My time volunteering at DC Central Kitchen taught me in the D.M.V (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) area approx. 1.5 million people in this area struggle with food insecurity. Which gave me an specific understanding of what happens in the human body when the body is under extreme stress of starvation. When the human body does not have access to constant and nutritious food, glucose and glycogen depletion occurs as an attempt to gain ATP for energy which has the physical symptoms of nausea, headache, dizziness and upset mood swings as low blood sugar begins to occur in the body. As the body shifts into gluconeogenesis, the opposite effect of glycolysis if this malnutrition continues to occur the body starts to break down adipose tissue and muscle including the heart while one would exhibit weakness of muscle, constant cold feeling due to decrease body temp which is the body's attempt to maintain homeostasis with the inevitable weight loss over courses of weeks if this continues more the body goes into chronic starvation and ketogenesis the metabolic process that slows down causing low heart rate, dry and brittle skin and dry skin, extreme loss of weight, and fatigue both mentally and physically, over month(s), if this still continues edema (body swelling) emaciation, and fluid retention which will lead to a severely reduced immune system causing infections and illnesses to occur that the body can not fight off as much, which will cause eventual psychosis, discoloration of skin, and multiple organ failure which unfortunately leads to death. By making roast beef and provolone and sunbutter and jelly sandwiches we helped reduce the likelihood of this happening for one day which adds up in the end of month long starvation.
Volunteering at the Central Kitchen opened my eyes to the true dedication and hard work that it takes for others to help those in need. From sanitation procedures to making the food itself.
An important observation I made while doing this activity was the important understanding of allergens and sanitation. In biology we learn as students that allergens are specific proteins and molecules that affective the entirety of an individuals immune system. And the same can be said about sanitation within ones environment because it breaks down organic waste, biofilms, and reduces microorganisms within our food.
Review:
I had a really good experience volunteering at DC Central Kitchen. During my time there, I helped prepare cheese and beef sandwiches, along with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Altogether, we made around 2,200 sandwiches and helped package them to be distributed to people in the community. I enjoyed being able to work hands-on with other volunteers and knowing that the time and effort we put in would help others.
Reflection:
Volunteering at DC Central Kitchen made me realize how much of a difference something as simple as preparing a meal can make in someone's life. Knowing that we helped make 2,200 sandwiches made the experience even more meaningful because I could see how our teamwork contributed to helping so many people. It reminded me not to take everyday necessities for granted and to appreciate the opportunities I have to give back. I also learned that community service does not always have to involve doing something big. Even small actions can have a positive impact on someone else. Overall, I am glad I had the opportunity to be part of this experience, and it encouraged me to continue finding ways to serve my community.
Feedback:
Overall, I really enjoyed this volunteer experience. Everything was hands-on, and I liked that we were able to see what we accomplished by the end of our time there. Preparing and packaging the sandwiches with everyone made the experience enjoyable while also reminding me of the purpose behind our work. I think DC Central Kitchen provides a great opportunity for students and other volunteers to get involved and make a difference. I would definitely recommend this experience to others and would love to participate again.