I volunteer at the Ashland Community Food Bank.

I serve one client at a time. Canned soup, then fresh potatoes, onions, carrots, oranges, bananas and apples that go into the shopping cart. Choices of cereal, cans of beans: garbanzos or red beans, refried, black, organic or not. Prepared meals: pasta, dairy or almond milk, eggs, tofu, beef, chicken, fish, even an occasional plant-based shrimp, whatever that is. And finally, toilet paper, diapers, wet wipes, a small bottle of soap.

Then out the door to find Albert or Loretta, Ramón or Tatiana, who may have their dog or their children with them. It’s a special moment. The meeting of abundance and gratitude.

Then on to the next client, over and over. Some days I wonder about particular people, like the unhoused young man with four in the family asking for size newborn diapers, or the old woman who’s anguished and confused, or the neatly dressed man who thought he was starting a new job with the census. Without warning, he’s been told to go home, the job’s been de-funded. So he’s at the Food Bank, a bit chagrined and perhaps a little desperate.

Back home, exhausted, I put my feet up and relish comfort and the luxury of choosing whether I’ll have salad or a sandwich for lunch. I reflect on the folks I’ve served that morning, students, families, old folk and young, friendly, sour, elegant or ragged. All need food.

I am grateful to be part of the team providing sustenance and support. Community.

Selene Aitken

Ashland