§  Today I volunteered at a soup kitchen and futher realized the tremendous issue of food insecurity in the United States. I arrived at the Kitchen at 6:00 am and helped to prepare breakfast and served over 400 people. After breakfast we cleaned and started preparing lunch where we served about 305 hungry people. Men, Women and Children. I was very suprised to learn today that only about 10 percent of the people who eat at soup kitchens are actually homeless, the other 90 percent are just people who are trying to make in society but because of the high prices of things like rent and gas (for those who possess a car) they can't afford such a neccesity as food and therefore depend on soup kitchens, and food stamps and emergency food supplies to get them day by day.

It was amazing to see that some of the people that came in looked entirely normal. I would have never suspected that they were food insecure because they were in nice suits and uniforms and what-not which would definately throw someone who did not know. But the majority of people in need of these food assistance work fulltime jobs, or go to school and job training or what have you. Even some of the homeless people we see on our runs are probably doing some kind of work. Like for instance as I witnessed today some of them will stay and clean the dining room portion of the soup kitchen to make a couple bucks.

        While this was my first time volunteering at a soup kitchen it was not my first time volunteering to help the food insecure, I have also done Meals on Wheels. However this is the first time I have really seen the "full" effects of  this great hunger that plaques our country.

       So I encourage you to all continue with the Burrito Project, but to also volunteer some of your time to these amazing organizations. Because there are people way less fortunate than ourselves who would appreciate our help.§

Much love,

             BPD