By: Jefferson C.
I’ve been working at St. Jude every Wednesday morning during my internship. My overall experience working at the food bank was good; I got to meet some amazing people and I was able to see much joy and hope from large and small families. However, I have to say I have some mixed feelings.
For the first week at St Jude, I was put in the kitchen where I filled up families’ bags with household items (toilet paper, toothpaste, detergent, etc.) along with food products. Being a novice, I made mistakes on the grocery list; those would be the times where my soul broke seeing myself at fault. I felt really guilty for not taking the advice from veteran helpers to be slower and take care in making sure all the desired items were bagged properly. Nevertheless, that wasn’t the only thing I had to face at the food bank.
I had to make decisions in multiple situations that required me to choose between doing what was “right” or doing what was compassionate. For example, I had a dilemma in trying to decide whether I should give one extra slice of cheese or two more eggs to some families who openly expressed they needed more. Many times I felt guilty when I had to choose the “right” thing by saying ‘no’ to families who essentially look to these food banks as a means of subsistence. At the same time I know that strict policies are put in place due to economic reasons. It was hard for me to withhold more food to some families even though I knew full well of the rules that have been put in place for food distribution.
While serving at St Jude, I was able to get to be acquainted with Pastor Derek and Caila (a fellow intern). We got to know each other on a personal level by exchanging stories sometimes. Derek has proven to be huge support to the food bank not just by words or thoughts but also in action. St Jude food bank gave me a reality check as it compelled me to serve with actions, and it offered a deeper relationship within people at East Toronto.