a. What challenges did you overcome throughout this action project? How did you go about overcoming these challenges?
I discussed some of these challenges in my blog posts. One major challenge I faced during this action project was falling ill when I was scheduled to volunteer. Unfortunately, there was no way to overcome this challenge since I did not want to risk infecting other volunteers, especially given that we were working with food and distributing it to families in need. If this situation arises again, I will still choose not to attend for the same reasons. The work involves handling food for vulnerable people in our community, so it’s crucial to avoid spreading illness. Instead, I will volunteer the following week and try to contribute as much time as possible.
Another challenge was feeling uncertain about what to do since it was my first time volunteering there. It can be difficult to ask for help or seek clarification in a new environment where everyone is busy. Fortunately, the team I worked with was very helpful and could tell when I needed assistance. I believe that next time, now that I am more comfortable, it will be easier for me to ask questions when necessary.
Additionally, most volunteer shifts at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank are scheduled during the school day, which limits my availability to school breaks or professional development days. Because of this, I have been looking for other volunteer opportunities that align with my values and goals for this action project, which is to help combat food insecurity.
b. How did this action change the way you think?
This action opened my eyes to the issue of food insecurity within my own community. Often, when we think about food insecurity or world hunger, we imagine it happening in distant countries rather than our own. However, even in a first-world country, many people struggle to access healthy food and balanced meals, which is a basic human right.
Another interesting aspect that changed my perspective was learning where the donated food comes from. I work at a grocery store, where one of my tasks is checking expiration dates and removing items that are close to or past their expiration. These items are then boxed up and donated. While volunteering with the People’s Pantry Food Recovery Society, I saw some of the items I had pulled from the shelves just a few days prior. This experience highlighted how much food goes to waste that could be donated to organizations like the People’s Pantry Food Recovery Society or similar groups.
c. How did this investigation/action impact your future decisions?
This investigation has significantly influenced my future decisions. I have become more aware of food waste and the importance of supporting food recovery and distribution programs. Moving forward, I will be more conscientious about minimizing food waste in my own life and advocating for food donation practices in places where I work or volunteer. Additionally, I plan to continue seeking volunteer opportunities that align with my values and contribute to addressing food insecurity in my community. This experience has reinforced my commitment to social responsibility and the importance of community involvement.
d. What impact will this investigation/action have on others locally and/or globally?
While my actions have a direct impact on my local community, sharing my experiences through my blog can potentially inspire others globally to combat food insecurity. Although volunteering alone cannot solve the issue, it plays a crucial role in supporting those most affected by high living costs and economic challenges. Organizations like the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and the People’s Pantry rely heavily on volunteers to operate. By raising awareness and encouraging others to volunteer, we can collectively make a significant difference in ensuring that people have access to basic necessities like food.
