Food for Thought

Today, we visited the Atlanta Community Food Bank where we actively learned more about food poverty.  We were given a tour of the warehouse, learning about what types of products are in demand and how food is given to distribution points throughout the city.  Then, we engaged in a quick 101 class on what exactly defines food poverty and different methods to alleviate it, such as food stamp programs.  Then, we worked in the warehouse with multiple volunteers, sorting out and packaging food.  We were definitely surprised by the humble roots of ACFB and how it has developed into a staple of the community, creating programs to address all needs of the community, such as the Kids in Need program to help local teachers obtain much needed school supplies for the classroom.

During our volunteer work, we got to meet a lot of great people, learning more and more about the community.  In particular, there was a group of volunteers that were at the Food Bank twice a week for the past 16 months.  Their joy and sheer dedication to volunteering gave us a new perspective on the importance of giving back to the community and sharing our experiences with others.  With communication, we can spread awareness of important issues and get more and more people involved in preventing food poverty.  After a long day of packing and sorting vegetables, we went to Sweetwater Creek Park in Atlanta and had a group walk, taking in a little more of this great community.  Day 4 of 6, in the books.

-Will