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AGRON/ENVS/FSHN 342: World Food Issues: Past and Present

Today was most likely my last shift with the free market team for the rest of the semester. A lot has changed from two weeks ago when I last assisted with the market. We were tasked to sort through food, to pick out food that is not exactly good to eat. After sorting, we had to bag up all the foods; fruit, vegetables, breads, meats etc. Unfortunately our regulars were unable to pick their favorite foods due to the pandemic that has taken over. We were extra cautious with sanitation, making sure to use hand sanitizer, and change gloves regularly, and washing our hands. Since our regulars couldn't walk through the market, we had to bring all of the bags of food to handout at a safe distance at the entrance. No body, besides volunteers are allowed down stairs due to the safety of the food.

As we were preparing free market foods, the prep team was also preparing to-go meals as well. They prepped brisket with cubed potatoes and sweet potatoes, fruits and dessert. I was fortunate to take one meal home and eat it for dinner. My sister was able to come to town with me this weekend and she also had the opportunity to volunteer. She really enjoyed it, even though it was a little extra work than a regular free market shift. As a little thank you, we were also able to grab some cookies on our way out.

I can say I was extremely grateful to have gotten the chance to help so much of our community during this global crisis. We prepped over 120 bags of each food group, and served over 90 with the free market.

Gave 4.00 hours on 03/30/2020 with ISU GivePulse
AGRON/ENVS/FSHN 342: World Food Issues: Past and Present

Last Saturday morning I volunteered possibly for my last shift at Food at First this semester. I was able to let Carol know, one of the free market coordinators on Friday, that I was scheduled for a prep team member at 9:30 Saturday, but would volunteer to help her in the market at 8:30 am since she was short on confirmed volunteers for the day. I ended up staying in the Free market for the duration of my hours. It was such a rewarding experience as I was able to greet everyone who walked past my station, and give them a loving smile, and offer assistance. One regular commented that she looks forward to seeing me when I volunteer, she said I have a beautiful smile. Another lady said the same, and it was just such a warm and loving environment there on Saturday.

Due to ISU moving to online classes for the duration of the semester, ISU dining had a lot of prepared foods to donate, which was amazing for all of our customers who came through. Some of the salads and sandwiches, we were able to give up to 5 per person. Everyone was so thankful, and it was great to see the impact we had on their day.

I look forward to the next time I can volunteer again!

Gave 3.00 hours on 03/14/2020 with ISU GivePulse
AGRON/ENVS/FSHN 342: World Food Issues: Past and Present

Last Friday evening, I volunteered at Food at First for dinner service and clean up. I was put in charge of serving dessert that evening and we served a fruit cobbler, brownies, and various types of ice cream! It is always so wonderful to volunteer there. Even after a few shifts I feel like I have made so many new friends and the regulars there are always so welcoming. I enjoy every time I have the chance to volunteer here.

Gave 2.00 hours on 03/13/2020 with ISU GivePulse
AGRON/ENVS/FSHN 342: World Food Issues: Past and Present

Monday evening I volunteered at Food at First as a serve and clean-up member. During the beginning I was helping out by finishing the soup, and sandwiches for dinner. After preparing, we served dinner. They were so kind as to allow me to eat a meal after serving. While eating I conversed with some of the patrons who were eating as well. After eating, we cleaned up the dining room by sweeping and mopping the floors and cleaning the tables.

Gave 2.00 hours on 03/02/2020 with ISU GivePulse
AGRON/ENVS/FSHN 342: World Food Issues: Past and Present

I volunteered for another opening shift at the shop today! I opened the shop with a key and reorganized a little bit, then I worked on homework throughout the duration of the shift. Since there was no one to alleviate me, I was tasked to close the shop until the next volunteer arrives. This means I put the table and chairs away, turn off the lights, and lock the door.

Gave 1.00 hour on 03/02/2020 with ISU GivePulse
AGRON/ENVS/FSHN 342: World Food Issues: Past and Present

Tonight was my first shift at Food at First serving and cleaning up after a meal service. When I arrived we were tasked to divide up fruit salad into serving cups. After that it was time to serve dinner. We served helpings of chicken and vegetarian style Shepard's Pie. After serving dinner, the other volunteers and the coordinators were able to eat some of the prepared food. We then cleaned up by doing dishes, wiping tables, sweeping, taking out garbages. At the end of the shift I was also tasked with folding some clothing donations and placing them on a table for anyone to look through and take what they need. After everyone of the customers had left, we put up chairs and clocked out.

Gave 2.00 hours on 03/01/2020 with ISU GivePulse
AGRON/ENVS/FSHN 342: World Food Issues: Past and Present

Today I volunteered at Food at First. This was a morning shift in the free market that they offer a few times a week! Within the first hour or so upon arriving, I was tasked with bagging and boxing pastries, filling containers with perishable left over foods like rice, pork, and beans. As time went on we the other volunteers and I were responsible for organizing loads coming in from various stores around Ames. We had to sort and place fruits and vegetables, and pre-packaged sandwiches and salads on the tables that made up the free market. Those who were there to receive food were given numbers to come through the line of the market. I was placed in the fruit section to inform customers how many of each item they could take. It was so amazing to see everyone come together to arrange this resource and be behind the scenes of it all and make a difference in everyone's days. After everyone had gone through the line, the other volunteers and myself had to clean the tables, racks, and bread racks that were in the room. We also had to reorganize the bread racks so that it looked organized and presentable.

Gave 3.00 hours on 02/29/2020 with ISU GivePulse
AGRON/ENVS/FSHN 342: World Food Issues: Past and Present

Today I volunteered at the SHOP again. I was tasked to open the shop today which means unlocking the door with a key that I checked out from the Food Science and Human Nutrition Office. After unlocking the door I had to give the key back. When I returned to the SHOP I set out the table and logged my hour on the volunteer sheet. I always love coming back to volunteer for the SHOP simply because my presence is making an impact if anyone decides to walk through the door.

Gave 1.00 hour on 02/26/2020 with ISU GivePulse
AGRON/ENVS/FSHN 342: World Food Issues: Past and Present

Tonight I volunteered with SHOP at Sustainapalooza in the Memorial Union. It was so much fun to connect with everyone of the patrons who were all so interested in a common interest, sustainability. As a booth member, I spread the word and the mission about SHOP and how many more people can spread the word and get involved with addressing food insecurity on campus. We were responsible for talking with viewers and telling them about our "Mobile SHOP". We had pre-made goody bags with non perishable instant pasta dishes, as well as bags that were filled with hygiene and toiletry products. We made it a statement that this is a no questions asked food pantry, and many can utilize it for their needs at a certain time, or for a duration of time. It was great to see so many new faces and share passions about helping our community.

Gave 2.00 hours on 02/25/2020 with ISU GivePulse

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