. One type of bag is for clients who have a residence where they can cook. Another is for a person without an established which is called a "homeless bag." One goal the food pantry is trying to do is get away from using the word "homeless." In a place that they are trying to create as a comforting and welcoming place, they really want to steer away from categorizing these people and making them feel like a target.

Once a month the Trinity Lutheran Church puts on a community dinner, which is open to the public. It is free and is just a way to get to know other community members and share stories. Last night was their January dinner, so we helped make decorations and table settings for the event. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the dinner, but I am hoping next month I will be able to go and possibly bring a few of my roommates to join.