Nourish – A Human Story
09:44
nourish volunteers
How many days in my life have I gone with no nourishing, fresh food?
Hunger. Do I know really know what that is? Do you?
Smithy does. And so do Jonathon, Sam, Jason, Yetta, Eleanor, and Jamie.
These are a few of those who’ve been turning up at Alma Park Monday evenings where, rain or shine, they can get a warm, nourishing meal. Why? Simply because, they’re currently not able to achieve this basic act of survival for themselves.
On March 7, 2016, when nourish set up for the first time, Smithy came out of the side door of the supported accommodation house where he lives, into Alma Park, to check out what this nourish was all about. Tables, chairs, people setting up to serve meals. He went back to get the quieter, shy Jonathon.
Some of those who come to Alma Park have a sheltered place to sleep, while others sleep rough, with no fixed address. Most walk to the park, arriving around 6pm, when the volunteers are setting up for a 6.30pm start to serving meals. They arrive hungry, ready for what has become a welcome, weekly event.
nourish - Monday nights at Alma Park
But it’s not just about the food. It’s about breaking the isolation, the stigma, simply by being with others, people who come especially to be there with each other. The regularity of these Monday evenings, throughout winter, when a marquee was set up against the dark, cold, wind or rain, has meant that a new community event now exists, for both the hungry, the volunteers, and other locals who come to be with them, from time to time.
This is not a new idea, but, has been replicated for this neighbourhood. The originator checked out various options before deciding to join with the Father Bob Maguire Foundation, and to use the outdoor setting of Alma Park. It’s a commitment, organised and managed by the volunteer co-ordinator at Temple Beth Israel. The attitude of the senior rabbi is that this a way to give back to the local community.
My local community is a place where I live, feel safe, have a place to go home, good food to eat, neighbours who greet each other, and lend a helping hand when needed. Even if we don’t see lots of each other. So, how do I give back? What do I give to my local community? Cos I sure get lots. What about you? If everyone gives a little, that adds up to a lot. Right? But how?
Foodshare is one way I can do this. By looking for restaurants and cafes that include Foodshare items on their menu, I’m contributing towards a meal for someone who would otherwise go without nourishing food, maybe, today.
4 comments
Thinking about others is a great feeling, and that makes Sharing is a part of my vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteLittle by little, I start recognized what is my grandmother doing. She is giving poor neighbors the rest of our meals.
Another social enterprise I saw it in Saudi Arabia to keep the rest of the food by putting fridge at neighborhood so everyone can put the rest of the food then poor people can get some food without any embarrassment.
Yes, of course, I will contribute to looking for Cafes or restaurant that includes Foodshere items
"Sharing Make me feel Grateful."
Wow, that's great that you remember your grandmother sharing food. So, from when you were young you were learning about social enterprise. And doing it in a way for people to keep their respect, and for it to be a normal way for the neighbourhood to interact.
DeleteThat reminds me of a story I heard about someone in a suburb near to where I live, installing a coolroom in their garage, with the door facing the footpath. People who have extra food could put it in and people who needed food could come and take some. Sounds a lot like what your grandmother did.
There could be a lot more of this to help people in local communities. Thanks Khadijah.
Wow, that's great that you remember your grandmother sharing food. So, from when you were young you were learning about social enterprise. And doing it in a way for people to keep their respect, and for it to be a normal way for the neighbourhood to interact.
DeleteThat reminds me of a story I heard about someone in a suburb near to where I live, installing a coolroom in their garage, with the door facing the footpath. People who have extra food could put it in and people who needed food could come and take some. Sounds a lot like what your grandmother did.
There could be a lot more of this to help people in local communities. Thanks Khadijah.
A good place to meet with other people, moreover a great community as an example. We should help other people if we can. Although, it is just a small thing, but it can become big things which might be very useful.
ReplyDelete