Volunteers of the Week

Food on Foot has always been dear to me because I don't think anyone should ever be without the basic essentials needed for life: food, water and shelter. To be able to give someone food- something most of us take for granted- is a blessing that enriches me profoundly. Food on Foot has taught me humility, gratitude, love and hope.


Food on Foot's work program that you have created is my favorite because no longer are we just "alleviating a symptom" of hunger by feeding people, we are working to create a cure for the problem. They are learning responsibility and slowly becoming integrated into a structured routine. More importantly, they feel a sense of belonging- a sense of family.



Acknowledging their accomplishments every week and awarding prizes to those that have worked hard is an amazing way of making these people feel good about themselves and inspiring them to achieve more. To give these people an ounce of dignity back in their lives is priceless and a truly rewarding experience.


I recently had a beautiful experience at Food on Foot when we celebrated Ronnie Fairbanks 107th birthday! Wow! It was so terrific to have everyone (both volunteers and the homeless) sing Happy Birthday to him. He was just elated! You could tell how much it meant to him to have people acknowledge this MAJOR milestone in his life and to help him celebrate it. Having a card for him that everyone signed just made his day.
I'd hate to think of how he might have spent his birthday if he didn't have Food on Foot in his life, to make it special for him. That was a wonderful day for me. :)

-Lydia

Food on Foot gives allows me to help out in a small way and be humbled by remembering that we are all God's people and we need to take care of one another.





What I like and respect most about Food on Foot is knowing that the founder has created an organization that gives 100% to the homeless and takes nothing out for "overhead". It is a group of people who genuinely care and want to help those who are in need. There's a strong and committed spirit that comes from the heart of all the volunteers.





On Sunday, June 6th I witnessed a few simple but empowering moments when a group of workers were given some gifts for their dedication and efforts. They were all smiles as they were presented with their awards. It reinforced for me the fact that we are all the same inside, longing to be respected and treated well, and given some recognition for doing the best that we can.

-Patti

Food on Foot means a great deal to me, it provides a helping hand to those less fortunate. It’s good to be part of a group that helps out the homeless, a real major issue in LA.
As a person who uses public transportation everyday, I see a lot of homeless people on the streets. It makes me feel better that there is an organization out there that can help them out.


The best thing I like about FOF is the stability it gives to the people it helps, the Work for Food force is a brilliant idea, it gives the people in the program a sense of being needed and appreciated, plus they get paid!!
Being relatively new to California, I’m glad I can be a part of FOF, it lets me give something back to my new community.


The Christmas day feeding was probably the most hard core, it was pouring, and those people still stood in line without any problems, waiting for there sleeping bags and there meal.

-Rob

I believe in Food on Foot because it's an organization that says: "Here's the problem. Here's the solution. Here's how you can help."

The thing I like most about FOF is that you know exactly where your money is going.
They serve an often forgotten and neglected population, and put their money where their mouth is, week after week. More than that, FOF serve people in such a way so that they can maintain their dignity.


I went to a feeding where many grateful people were politely waiting in line. Obviously they knew that there were nice people there waiting for them and looking out for them.

-David

Volunteering for Food on Foot brings me many gifts - I learn humility, patience and that anyone can be of service. I’ve been assisting at the feedings in Hollywood for many years and always enjoy meeting the other volunteers and listening to their experience and the lessons they’ve learned at the feedings. The most profound experience I’ve had was on Christmas Day last year. It was POURING down rain. There were over 40 soaking volunteers and 300+ drenched homeless people. As we distributed a meal and a sleeping bag to each person, I couldn’t help but wonder: Why is that they would be sleeping in the rain and I would crawl into a nice warm bed? I believe that we are put on this planet to take care of each other and Food on Foot is an amazing place to make a difference.

-Jackie

Food on Foot is an opportunity to give back to my community in a very personal way. I have been given so much in my life and I am grateful to have this opportunity to give back in a way that touches peoples lives so directly and immediately.



Giving to a charity is fine, but actually doing something that allows me the pleasure of meeting the people and talking with them one and one, well its my honor and privilege to be able to do something on such a personal level doing something that really does make a difference in their lives. Every time I attend a feeding, I am struck by the fact that these are people from all walks of life and of all ages who are in need of the food provided by Foot on Foot.



Almost every time I attend a feeding, I will meet a woman who reminds me of myself. Twice now I have received compliments from ladies in the line about my hair or my makeup and then we chatted for a moment about lipstick colors and such. It may sound superficial but I feel that perhaps for that moment, our conversation about something as simple as make up made them forget about their circumstances and where they are at the moment. But it also does make me wonder about their lives, where they came from, what were their hopes and dreams when they were children, and will they ever get to lead the kind of life they deserve to live... I sure hope they do and that what we're doing is a stepping stone along that path for them.


-Rita

Food on Foot means that I can give back to the community in which I live. Since the early 80's the amount of homeless people have increased exponentially in my neighborhood. I also, have had to personally work with one of my family members seeking assistance (food, clothing) due to an extended jobless situation. In working with her, it has opened my eyes to the need for organizations like Food on Foot, doing such an amazing service in our local communities.


What I like most about Food on Foot is knowing that I can help in some small way.

At every feeding, I appreciate hearing the support and gratitude of the person receiving assistance.


-Andrew

Food on foot proves to me that tikkum olam really exists (improving the world--a jewish mitzvah) and I think its great that in this huge and impersonal city there really are people who care. Unfortunately though, in this big city there are too many people who need help. But I love this kind of help because it's positive help: it is giving more than just one fish, it is teaching the people how to fish so they can survive on their own beyond food on foot. My saddest moment at a feeding was Christmas time when too many families (with little kids) were homeless… My kids' favorite moment was when the elder gentleman (age 106) sang silent night at Christmas time...they are still asking whether he is really 106. I also love that my kids "feel good" after helping others.

-Tina

Food on foot is a great organization that allows different people from all over Los Angeles to get together and help the needy. Its great to see that there are people out there that actually take some of their time and help others that are in need. Also, food on foot is great because it helps the homeless or the less fortunate get back on their feet. What I like most about this organization is the feeling you get from helping these people.


Talking to them, and them appreciating your help is definitely the best thing from food on foot. When you volunteer in this organization, you have a direct approach with these people and get to talk to them. The first time I went to Food on Foot is definitely a time I will never forget. I won't forget how these people were so thankful towards the volunteers. Their attitude is great because they are very respectful and most importantly, they are thankful for the fact that you are taking the time to help them.


-Felipe

Food on Foot gives me a chance to meet, and help those who are less fortunate than myself. I meet other volunteers who are not just a lot of talk, but are really doing things with their time and resources. After my first attendance, on April 11, I left feeling uplifted and glad that I came to help out.

-Anna

Food on Foot provides an opportunity for me and my family to give of ourselves to those who are less fortunate.

<Br>
What we enjoy most about Food on Foot is the great feeling one gets from giving to others.


The highlight of my last feeding experience was looking down the serving line and seeing my 15 year old daughter serving people with a warm and caring smile and seeing the people smile back.

-Richard

Food on Foot represents to me a true labor of love! The people I have met at each feeding have just been fantastic! I have left each feeding in a better mood than I arrived and I am always filled with a sense of gratitude for the things that I so often can take for granted. I think the Work for Food program is just terrific as it fosters self-esteem and accountability while providing such a valuable service within the community. I really admire the "solution" that was created in starting that particular facet of Food on Food.

I have to say my favorite moment was when I participated in handing out the food coupons to the workers at the end of the month. The smiles on their faces as they were receiving applause and recognition was just priceless! I feel fortunate to be involved with such a terrific organization!

-Lisa

I really enjoy seeing the benefits of our work and effort pay off so directly, I'm able to bring food and water to our lunches and place it right in the hands of another human being in need of a meal. There aren't many who come thru the line with a frown, you can see and hear the joy and thanks in their hearts, for without the love and caring we display so consistently, every week, every month, every year, these less fortunate brothers and sisters would be without the only constant many of them have: a hot meal provided by a caring person showing them love and respect.

The thing I like about Food on Foot is that it is such a hands on grass roots organization. It is a place where regular people come and do a little something to help the folks on the street.

I like the brief ability to intermingle with the homeless and to see just what their problems are and Food on Foot's really practical approach to solving their problems. These people show up and do a chore each week or a few times a week and some of them have a streak of twenty or thirty weeks running and that is big accomplishment. And then to see them get their recognitions is really great.

My favorite experience was the first time I showed up to work I asked some workers in white Food on Foot T shirts where I should go to work. He says "Man, you missed it." " Missed it, I thought it was three thirty." "No man, you got come like at noon and then go pick up the trash for a few hours." I said "No, I'm here to help hand out the food." "Oh, right down there, yeah, they'll hook you up."

Food on Foot is my small opportunity to give a little something back to society. The fact that I do this with my five year old son makes it more special. After my son's third feeding, he got back into our car and said "Dad that felt real good", and then said "Dad I love you". That comment made me realize Food on Foot and charity needs to be an active part of my life. I will have my little son with me when he turns 5 years old.

The organization does more then just feed hungry people, it gives these people an opportunity to feel good about themselves. The Work for Food program gives them this opportunity.

The most rewarding part of the feeding is the awards ceremony to the clean up crew. It really helps me put life in perspective. The look on a workers face when Jay rewards them is a look of such accomplishment, I think most of us volunteers need to allow this look be part of our daily life, and realize every day is a wonderful day full of accomplishments. Most of the attendees that come for food are decent people with a few bad breaks. We volunteers are very lucky people.

Food on Foot is a chance to feel like you're an actual part of
the community. It's a reminder that we can make real
change in someone's life and in our own lives as well.

What I like most about FOF is the positive energy of the volunteers and the sincere
gratitude from the people we feed. Also the crew members are so inspiring. They really remind me that
sometimes all you need is a second chance and someone
to have a little faith in you.

An experience I remember was this past Christmas. It was raining like crazy. There
were so many people standing in the rain waiting for a
sleeping bag and Christmas dinner. The volunteers had
the opportunity to stand in line with them, and most
of us did. It was a great chance to connect with the
people we feed.

-Janine

Food on Foot made me realize I am a lot more fortunate than most people. Once I gained that knowledge it was important for me to help those that are less fortunate. After one visitation to a feeding Food on Foot leaves you with a sense of pride, a feeling of accomplishment, like you made a difference in someone's life. How many times in your lifetime can you actually say you made a difference? Well, today I did. As a matter of fact, I might have made a difference in 184 peoples lives. I actually have what I believe is a humorous experience gained from the feeding. Along with providing food for the homeless , Food on Foot also tries to cloth them as well. At one of the feedings, I donated 3 suits that I use to wear to work. (I had actually lost 30 pounds and those suits did not fit) At the feeding many of the homeless will pick out clothes they need. Several days passed, when I noticed about 5 blocks from my home, standing at the corner, this homeless man who I have seen for years in my neighborhood, wearing one of my 3 piece suits.. If that wasn’t one of the strangest and funniest scenes I have seen.

-Eric

I discovered Food on Foot thru my work volunteer corps and decided one day to sign up for the
Saturday Venice feeding. Not knowing at all what to expect, I showed up
that Saturday only to be surprised and extremely impressed at the
hard-work, effort and spirit each volunteer put in. Since my schedule
does not permit me to go every Saturday, I decided to join the $56
dollar club so that I knew I could help out in any way possible. I have
been part of this wonderful organization for a little less than a year
now.

I think the most gratifying part of Food on Foot is seeing the instant smile of peoples
faces as I hand them a warm meal. The thank yous and god bless
make this experience completely worthwhile.

The one feeding I remember most was my very first one. The hour went by so fast
that I remember when we were done I felt like I wanted to do more!

I enjoy coming out to help because it's a very
hands on experience and as opposed to giving money to a faceless
organization, with Food on Foot you really get the experience of seeing and
meeting the people you are trying to help. Also, the group as a whole is
really a testament to your work and shows how much one person can achieve
with the will to help others.

-Paul

Food on Foot has become a very important part of my life, not because it takes that much of my time but because it has made such an impact on the way I now look at my own life.

I enjoy the interaction with people less fortunate than myself who are always most thankful for anything they may receive. It never feels like its enough but i do feel like i make a difference.

The first day I helped out was on Christmas day when it was pouring with rain. It was a very moving experience and made me want to contribute more whenever possible .
Thank you FOF for all your hard work and giving me the opportunity to be a better person.

Darrell

John F. Kennedy Jr. used to quote from the bible "To Whom Much Has Been Given, Much Will Be Expected." (Luke 12:48) And while I am certainly not in the financial stratosphere of a Kennedy, I feel that I too have been blessed with a life that cannot be taken for granted. I know full well that There But For the Grace of God Go I. So I am grateful to the wonderful organization, FOF, for helping to make it very, very easy to....in some small way....be able to give to others.

My first experience with FOF was on Christmas Day, 2003. Despite the torrential rains, and maybe partly because of them, the feelings of love and camaraderie that afternoon were palpable. This event left a large indentation on my heart, which is why I will continue to volunteer whenever possible.

Lisa

Sven and I live in Hollywood and Food On Foot means a chance for us to give something back to people in our community. Tennessee Williams said, "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers". That quote accurately describes most of the success I have been offered in life. You never know when just one small gesture will make a big difference in someone's life.


It's hard to say what we like best about Food On Foot because it is an amazing organization on so many levels. But one of the most satisfying things about Food on Foot is that the donation of time and/or money is tangible. You can see immediately where the donations go and meet the people that you are helping to feed.


At the feeding on Sunday, we handed out chicken to some of the most polite, amiable and truly gracious people we have had the pleasure of meeting in a while. It was our pleasure to serve them.

Sincerely,
Janet Balfour-Nilsson

I was very impressed with Food on Foot at my very first visit and was inspired to come back two weeks later and to become a $56 club member. Foot on Foot is a unique place both for the volunteers and for the individuals receiving services. I love that it is run completely by volunteers and that I can bring my children (7 and 9) to help. After their first visit, my children had lots of questions and the experience obviously allowed my husband Joe and I to discuss the realities that thousands of people face on the streets of Los Angeles. Jay's "no nonsense" approach provides structure and consistency in what must be a very chaotic world on the street. I love that there are familiar faces that come each week but that there are also new faces of individuals. I have enjoyed involving other friends by asking them for clothing donations as a way to introduce them to Food on Foot in the hope that they will come and see how the program works personally or make a financial donation. Most importantly, I am grateful for a program that allows its volunteers to have personal contact with the individuals they are serving. It is quite empowering!

-Erica

Food on Foot means being thankful for what I have and helping those who have less.

What I like most about FOF is it’s an organization that doesn't just feed, it helps individuals get back on their feet and work, giving them a greater sense of pride in themselves.

Food on Foot is incredibly meaningful to me. It is a most beautiful reminder of the strength and fragility of the human spirit. It is about hope and unity and sacrifice and love. It is, as I've said before, a power-hug for the soul!

I like that Food on Foot is a 100% volunteer. That, somehow, all of the responsibility can be shared and the load carried by each and every one of us. And that you can come and give when it works for you. It's so easy. And it's nice to have something so rewarding to look forward to at the end of a long week.

I'll never forget my very first feeding. I got to walk through the line of homeless people and give out gum drops before the feeding. I had a whole tub, and somehow thought that it would be really hard to make it through the entire line without running out. I assumed that the people would be greedy from hunger and grabbing. The opposite was true. I witnessed an incredible sense of community among the homeless people. A genuine intent to share what was being given freely, and a gratitude. It was amazing. Their gratitude never ceases to amaze me.