Shenandoah Amereihn, better known as Meep, is a freshman at Forest Park High School who has made a lasting impact at *So What Else* (SWE) this summer. Since June, Meep has wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to give back to her community by volunteering her time and talents to SWE’s mission of service.
Meep’s journey at SWE began with a simple yet crucial task: folding clothes at SWE’s Resource Storefront, Baltimore’s entirely free thrift store that provides clothing for men, women, and children of all sizes and needs. But her contributions quickly expanded as she showed her willingness to pitch in wherever help was needed. From assisting with food distribution to maintaining the tidiness of the resource area, Meep proved to be a reliable and hardworking volunteer.
One of Meep’s standout contributions this summer has been her involvement in a community mural project. When SWE staff decided to transform the hallways of the Resource Center into a vibrant, collaborative mural celebrating Baltimore, Meep was ready to roll up her sleeves. Working alongside other volunteers, Meep helped design and sketch the paint-by-number system that would guide future participants in bringing the mural to life. Her artistic input was a key element in making this project not only a creative endeavor but also a meaningful representation of the local community.
Meep’s commitment to service didn’t stop there. Her passion for giving back inspired her entire family—her mother, father, and brother—who now volunteer with SWE multiple times a week. It’s a testament to Meep’s leadership and the way she embodies the spirit of service.
Most recently, Meep has taken on an even greater responsibility, reaching out to local businesses and community members to gather donations for SWE. Her proactive approach and her constant question, “So what else can I do to help?” have made a significant impact on expanding SWE’s reach and capacity to serve those in need.
Meep’s dedication, positivity, and unwavering commitment to helping others serve as an inspiration to all of us. Thank you, Meep, for being such a bright light in the SWE community and for embodying the very essence of service and generosity.
In 2009, our nonprofit began with a simple yet powerful mission: to provide after-school and summer camp programs for underserved communities in the DMV area. For ten years we thrived, creating a safe and enriching environment for countless children. However, when the pandemic hit, everything changed. We found ourselves at a crossroads, asking our youth communities the question: “What else can we do to help?”
With food initially intended for our programs and a pressing need in our community, we decided to pivot to the most basic of needs . What started as a few tents setups for food pickups quickly grew into something much larger. By transforming our resources and operations, we began distributing meals to our children and their families, addressing a profound need that the pandemic had increased. In delivering to those original communities more folks came out and more communities had needs.
Fast forward four years, and we’ve achieved something remarkable: 75,000,000 meals provided to those in need. This monumental effort has become one of our most significant impacts, reflecting our unwavering commitment to our community. Our team works tirelessly, day and night, to rescue good food and ensure it reaches the people who need it most. While our resources are limited, our dedication and compassion know no bounds.
The need for our services continues to grow, and to meet this demand, we rely on the support of our communities and beyond. Your contributions, whether in-kind or monetary, are crucial. They support us to sustain our mission, expand our reach, and provide essential resources to those who need them most.
In these challenging times, our story is a testament to the power of adaptability, community, and compassion. Together, we can continue to make a difference, one meal at a time!
We are asking you to support this transformational food effort and help us sustain the infrastructure and proven programs and partnerships we have stood up.
https://sowhatelse.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Image_20240823_183340_064-rotated.jpeg40323024Valeria Fuenteshttps://sowhatelse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/logo-img-300x300.pngValeria Fuentes2024-09-04 16:41:542024-09-13 20:47:58Our Hunger Relief Story: How We Served 75 million Meals in 4 Years
Hunger remains a pressing issue in communities worldwide. However, local farms and businesses play a crucial role in combating this problem through partnerships with food banks. These collaborations are vital in ensuring that food is distributed effectively and efficiently to those in need. This blog explores how these partnerships work, their benefits, and how they make a significant impact on fighting hunger.
The Role of Local Farms in Supporting Food Banks
Local farms are the backbone of many food banks’ supply chains. Here’s how they contribute:
Direct Donations: Farms often donate fresh produce, dairy products, and meats. These items are essential as they provide nutritious food options that food banks need to support a balanced diet for recipients.
Regular Supply: Many farms establish regular donation schedules, ensuring a consistent flow of fresh goods. This helps food banks manage their inventory better and plan distribution more effectively.
Seasonal Produce: Farms contribute seasonal fruits and vegetables, offering a variety of options throughout the year. This seasonal variety helps prevent food banks from relying on processed foods and allows them to provide diverse food options.
How Businesses Can Support Food Banks
Businesses, whether large or small, can also make significant contributions. Here’s how:
Financial Contributions: Monetary donations from businesses allow food banks to purchase necessary items in bulk and cover operational costs. These funds are crucial for maintaining food bank operations.
Product Donations: Businesses in various sectors, such as retail, manufacturing, and restaurants, can donate surplus goods, packaged foods, or prepared meals.
Volunteering: Many businesses encourage their employees to volunteer at local food banks, providing both labor and community engagement.
The Benefits of Partnering with Food Banks
Partnerships between local farms, businesses, and food banks offer numerous advantages:
Community Impact: These partnerships help ensure that food is available to those in need, reducing hunger and improving overall community well-being.
Resource Optimization: Farms and businesses can reduce food waste by donating surplus or unsellable items, which are otherwise discarded.
Enhanced Visibility: Participating in food bank partnerships can enhance the visibility and reputation of farms and businesses as community-focused entities.
Strengthened Relationships: Collaborations build stronger ties within the community, fostering goodwill and cooperation among local stakeholders.
Challenges and Solutions in Partnering with Food Banks
Partnering with food banks offers numerous benefits, but it also comes with its set of challenges. Understanding these challenges and finding effective solutions can help ensure that these partnerships are successful and impactful. Here’s a closer look at some common issues and how they can be addressed:
Logistics and Transportation
Challenge: Coordinating the transportation of food from farms and businesses to food banks can be complex. This includes scheduling pickups, managing routes, and ensuring that the food arrives in a timely manner and in good condition.
Problem Areas:
Timing: Aligning donation schedules with food bank needs.
Capacity: Ensuring transportation resources can handle the volume of donations.
Condition: Maintaining food quality during transit.
Solution: Implementing streamlined logistics processes and working closely with local transportation providers can help address these challenges.
Steps to Improve Logistics:
Partnerships with Transportation Services: Collaborate with local logistics companies or trucking services to facilitate efficient transportation.
Optimized Routing: Use route optimization software to ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries.
Scheduling Coordination: Set up regular schedules for pickups and deliveries to maintain consistency and reliability.
Food Safety and Quality
Challenge: Ensuring that donated food meets safety and quality standards is crucial. This involves maintaining proper storage conditions and verifying that the food is safe for consumption.
Problem Areas:
Storage Conditions: Keeping perishable items at the correct temperatures.
Quality Control: Checking for expiration dates and food safety issues.
Handling: Preventing contamination during sorting and distribution.
Solution: Adhering to stringent food safety guidelines and working closely with food banks can help ensure that donations are safe and high-quality.
Steps to Ensure Food Safety:
Compliance with Guidelines: Follow food safety regulations set by health authorities.
Training: Provide training for staff involved in handling and transporting food.
Inspection Procedures: Implement regular inspections and quality checks to ensure food safety.
Coordination
Challenge: Effective communication between farms, businesses, and food banks is essential for successful partnerships. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and inefficient operations.
Problem Areas:
Information Sharing: Keeping all parties informed about donation schedules and needs.
Conflict Resolution: Addressing issues or conflicts that arise promptly.
Alignment of Goals: Ensuring that all partners have a shared understanding of objectives and processes.
Solution: Establishing clear communication channels and holding regular meetings can help improve coordination and address any issues promptly.
Steps to Enhance Coordination:
Regular Meetings: Schedule frequent meetings to discuss logistics, expectations, and any challenges.
Communication Tools: Utilize communication platforms and project management tools to streamline information sharing.
Clear Agreements: Develop and document agreements outlining roles, responsibilities, and procedures to avoid misunderstandings.
By addressing these challenges with practical solutions, partnerships between local farms, businesses, and food banks can become more efficient and effective, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more resilient community effort to combat hunger.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in partnering with a food bank, here are steps you can take:
Contact Local Food Banks: Reach out to local food banks to understand their needs and how you can assist.
Organize Donation Drives: Set up food drives within your community or business to gather donations for food banks.
Volunteer Your Time: Offer to volunteer at food banks to help with sorting, packing, and distribution.
Promote Awareness: Use your platforms to raise awareness about the importance of food banks and encourage others to get involved.
Promoting Effective Partnerships: A Role for So What Else?
So What Else? is dedicated to fostering community-driven solutions to hunger and other pressing issues. By promoting effective partnerships between local farms, businesses, and food banks, So What Else? helps streamline efforts and amplify the impact of each contribution.
Why Partner with So What Else?:
Expertise: So What Else? has extensive experience in coordinating community partnerships and can offer guidance and support.
Network: Leverage our extensive network to connect with local farms and businesses interested in making a difference.
Resources: Access resources and tools to facilitate effective food bank partnerships and enhance your community impact.
How We Help:
Connecting Partners: We facilitate connections between farms, businesses, and food banks to build effective partnerships.
Providing Support: Offering logistical and operational support to ensure successful collaborations.
Raising Awareness: Promoting the importance of community involvement in fighting hunger through various channels.
For more information on how you can get involved or to explore partnership opportunities, visitSo What Else? and join us in making a difference in the fight against hunger.
For additional ways to give back to our charity click here.
Are you a business or a farm that is looking to partner with us? You can contact us directly by emailing; info@sowhatelse.org
Conclusion
By working together, local farms, businesses, and food banks can create a stronger, more resilient community. These partnerships not only help in addressing immediate food needs but also contribute to building a more connected and supportive society. Let’s continue to support and strengthen these collaborations to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
https://sowhatelse.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/download.jpg542880Geraldine Arandidhttps://sowhatelse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/logo-img-300x300.pngGeraldine Arandid2024-08-21 17:31:182024-08-21 17:32:40How Local Farms and Businesses Partner with Food Banks to Fight Hunger
The holiday season is a time of giving, reflection, and community. While many of us look forward to festive gatherings, sumptuous meals, and exchanging gifts, we mustit’s crucial to remember that not everyone has the same experience. For many individuals and families, the holidays can be stressfula period of stress and hardship, especially when basic needs like food are hard to come by. This is where food pantries play a vital role, providing essential support to those in need.
Volunteering at a food pantry during the holidays can significantly impact both the volunteers and the recipients. It fosters a sense of community, teaches empathy, and helps ensure that no one goes hungry during this special time of year. At So What Else, we are committed to supporting our communities by providing essential services, and we encourage everyone to get involved.
The Importance of Food Pantries
Food pantries are essential for communities, especially during the holidays, when the demand for their services often increases. They play a crucial role in supporting individuals and families who might otherwise struggle to obtain the necessary food they need. Food pantries serve multiple purposes, providing immediate relief not only immediate relief but also long-term support to those in need. Here are some of the key ways in which food pantries are vital:
Nutritional Support
One of the primary functions of food pantries is to ensure that individuals and families have access to healthy and nutritious food. This is especially important because:
Balanced Diets: They provide a variety of food items that contribute to balanced diets, including fresh produce, protein sources, and whole grains.
Health Benefits: Access to nutritious food helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, which are often linked to poor diet.
Child Development: Proper nutrition is critical for the growth and development of children, impacting their physical health, cognitive abilities, and academic performance.
Senior Health: For elderly individuals, a nutritious diet can improve health outcomes, reduce hospital visits, and enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals.
By providing essential nutritional support, food pantries help individuals lead healthier lives and reduce the burden on healthcare systems by providing essential nutritional support.
Emergency Relief
Food pantries offer immediate assistance to those experiencing financial difficulties, acting as a crucial safety net during times of crisis. This emergency relief is significant because:
Economic Hardship: Families facing unemployment, medical emergencies, or other financial setbacks can rely on food pantries to meet their basic needs.
Natural Disasters: In the aftermath of natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, or fires, food pantries provide essential supplies to those affected.
Seasonal Pressures: During the holidays, financial pressures can increase during the holidays due to additional expenses like gifts and celebrations, making food pantries’ support even more critical.
Pandemics: During global health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, food pantries have played a vital role in ensuring food security for many families impacted by job losses and economic instability.
The ability of food pantries to provide immediate relief helps stabilize families during challenging times and prevents further hardships.
Community Support
Food pantries create a sense of solidarity and mutual aid among community members, fostering a supportive environment. This community support is essential for several reasons:
Social Connections: Volunteering and participating in food pantry activities help build social connections and strengthen community bonds.
Empathy and Understanding: Interacting with those in need fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others, promoting a more compassionate community.
Resource Sharing: Food pantries often collaborate with other local organizations, schools, and businesses to share resources and expand their reach, enhancing the overall support network within the community.
Volunteer Opportunities: They provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups, allowing people to give back to their community and make a positive impact.
By fostering a sense of community and encouraging mutual aid, food pantries contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of the communities they serve.
The Impact of Volunteering
Volunteering at a food pantry has numerous benefits, not only for the recipients of the services but also for the volunteers themselves. These benefits extend beyond the immediate act of giving, creating a profound and lasting impact on both individuals and communities.
Making a Tangible Difference
One of the most significant impacts of volunteering at a food pantry is the direct contribution to the well-being of individuals and families in need. By sorting, packing, and distributing food, volunteers help ensure that no one goes hungry, especially during the holidays. This tangible difference is visible and immediate, providing nutritious meals to those who might otherwise go without.
Direct Support: Volunteers help provide essential food supplies to families and individuals facing food insecurity.
Nutritional Assistance: Ensuring that recipients receive healthy and balanced meals.
Immediate Relief: Offering a lifeline to those experiencing financial difficulties, especially during the holiday season.
Community Stability: Helping to stabilize the lives of vulnerable individuals and families by meeting a basic need.
Building Empathy and Understanding
Volunteering at a food pantry also helps build empathy and understanding. It allows volunteers to witness firsthand the challenges that others face, fostering a deeper awareness and compassion for those in need.
Personal Connection: Interacting with recipients can help volunteers understand their stories and struggles.
Breaking Down Barriers: Volunteering bridges gaps between different socioeconomic groups, promoting inclusivity.
Empathy Development: Volunteers gain a greater sense of empathy by seeing the direct effects of food insecurity.
Awareness: Increased awareness of the issues others facefaced by others can lead to more informed and compassionate communities.
Personal Growth
The act of volunteering provides an opportunity for personal growth and development. It allows individuals to step outside their comfort zones, take on new challenges, and learn valuable skills.
Skill Development: Volunteers can develop skills in areas such as food handling, organization, and customer service.
Confidence Building: Successfully contributing to a cause can boost self-esteem and confidence.
Sense of Accomplishment: Seeing the positive impact of their efforts provides a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Perspective: Volunteering offers a new perspective on life, often leading to a greater appreciation for what one has.
Community Engagement
Volunteering at a food pantry strengthens community bonds and fosters a culture of support and cooperation. It brings people together for a common cause, creating a network of individuals who are dedicated to helping one another.
Social Connections: Building relationships with fellow volunteers and recipients.
Community Spirit: Encouraging a spirit of giving and mutual support within the community.
Network Building: Creating a network of individuals and organizations working together to address food insecurity.
Collective Impact: Working as a group to make a larger impact than any one person could alone.
Why the Holidays?
The holidays are a particularly crucial time for food pantries because:
Increased demand: More families seek assistance due to financial pressures and holiday-related expenses.
Seasonal giving: The spirit of the season often motivates people to give and volunteer.
Emotional impact: Ensuring that everyone can celebrate with dignity and joy.
How You Can Get Involved
Getting involved with a food pantry like So What Else is simple and rewarding:
Find a local pantry: Locate a food pantry near you through our website.
Sign up to volunteer: Register for volunteer shifts, especially during peak times like weekends and holidays.
Donate food or funds: Contribute non-perishable food items or financial donations to support our efforts.
Spread the word: Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to get involved.
Volunteering Activities
Volunteering at a food pantry involves a variety of activities that are crucial to its operation. Each task you undertake plays a significant role in ensuring that the pantry runs smoothly and efficiently, ultimately helping to provide essential services to those in need. Here’s a closer look at some of the key activities you might engage in as a volunteer:
Sorting and Packing Food
Organizing Donations: One of the first tasks you’ll likely be involved in is sorting through donations. This involves checking the expiration dates, ensuring the quality of the food items, and categorizing them into different groups, such as canned goods, dry foods, and perishable items. This process is vital for maintaining the pantry’s inventory and ensuring that all food provided is safe and nutritious.
Preparing Food Packages: Once the donations are sorted, the next step is packing the food into boxes or bags for distribution once the donations are sorted. This may involve following specific guidelines to ensure that each package contains a balanced variety of food items. Packing food also means paying attention to the specific needs of different families, such as dietary restrictions or preferences, to make sure everyone receives suitable and helpful items.
Distributing Food
Handing Out Food Items: Distribution is a direct and impactful way to interact with the community. Volunteers often help set up distribution points, manage queues, and ensure an orderly and efficient process. You might be responsible for handing out food packages, and making sure that each individual or family receives the right amount and type of food.
Providing Assistance: Beyond just handing out food, volunteers also offer a listening ear and assistprovide assistance as needed. This could mean helping elderly individuals carry their packages, explaining the contents of the food parcels, or directing people to additional resources or services offered by the pantry or other local organizations.
Stocking Shelves
Maintaining Inventory: Keeping the pantry shelves stocked is an ongoing task. Volunteers ensure that all food items are properly shelved, labeled, and easily accessible. This involves rotating stock to make sure that older items are used first, organizing items logically and efficientlyin a logical and efficient manner, and continuously monitoring the inventory to identify any shortages.
Creating a Welcoming Environment: A well-stocked and organized pantry not only makes it easier for those in need to find what they are looking for but also creates a welcoming and dignified environment. Volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining this environment, making the pantry a positive space for all visitors.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Ensuring Cleanliness: Cleanliness is critical in a food pantry to ensure the safety and health of everyone who visits or works there. Volunteers help with regular cleaning tasks such as sweeping floors, wiping down surfaces, and ensuring that all areas, including storage rooms and distribution areas, are kept clean and sanitary.
Safety and Hygiene: Beyond general cleaning, maintaining hygiene standards is essential. This includes following specific protocols for food safety, such as proper handwashing, using gloves when handling food, and ensuring that all volunteers and visitors adhere to these standards. Volunteers also help with minor maintenance tasks to ensure that the facility is safe and operational.
Additional Volunteer Roles
Administrative Support: Some volunteers may assist with administrative tasks such as data entry, managing volunteer schedules, and updating inventory records. These tasks are essential for the pantry’s smooth operationsmooth operation of the pantry and help in planning and organizing future activities.
Community Outreach: Volunteers may also be involved in outreach activities, such as organizing food drives, spreading awareness about the pantry’s services, and building partnerships with local businesses and organizations to support the pantry’s efforts.
Conclusion
Volunteering at a food pantry during the holidays is a powerful way to make a difference in your community. It not only provides essential support to those in need but also enriches the lives of volunteers. At So What Else, we are committed to creating a world where everyone can has access to the resources they need to thrive. Join us this holiday season and help make a positive impact in the lives of others.
https://sowhatelse.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/food-bank-volunteer-1.jpg8921336Valeria Fuenteshttps://sowhatelse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/logo-img-300x300.pngValeria Fuentes2024-08-21 17:25:002024-08-21 17:33:37How Volunteering at a Food Pantry During the Holidays Can Make a Difference
When Oscar first arrived in the US from Nicaragua, he struggled to adjust for two main reasons: he had a hard time attaining resources such as food & clothing and he couldn’t speak English. Thankfully a neighbor told him about So What Else’s Saturday distributions and what they had to offer for people in need so he showed up.
So What Else was able to give him resources such as food, clothing, and household goods to get him off his feet. Because he found so much help there he continued coming to receive these resources. Eventually, he and his wife met our So What Else Metrics Director Ricardo Claros. As time went on, they developed a friendship with Ricardo and were able to receive help from him in other ways. When Oscar needed to search for a job, Ricardo gave him tips for doing so. Ricardo also helped him get his driver’s license.
Oscar wanted to help the organization and give back, so he became a volunteer and started to bring his sons to the distributions. Through So What Else, Oscar’s family was able to become self-sufficient and are now able to serve and give back to others in need. Oscar’s story is only one of many. Every person in every car in the pantry line has their own story. So What Else wants to continue impacting its clients positively and helping them to achieve independence and sustainability.
When Oscar first came to the US, he was told that it is everyone for themselves in America and that no one would want to help him. On the contrary, he now feels that thanks to the community that exists at So What Else- his family was able to overcome the many obstacles that came their way.
So What Else couldn’t help its clients thrive without its amazing volunteers, and are always looking for more. To sign up as a volunteer click here.
We are incredibly thankful for all our staff and volunteers to who help us do this incredible work!
https://sowhatelse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/logo-img-300x300.png00Valeria Fuenteshttps://sowhatelse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/logo-img-300x300.pngValeria Fuentes2024-08-07 18:54:462024-09-25 21:54:33Oscar’s Dream of Hope in America
Jonathan’s passion for acting didn’t ignite until high school. Surrounded by friends deeply immersed in theatre, he was captivated by their performances. The turning point came when he watched his friends in the high school’s Fiddler on the Roof production. Despite the heavy subject matter, Jonathan saw something magical on stage. “Yeah, that looks like a lot of fun,” he thought, feeling a spark of excitement and curiosity.
That summer, Jonathan took a leap of faith and joined a production of Guys and Dolls Jr. at Casa Mañana in Fort Worth, TX. The experience was transformative. He was hooked. The stage became his playground, and he felt a sense of belonging he had never experienced before.
Initially, Jonathan attended Georgia Tech University, pursuing a major in Materials Engineering. However, his heart wasn’t in it. At Georgia Tech, he joined DramaTech, the extracurricular theatre club, where he performed in The Count of Monte Cristo and played Dr. Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors. During this production of Little Shop, Jonathan had a moment of clarity: he wanted to dedicate his life to theatre. With newfound determination, he transferred to Texas Christian University to earn his BFA in Theatre with an emphasis in Musical Theatre.
Jonathan’s journey through over 40 productions, primarily musicals, has been marked by dedication and growth. Among all his roles, playing Will Bloom in Big Fish stands out. The character’s complex relationship with his father and the show’s touching moments resonated deeply with Jonathan, making it his favorite role.
Now, as an acting teacher, Jonathan finds immense joy in helping kids discover their passions. He cherishes the “Ah Ha!” moments when students grasp new concepts and feel the thrill of performance. Jonathan encourages his students to embrace fun and silliness, especially when new to acting. He believes in providing a broad overview of different techniques and helping each student find the methods that work best for them. His emphasis on thorough script analysis equips his students with a vital tool for their acting toolbox.
Jonathan constantly consumes various art forms—movies, TV shows, books, and live theatre to keep his skills sharp. He draws inspiration from these mediums and uses them as examples in his classes.
Jonathan’s advice to aspiring actors is twofold: First, keep an open mind and try everything in the theatre field. Whether set design, lighting, or performing in musicals, every skill contributes to a well-rounded theatre professional. Second, celebrate the success of your friends and peers. In a field filled with rejection and disappointment, choosing joy and supporting others fosters a positive and uplifting community.
Jonathan’s journey from a curious high school student to a dedicated actor and inspiring teacher is a testament to the power of following one’s passion. Through his story, he hopes to encourage others to take big swings, embrace the fun, and lift each other in the shared joy of theatre.
For more information on the theatre program we offer at So What Else click here.
https://sowhatelse.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Screen-Shot-2024-08-07-at-2.03.35-PM.png505375Valeria Fuenteshttps://sowhatelse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/logo-img-300x300.pngValeria Fuentes2024-08-07 18:04:202024-09-25 21:57:47From Spark to Stage: Jonathan’s Journey in Theatre and Teaching
At every Saturday Distribution, you can see the level of need increasing. With inflation rising and the general cost of living going up, people are resorting to seeking aid from a food rescue bank like us.
On Saturday, July 20, we served over 1600 clients! You can only imagine how busy that day was. We are so thankful for all the committed volunteers who come out every week to support our operations so we can provide for all of these clients. Recently, we conducted a survey and found that on average, for every client we serve on a Saturday distribution- they are using that food to feed approximately 4.2 people in their household. Talk about impact- that’s nearly 7000 people we serve from our Saturday distributions every week. Of course, every week may vary slightly depending on what we are able to acquire, but we are grateful for our partnerships with farms, wholesalers, and businesses that provide food for us to feed our communities.
Meet Leo Delgado, an employee on the So What Else Food Rescue Bank team. Leo has been working at So What Else as the volunteer coordinator for the last three and a half months. His responsibilities include finding and scheduling volunteers as well as introducing them to the organization.
Leo has been working for non-profits in the DMV for over 20 years. He appreciates the fact that So What Else has many services. In addition to food, So What Else offers youth development opportunities including camps and classes for theater and other skill sets. Leo feels that these programs “empower [the kids] to believe that anything’s possible.”
Leo, a DC native, values using his resources to help those locally.
“It just takes me back to my roots,” he said. “If I’m gonna give back somewhere, it’s giving back to [my] hometown, [my] own backyard.”
SO WHAT ELSE NEEDS COMMUNITY SUPPORT
“I think it’s important for organizations like this to move forward,” he said. “You need that continuity and commodity between the community because it truly does take a village to be a part of raising some of these kids that need the help and support.”
“A lot of these kids, especially in the sector that we’re helping out with, they need the support, they need the resources we’re a cornerstone for,” Leo said.
In honor of that spirit, I urge you to join our movement to help us continue feeding families in need. We launched our Love One Another Challenge to not only inspire a sense of service in our community, but also to help raise awareness of the need to fund food banks like us and our partners. We joined in partnership with other non-profits that are also doing tremendous work to address food insecurity- together, we can make a larger impact. This challenge is in collaboration with: Manna Food Center, Farmlink Project, The Food Project, and Mentoring Through Athletics
We are asking participants to challenge others to serve and make social media posts with the hashtag #LoveOneAnotherChallenge about their service experience.
We are inspired by the communities we serve and the diversity of cultures and languages that make up our staff, volunteers, students, and clients. In that commitment to service, we launched this challenge to engage others into action.
People can challenge others across the country and spread a movement of love, action and peace! If you choose to volunteer and/or donate with us or one of our amazing 4 non-profit partners that’s completely up to you! We just ask that you share your post with the #LoveOneAnotherChallenge so we can see it.
The predominant result of this challenge is multiplying acts of service and kindness and engaging regular people in the work of not for profits and other mission-driven businesses. Get involved, come together, lead with love, and join the human family.
For more information you can visit the website for the challenge here.
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