Saturday was an interesting experience. I was able to see other's points of view in regards to hunger in our region, in a manner which I had not seen before.
At the Farmer's Market, we were stationed at two seperate booths. I began my shift at the Community Food Initiative (CFI) Booth. Rhonda discussed with me the goals of her program, which included teaching kids in the community how to prepare foods in the kitchen. She was selling vegetable plants to raise money for supplies, such as cookware and ingredients. We briefly discussed the Hope Community Garden, then I took my place out in front of the tent. At first, the people I extended fliers to and discussed the program with were very receptive, donating a couple of dollars here and there and asking interested questions. As the time passed, however, people appeared to be more in a hurry and didn't even stop to take a flier. One woman responded, "Honey, I'm so poor myself that I need my own donations." I didn't quite know how to take that, so I thanked her for her time and she was one her way.
It was interesting to me that we didn't raise much money at the Farmer's Market. While I did see people who were obviously in need of financial assistance, I also saw several professors and students who probably could have at least donated their pocket change without missing it, but chose not to. It appears that people who are not native to the Southeast region may not have the understanding and compassion that those who are personally affected do. That being said, I know next time someone is raising money for the less fortunate, I'll donate my change.
It was definitly a learning experience.
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