The Wabash College community takes pride in being Little Giants. We’re a small college, but we create a big impact through our passion and commitment to hard work. Crooked Creek Food Pantry (CCFP), where I’ve spent my summer distributing food, managing operations, and interacting directly with the community, is in many ways a Little Giant as well. The pantry is tucked away in the corner of an Eskenazi health clinic; every square inch of space is a precious resource. The impact of this entity on the
community, however, is Giant in every way. Three days a week, the pantry becomes a bustling hub of volunteers working to sort food and distribute it via drive-thru to the local community. I have seen the difference it can make in people’s lives to receive healthy, nourishing food without cost. It gives people hope.
It’s a constant effort to keep this pantry running smoothly. Some days we’ll receive upwards of 30 pallets full of fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and eggs; trying to fit them all inside can feel like a bizarre game of Rush Hour. It’s been hard, physically demanding work, but I haven’t once doubted its
worth. The regular cadre of volunteers have been friendly and compassionate, and it’s been extremely moving to make connections with the clients of the pantry. As a side note, I’ve been learning Spanish in
the last year, and my confidence has grown immensely by communicating with native speakers.
Very soon, I’ll be training to serve individuals in communities like Crooked Creek as a physician. This internship has offered an invaluable perspective on the intermingled relationship of food insecurity and health. It’s taught me too that humility and hard work, whether put toward the study of medicine or the operations of a food pantry, is often the best way to serve others. I strongly encourage anyone reading this, but especially residents of Carmel and Indianapolis, to volunteer their time at CCFP. Many thanks go to all the staff and volunteers for their dedication to the community: you truly are some Little Giants.
