MCC was the place to be last Saturday as we prepared and cooked three course meals that mirrored all the shades of the rainbow. On the menu: garden fresh salad, spaghetti with meatballs, fruit salad, and soft baked cookies- check out the photos below!
From youth who were just getting the hang of dicing tomatoes, to those expertly skinning and chopping pineapples, over fifty individuals of all ages and backgrounds worked hand-in-hand throughout the afternoon. Walking around, I heard jokes being cracked, stories being told, and new friendships being forged.
We talked a little bit about our happiest memories, and after a few moments of reflection, asked everyone to narrow that list down to a single 30-second interval they would choose to re-live if they could. People shared stories of great successes- things like winning a basketball tournament, launching a robotic boat, or being accepted into a top university. They narrated quiet moments, too- things like savoring a slice of grandma’s pie or sitting at the top of a mountain after a long hike and breathing in the fresh air. Discussing what made these instants worth re-living made everyone present feel a little more like family.
When we arrived in downtown to distribute the meals later that evening, I had the pleasure of chatting with Cherrie (hey, lady!) who requested the link to this post so she could print it out. Her eyes warm and inviting, and her face engulfed with a dazzling smile, Cherrie recalled the 30 seconds of her life she wanted to re-live.
Over forty years ago, at an elementary school in Louisiana, Cherrie conquered her fears and made it across the playground monkey bars. “I couldn’t stop hollering! I was yelling it from the top of my lungs alllll day! I wanted the whole world to know a third grader made it through!â€
Cherrie cracked me up when she went on to describe how her achievement led to a kind of cultural revolution on that jungle gym. The area of the schoolyard the fourth and fifth graders had once laid claim to became a space all the students could enjoy.
Cherrie’s accomplishment was no small feat, not now or then, not when there was a lot of falling and failing and being too scared to get back up. As we parted ways, and as if to ground us both, Cherrie placed a hand on my shoulder and said, “I’m reminding myself that making it across is tough, but woo-wee does it feel sweet to be on the other side.â€
The Hunger Truck is about more than sharing food. Our mission is to nourish our community, and sharing collective experiences is how we start.
Thank you to all our volunteers and supporters who made this week’s distribution a success – see you again next week!
Volunteers needed to help distribute meals to resettled refugees on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH. Click here to register now!
October 30th in photos:
The Hunger Truck hits the streets of Houston every Saturday.
Check back periodically for new opportunities to get involved.
