Saturday, The Hunger Truck made its way east of downtown to Houston’s Fifth Ward. A historically underserved community, more than 1/3 of the population here lives in poverty. Through a joint effort with the MCC Mercy Clinic Mobile, we set-up shop to offer hot meals and free healthcare.
The rain took us by surprise, but as thunder punctuated conversation and lightening flashed in the sky, we assembled and distributed over 100 meals to the community at 5th Ward Islamic Center. Rain or shine, Houston can rely on us every Saturday.
After the food had been shared, and most of the community settled in for the night, we switched off the Hunger Truck lights and generator. The rain had subsided, and the street was met with silence for the first time that evening. In the quiet moments that followed, Mr. James Alexander, a resident of Fifth Ward, affectionately referred to the community as “small, but with the biggest heart.”
This statement echoed what we felt all evening. Despite the heavy rain and their own personal concerns, 5th Ward community members helped get meals to those who couldn’t make it out because of the weather or disability. They constantly offered their assistance, insisting on helping us with set-up and clean-up even though we were there to serve them. A bulletin board inside the center advertises free meals every Sunday and self-help meetings like anger management and alcoholics anonymous that take place on-site.
This was all a reminder that we keep us safe- we each have a role that is necessary to improving our conditions, and it’s incumbent to pool our resources and work to distribute them equitably. The Hunger Truck is a means of bringing community together in this way.
A huge shoutout this week to The Peri Peri Factory who catered the delicious menu. Check below for a mouthwatering photo of the food and a deeper dive into the day.
Thank you to all our volunteers and supporters – see you next week!
Volunteers needed to help prepare, cook, and distribute meals SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30TH. Click here to register now!
The Hunger Truck hits the streets of Houston every Saturday. Check back periodically for new opportunities to get involved. Â
