Darina Week 1

Today was my first day at Food & Friends Inc. “The mission of Food & Friends is to foster a community caring for men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses by preparing and delivering specialized meals and groceries in conjunction with nutrition counseling” (official Food & Friends web). Another volunteer and I took the University bus to the Metro and then a shuttle from the Metro to the Food & Friends building. We were greeted by friendly staff and joined a quick orientation being given to a group of students from Ohio State University who are volunteering there for the week. We compiled personal meal packages for individuals based on their dietary restrictions or preferences. Cleanliness is very important! These packages are going to be delivered to people tomorrow by volunteer drivers. Some individuals have very restricted diets because they may be diabetic, vegetarian, have poor kidney function, can only eat soft or puree foods, can only eat mild foods, etc. We also met with our supervisor and talked more about the organization over lunch. Afterwards we did some more work in the kitchen and worked with a group of young students from Pennsylvania who were on a missionary trip. I am glad I get to meet and talk to volunteers from all over the nation. In addition, we get a small but cozy space in the office with a computer. There was a handmade sign on my desk that welcomed me! :D These first two weeks are what are known as “boot camp”. We should be learning various duties within the organization by taking part in them. Tomorrow we will be accompanying one of the delivery drivers and will get to bring meals to the doorsteps of many individuals. Later in the week we get to meet with other staff, volunteers, and dietitians.  I can’t wait!!! :D