Day 5: Food Bank and N2N

We rolled out of our sleeping arrangements at about 7am, just as we have the last four days. After we ate our breakfast of cereal, pop-tarts and orange juice, we began to make our lunches. However, as we began to assemble our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, we noticed something was missing: jelly. So, after a brief stop at the supermarket, we continued on to The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

As we pulled up, we were astonished at how large and new the place looked. Later, during orientation, this observation was confirmed. In fact, the organization had just moved into this facility in November. After making name tags, we shuffled into the warehouse, where we would soon be sorting food donated from grocery stores and other sister organizations. Since the assortment of food was random, in bulk and often expired or partially damaged, we learned the criteria for sorting and distinguishing between food we could keep and food we unfortunately had to dispose of. After this, we got to work sorting and placing the boxes of food that qualified onto pallets labeled "drinks/water," "dry goods," "plastics, glass and cans" and "non-food." The energy in the room was electric. Fortunately the other volunteers that were not in our group were just as energetic as we were. At the end, we discovered that we filled ten pallets, which amounted to about 9,000 pounds and 7,500 meals, in total.

After a quick ride back to Neighbor 2 Neighbor, we ate lunch and talked with Royce, our contact for the organization. He further educated us on the history of the organization and the various locations it has assumed over the years. We were astonished to learn that the center, for a time period of about 15 months, met in nothing but a large tent, no matter the weather. This organization is truly dedicated and invested in the community of South Park.

We then had various tasks to be completed. For example, we tested the PH of the soil, constructed and placed garden beds, cleared the surrounding area, leveled the walkways, and pulled up the truly infinite crabgrass, which was by far everyone's favorite task. Also, we forged the Heart of the Ocean. Towards the end Royce surprised us with a healthy helping of Oreo's and pink lemonade. As it was our last day, we took pictures and promised to find each other on "The 'Gram."

Later that night, as we enjoyed our dinner of tacos, we reflected on the opportunities we have been given. We are truly a blessed group of individuals and are so happy to be sharing these blessings with other people. It is hard to believe that tomorrow is our last full day of the trip, but we would not trade this experience for anything.

-Nick Jernigan and Nathan Gardner