Volunteering at Urban Recipe Class of 2028

 

On September 23, I participated in the Honor's Program service opportunity with Urban Recipe. I learned about their mission to address food insecurity by providing dignified, consistent access to groceries for families in our community. During the shift I helped sort produce and assemble food boxes. Working alongside staff and volunteers gave me a clearer view of how much planning, logistics, and partnership it takes to sustain reliable food access. It was humbling and energizing to see how a well-organized system can convert donations and volunteer hours into immediate, tangible relief.

The experience also sharpened my understanding of the broader issues surrounding food insecurity, like transportation barriers, fluctuating costs, and the importance of predictable distribution schedules. Beyond the hands-on service, I valued the chance to learn what items and resources are most helpful week to week. This strengthened my commitment to community engagement and reinforced the value of service that is consistent, respectful, and data informed. I look forward to returning to Urban Recipe and exploring ways to support their work through campus partnerships, donation drives, and ongoing volunteer shifts. 

Janiah Collier