A few weeks ago, my first-year seminar class, Coexistence, in collaboration with the Office of Community Engagement, participated in a volunteer session at Not Bread Alone, an organization located in downtown Amherst that provides meals and support to the community, welcoming everyone regardless of their background. In this blog post, I aim to share my community service experience at Amherst College and highlight some of the resources available to students interested in engaging with the local community.
Preparing for the Visit: Learning from the Center for Community Engagement
Before visiting Not Bread Alone, our class had the opportunity to meet with staff from the Center for Community Engagement (CCE). During this session, the CCE staff introduced us to the mission and operations of Not Bread Alone and explained Amherst College’s ongoing partnership with the organization.
Visit Prior to Volunteering at Not Bread Alone
Prior to volunteering, we had a chance to tour the organization’s facilities. During the visit, we observed the operational logistics and had the opportunity to ask questions directly to a representative of the organization. Alongside Professor Infante, our class walked through the kitchen area to gain insights into their daily operations. This was followed by a group discussion where students and the Not Bread Alone representative sat in a circle to foster a meaningful dialogue.
During the discussion, we explored various topics related to food insecurity and community engagement. Bob, the representative from Not Bread Alone, shared his journey, including why he chose to work in this field, how the organization operates, how it adapts during student breaks, and his hopes for the future. Students also engaged with pre-prepared questions, which helped deepen our understanding of the challenges and successes faced by the organization.
Volunteering at Not Bread Alone: A Hands-On Experience
After meeting with Bob, our class decided to volunteer at the kitchen on available weekends. We divided into four groups, each assigned to a different time slot. I volunteered on a Sunday afternoon alongside Professor Infante and two other students.
On the day of our visit, our group met at the site. Upon arrival, I immediately noticed the bustling activity in the kitchen and dining area, filled with people preparing and serving meals, as well as community members eagerly awaiting the delicious food.
Tasks and Contributions
During our visit, I was assigned to sort and pack to-go meals. Following the provided instructions, I carefully placed each item into the appropriate meal boxes. We also packed leftover food into containers, ensuring it could be repurposed for future use. In addition, my classmate Cameron and I took on the task of cleaning the kitchen.
A Sense of Community
What stood out to me most during this experience was witnessing the remarkable collaboration between students and local community members, all united by a shared purpose. I also had the privilege of meeting a dining staff member from UMass Amherst Dining Services, who has volunteered at the kitchen numerous times and shared inspiring insights from their experiences. This interaction highlighted the strong bonds that can form through community service.
As the school year progresses, I hope to continue volunteering at Not Bread Alone. By doing so, I aim not only to contribute to the Amherst College community but also to make a meaningful impact on the broader Amherst town community.
Exploring More Community Engagement: Stay Connected and Get Involved!
Certainly, this is just one of the many community engagement opportunities available at Amherst College. To explore more ways to get involved, be sure to visit the Center for Community Engagement website.
Thank you for reading my blog! As always, feel free to reach out to me at ttanaka28@amherst.edu—I’d be more than happy to share my experiences at Amherst and learn more about you. Looking forward to connecting soon!