This past summer, I had the amazing opportunity to intern at Crooked Creek
Food Pantry (CCFP) in Indianapolis, and I quickly learned how important the pantry is to the community.
Throughout my time there, I helped with day-to-day tasks that helped prepare
and distribute to families in need. From organizing food to carrying heavy objects (as an offensive lineman would be expected to), every task showed me how important teamwork and dedication are to running a food pantry. Although some jobs seemed small, when you pile the small jobs together, you are able to serve thousands. In my time, we served 6,426 families each month and 15,860 families through the end of the internship. That’s a lot of people! The huge numbers display the accomplishments of the community but also how much need exists for basic supplies.
My time at the pantry gave me a more in depth look on food insecurity within the
broader United States. Living in a rural town south of Indianapolis, I helped previously at the local food pantry serving at the high school, but I had only ever got a small portion compared to what needs exist in a major city. Seeing such food insecurity on a grander scale during my time gave me a firsthand look at the issue and made it feel so much more real to me.
I am especially grateful for the amazing people I got to work with and know over this summer. They showed me that kindness, teamwork, and willingness to help those in need can go a very long way. From helping in the pantry car line to shadowing Dr. Nace, the communication and friendliness were exceptional, allowing volunteers, neighbors, and even myself to feel welcomed and right at home.
My internship at CCFP was an experience I will remember for a very long time. I am extremely thankful that I was able to contribute to the pantry’s goal and learn more about the importance of food security in the community. I wouldn’t want to drive an hour to work every morning anywhere else because I looked forward to it each time I woke up.
