It’s like they say, “a team that volunteers together, stays together.” Well, maybe they don’t say that, but it sure is true for us. At our recent team volunteer day, the Teak Media team had the privilege of partnering with our own incredible nonprofit client, Food For Free, to support their School Market at the Kennedy-Longfellow School in Cambridge.
Food For Free is a beacon of hope for families and individuals facing food insecurity. They go beyond the traditional food bank model by rescuing fresh food from a variety of sources, such as wholesale distributors, grocery stores, farms, universities, restaurants, and more, that would otherwise go to waste and then delivering it to those in need. Food For Free works with schools and community partners to ensure families are fed during the summer when school cafeterias are closed through community-based markets often staffed by volunteers like us. These markets provide a space where families and community members can access fresh produce and essential groceries without financial burden.
We arrived for our shift a bit early and eager to begin. Once the pallets of food were transported off the truck, we got to work. Rice and beans on this table, corn and carrots on that one, cereal and oats over there – we worked the same way we do every day, as a team to get what needs to get done, done! Our tasks for the day included setting up the tables, restocking the colorful array of fruits and vegetables, and assisting visitors as they made their way through the market. We were quick and efficient in organizing the food, and soon people began lining up with their families. Once people registered, they could make their way through the market and choose a certain number of items for each product (one jar of peanut butter, three cans of tuna, etc.). The market setup provides more freedom for families to choose which items they want, rather than be handed a pre-chosen bag of items.
What struck us the most was the diversity of the people who came through the market. It was a mosaic of cultures, languages, and backgrounds, united by the common goal of putting nutritious food on the table. Engaging in warm conversations with visitors and witnessing their gratitude made us realize the profound impact of such initiatives.
The School Market isn’t just a place to pick up groceries; it’s a safe space that offers dignity, support, and a momentary reprieve from the challenges that life can present. It’s about more than food; it’s about fostering a sense of community while also ensuring that no one goes hungry, especially during challenging times. Similarly, our day of volunteering wasn’t only about giving back; it was a powerful lesson in unity, compassion, and the strength of community.
It reinforced the power of collective action, the importance of empathy, and the ripple effect of even the smallest acts of kindness. We left with a profound sense of gratitude to Food For Free for the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than ourselves and a commitment to continuing to support initiatives that make a real difference in the lives of others.
Food For Free’s Summer Market is a shining example of the positive change that can happen when organizations, volunteers, and the community unite for a common cause. Check out more photos below of our team enjoying a day of meaningful work, joyful conversation, and giving back to the community.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Food For Free, click here.
