It felt like just yesterday that we learned what this organization was all about, but by Friday, our last day, we felt that we had developed a connection with the staff at Food and Friends.  Whether we were stuffing envelopes or sealing frozen meals, each member of our group felt appreciated.  Through our work this week is was apparent that Food and Friends developed significantly over its 22 years and knowing how to support its volunteers was a large part of that development.  Achieving a balance between accomplishing the organization’s mission and supporting volunteers is very difficult, but Food and Friends did this flawlessly.  The staff’s appreciation for volunteers and system for organizing volunteer tasks ensured that we would have a great experience as well as share in their mission to provide the best service for their clients.

I am proud of our group for working hard and being open to new experiences this week.  We took in quite a bit in six days, but each of us learned something new about ourselves, our nation’s capitol, and providing meals for those in need.  While some can’t wait to get back to their cars, others can’t wait to move to a large city.  All of us have certainly experienced enough cupcakes and frozen yogurt to last us awhile (or at least a couple days).  I am sure that our group will always remember this trip.  Thank you Ruth and Caitlyn for being awesome site leaders.  Brittany, Collette, Devon, Jalyssa, Mitzy, and Sandra, thank you for devoting your spring break to service and for all the memories!

~Angela, Graduate Advisor

Yummy in My Tummy

Wake up in the morning feeling like Obama

Got my metro card I’m out the door about to volunteer in the city.

Hit up 7Eleven grab a coffee to go

Hop on the train to get the show on the road

Arrive at Food and Friends where we can’t wait to see,

the groceries we will bag and the people we will feed.

From soft and diabetic, low fat to pureed

there was sure to be a different meal everyday.

After our service was done, to Arlington we will go,

to reflect on all of the soldiers whose bravery they did show.

We were blessed enough to see

the last living World War 1 veteran ceremony

and even John Kerry!

When dinner time arose, we wanted food with soul

So we went to Ben’s Chili Bowl.

After our hearty meal our beds we wanted to feel

The day was coming to an end and

we couldn’t wait to begin again!

~Brittany & Mitzy

Three words: My feet hurt! I know I am not the only one from my group who can vouch me on that one. We have seen so much in the past few days and we have done A LOT of walking. However, the calories we burn walking around all day are quickly consumed by the DELICIOUS food in D.C. Our group has been really blessed these past few days because we are getting to meet great people and see a lot of awesome things… all for FREE! Today was our third day at Food and Friends and we love it. Everyone there is so nice and caring. They really do appreciate their volunteers and do not hesitate to remind us everyday. I have never volunteered in an organization with such genuinely happy people. You can just tell they truly love what they do. I am so glad we had the opportunity to volunteer with Food and Friends because it has helped me realize non-profits are what I want to do as a career. I hope to come back to Tampa and find an organization I can be consistent with and really make a difference. Food and Friends helped me realize how much volunteers really do contribute to making everything running smoothly.

After volunteering today we went to Arlington Cemetery. We were planning on just walking around and seeing the changing of the guard but little did we know that we were going to be able to witness and partake in a monumental part of history. The last World War 1 veteran had past away and they had an open viewing with a closed casket to pay the respects to a veteran who fought for our freedom. He was 110 years old! I am honored for our group to have been able to partake in that moment in history. While in line waiting to pay our respects, in front of us was John Kerry! And afterwords we saw Obama’s motorcade. Needless to say, Yummy in My Tummy were feeling extremely blessed and excited to be in D.C. for all of this.

Can’t wait to see what is in store for us tomorrow!

~Mitzy