This summer I spent what was actually nine weeks but felt like
no time at all working at First Congregational Church as part of their Food
Justice Ministries. I learned that every day can be completely different for a
nonprofit and had the chance to do a little bit of everything, from typical
tasks such as ladling out soup to unexpected undertakings such as preparing to
move the entire organization into a new space and researching a variety of cold
storage options for that space. In this way, I had the perfect opportunity not
only to cultivate valuable personal and professional skills such as flexibility
and vision, but also to gain insight about the multifaceted efforts of
nonprofits, including how they network with other organizations and businesses
in order to provide for the individuals they serve.
As you might expect, I also had a great time discovering all
sorts of things about food. By learning about gardening and beekeeping as well
as food preparation, I participated in a simple version of the process
connecting farms and tables and subsequently began to recognize the value of
small farmers and generally knowing where my food comes from. By engaging in
discussions about food deserts and other significant problems but also
interacting daily with people in need, I discovered a lot about both the big
picture and the individual consequences related to that picture. Finally, by
attending weekly meeting with other fellows, I observed a significant number of
other social issues that tie into food insecurity here in Memphis and the food
system in general. For example, a lack of transportation can effectively
necessitate fast food, and there are definite links between improper
nourishment and health difficulties such as diabetes.
Last but not least, this summer I really connected with Memphis.
I ate at a whole list of restaurants based on recommendations from my Memphian
coworkers, trekked to locations off the beaten path and got lost once or twice,
and attended events such as PechaKucha Night, where a number of qualified
presenters each lectured for several minutes about their experiences with food.
I even had the chance through weekly meetings to take my first bus ride downtown,
to visit the Civil Rights Museum and discuss contemporary race relations in
Memphis, and to meet with the leader of a local school focused on core values
as well as quality education for every student. Above all, I experienced
firsthand both pride and hope for Memphis and had the chance to interact with a
diverse range of local individuals, even if they were extremely different from
me and our initial attempts at conversation were a bit awkward.
Ironically
enough, all of this activity led to a lot of reflection. To return to the first
of so many discussions that were part of this year’s Summer Service
Fellowship, I now believe that I am called to serve because I want to actively influence
a societal transition from where we are now to more equitable and ethical circumstances,
and I feel empowered to do just that after working at a nonprofit that daily
benefits additional individuals. Moreover, this summer I witnessed that
community service, especially in relation to the issue of food justice, is
immensely important simply because it touches everyone, regardless of church or
other affiliations. We all participate in distinct ways in overarching systems
such as the food industry, and while I am so glad to have learned all this in a
city such a Memphis whose culture is so closely connected to food, I know that the
lessons of the last two months will affect me for years to come and in a
variety of other settings.
No comments:
Post a Comment