Defeat Hunger

The DEAL Model: First, Describe the experiences in an objective and detailed manner. Then, Examine the experiences in light of the course specific learning goals or objectives (service with vulnerable, underserved, or diverse populations in rural or urban areas). Lastly, Articulate the Learning, including goals for future action that can then be taken forward for improved practice and further refinement of learning.

The questions to be addressed are:

•What are you currently doing with this organization and how do you see it evolving as you sustain your commitment to them?
I have currently completed 7 hours of service learning with the Golden Harvest Food Bank this semester. I have been involved with the Master's Table which mission is to prepare and feed the hungry daily during lunch time in the Augusta downtown area. The hours of operation are from 1100am until 1230pm. The volunteers arrive at 0900am so they have two hours to prepare the lunch meal. Approximately, 350-400 meals are prepared for the homeless who would not otherwise have a warm hot meal. This allows the homeless or the hungry to receive a prepared meal daily. The homeless is able to go through the line more than once to feel their stomach full. Also, nuts, granola bars, crackers are given to each individual as they walk in the door so they have a ready made snack when they get hungry. I have enjoyed my time of fellowship with others, as we plan a meal, prepare the meal (cutting up items, cooking vegetables, applying butter to bread), and serving the meal in an organized cafeteria style fashion. Each tray has a dessert, meat, two to three vegetables, bread, and a drink. I had the opportunity to arrange the trays, serve the dessert, and roll the spoon or fork into the napkin during meal service. Each meal is served by volunteers who greet the individual and take there tray to the table of their choosing. The blessing is said at the beginning of the meal. Also, there are special guests are on hand to provide services to the homeless. On the day that I was there, 2 bankers from the local banks were there to provide services related to managing money or opening up an account for individuals. Sometimes, there is a piano player or violinist who are on hand to provide an atmosphere of a restaurant. Most of the homeless are very gracious of the service that is provided. All the food is donated from local grocery stores. Some of the volunteers are students from local schools, individuals providing service from the kindness of their heart, or local churches providing assistance.

•What do you envision being the shortcomings and strength of your service learning commitment?
The shortcomings are on the first day that I worked, there was not enough food offered or the servings were very small. I also felt that some of the food was not fit to eat, seeing mold on some bread items disturbed me. As the economy plummets, we will see less people having the means to give. Companies will have fewer resources to give and individuals will have a sense of holding on to things instead of giving.
The strengths of the service is that it does provide a guaranteed hot meal everyday to those in need. It also provides fellowship to the volunteers and the homeless to come together as a community. It also gives the homeless a sense of family and it gives them back their dignity. It provides outreach services to the homeless that would otherwise not have the opportunity.

Thanks-Krista