My partner and I started our rotations last week. First up: Community. First stop: Food & Friends.

Ever heard of them? You’re not alone. I hadn’t either. And I had no idea what to expect.

The only thing we did know was that this is a center of food delivery for people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, ALS, or another life-altering disease.  Serious stuff. I wasn’t particularly looking forward to this, but I thought…if anything…it will be eye-opening.

It has turned out to be much more than that.

We spent the first day touring the beautiful new building that houses the amazing staff. Covering the walls are pictures of events, staff, and volunteers; the people they’ve served, and the people who’ve made it all possible. There are those who donate their money and those who donate their time. Some do both. So far this year, they’ve seen approximately 7,600 volunteers go in and out the doors. And on a daily basis, they serve 1,400 people. Hearing those numbers left me in awe.

Here we are, two new college graduates, “assigned” to be here for two weeks.

Fortunately for us (not for them), one of the dietitians just left for maternity leave, so we could actually be helpful. After week #1, we’ve finished two small projects and been able to help out in different areas. They keep telling us that there’s not a “normal” day around there, and that’s already proven true many times. And that means we’ll get to do things that aren’t on our “schedule,” letting us see more of the big picture.

We’re only here for two weeks, which already seems too short. This seems like a place that you get a little crush on, and then totally fall for. You get a little taste and end up wanting much more. We’ve already talked about possibly heading out there once a month on Saturdays (AKA, the only day we have “free time”), to help out. While it may not happen that way, with homework assignments, and trips, and visitors, and a long list of other excuses….I do hope I can give something to them.

There are plenty of fields involving nutrition that are helpful, but not as meaningful. It can be easy to get wrapped up in how to make “low fat desserts,” or bulk up the next athlete, or write yet another piece on why extreme low-carb diets aren’t the way to go (ehhh, don’t get me started). And then there are organizations like this. I can’t think of a better way to have started off the internship.

Posted by Claudia Allen at 09/16/2008 11:38:18 AM