Always approach with a smile and a kind word; that’s the first thing we’re taught when we learn the rules of Food Outreach at STCP, and perhaps the most important. Food Outreach isn’t just about distributing food; it’s about forming a connection with your fellow volunteers, beneficiaries and the city.
When I first joined as a volunteer, I didn’t think that the weekly food distributions would become such an integral part of my routine, but as the months go by, I find myself more and more involved in the activity, looking forward to seeing the same faces and being introduced to new ones. Even though I started fairly recently, I’ve felt my world grow bigger and bigger with every interaction I’ve had with fellow volunteers and beneficiaries alike. Every time I participate, I feel like I come back home with an enriched mind. This is a sentiment that rings true for many others, as fellow volunteer Fiorella says, “..it’s been a great way to give back to the community while meeting others who share the same dedication and mission of serving others. You’re able to meet people from all over the world while doing it, so it’s not just a meaningful way to help those in need, but also a wonderful opportunity to build connections and feel more involved in the local community. “
Every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, with our sandwich bags and thermoses in hand, we walk different routes along a city many of us have only recently started calling home. Food Outreach has been a great way for me to interact with and understand Paris, seeing a side of it I otherwise wouldn’t have noticed. “In moving to a new city, even temporarily, I think it’s important to connect with the community wherever you can.” , says Sage, one of our dedicated food outreach volunteers, “Being able to help people on such an individual level is essential to integrating into a new environment. In this way, you are learning firsthand about local issues and deemed solutions.”
Getting ready to go pick up food in the mornings and carry it for distribution has helped me feel a sense of belonging in this city. Instead of being just a spectator to its splendour, I’ve been able to participate in making it a slightly better place for those in need. It’s been an incredibly meaningful experience and one that I urge everyone to participate in, especially those who have just moved to Paris.
As Nell, one of STCP’s volunteers, puts it best, “There are so many unmet needs that we can help address, and even small acts of showing up and giving your time can make a meaningful difference. At the end of the day, we are all human, and we thrive because of the communities around us.”
By Amina Waheed
