On Wednesday my work day was magical! Instead of going to the office, our team volunteered at the Alameda County Community Food Bank. I’ve always been told that I have a servant’s heart. Giving and helping makes my heart smile.
When we arrived we registered and went through an orientation. We entered double doors into this massive warehouse that was as clean and sterile as the Operating Room. My heart skipped a beat! I truly believe that cleanliness is next to godliness, especially when prepping and handling food to be distributed.
We put on latex gloves and manned a station. There was the apple station, the corn station, an onion station, and a potato station. We filled red mesh bags with the most beautiful and fresh produce to be distributed to those in need. I’ve never had so much fun bagging apples while the tunes of Bob Marley played in the background.
There were two other groups there with us. Not only did we get to do amazing work, but we got to meet some amazing people. After we were finished, we all went into a room where we watched a video to learn more about the food bank and how it works. The director gave some alarming statistics. He said that there was a huge population of residents that live in the county, living at, or below poverty level. In the Bay Area there is a huge crisis. Housing prices are absolutely ridiculous! When one has to choose PG&E over food, or mortgage/rent over food, there’s a real problem.
After our regroup, we toured this massive facility. We entered a 5000 sqft freezer. I’ve never felt anything so cold. During our tour we got to see first hand where the food goes. There were two ladies there picking up food for their church. It was awe-inspiring.
I recorded a few clips during my visit yesterday. Check out the video below.
If you live in the Bay Area and you’d like to volunteer at the Alameda County Community Food Bank, click on this link https://www.accfb.org/donate_adword/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInLi6_PnP3AIVBANpCh1mpwuFEAAYASAAEgKrsPD_BwE . If you don’t live locally, you can make a monetary donation. For every $1 donated, they provide $7 of nutritious food. If you don’t live locally, and can’t make it in to volunteer, find somewhere in your area where you can make a difference. Thank you Alameda County Community Food Bank for the work you’re doing in the community.
Until next time…💖