Community service: A Foodful experience at Foodbank WA

Ever wondered where would you find your next meal? How would you support your family given an unexpected circumstance? Do you ever wake up and thank the almighty for another day of life rather than thinking about how to get to work before 9am? I’ve never thought about the importance of these questions until recently, where I had an experience as a volunteer at a food bank in Perth, WA. When I moved to Perth to pursue my MSc. In food science and technology from Curtin University, it was one of my priorities to get involved in many activities and community services. I’ve volunteered for an old age home and an orphanage back in Mumbai and TBH, it can be difficult to find an organisation that can interest young minds.

When I was offered the opportunity to volunteer at Foodbank WA, I decided to participate without even thinking twice. My experience at the Foodbank was really exciting and since I went there with my friend Faseeh, it turned to be fun and enjoyable too. When I first arrived at the location, I was anxious as to what to do and where to go as the building was humongous. As we entered the reception, we met this really kind lady Mel Rowe who took us around the property and introduced us to a bunch of really cool people who work there. She had some interesting things to tell us about how things function at Foodbank and it brought me to understand how each and every person working there is special and unique as they work long hours to do what was right. Ever wondered where would you find your next meal? How would you support your family given an unexpected circumstance? Do you ever wake up and thank the almighty for another day of life rather than thinking about how to get to work before 9am? I’ve never thought about the importance of these questions until recently, where I had an experience as a volunteer at a food bank in Perth, WA. When I moved to Perth to pursue my MSc. In food science and technology from Curtin University, it was one of my priorities to get involved in many activities and community services. I’ve volunteered for an old age home and an orphanage back in Mumbai and TBH, it can be difficult to find an organisation that can interest young minds.

The moment I entered the warehouse, I looked with awe at the aisles filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, canned food, frozen food and delicious treats. The fact that filled me with joy is knowing that this food will be distributed among people who need it the most and that I’ll be participating in building a stronger Australia. The work environment was nice, the people around were friendly and worked with a positive attitude, they also played good music so that everybody was in a good mood while working.

We then headed towards “cooking sensation” class where Nerissa was teaching people how to cook simple and nutritious food and she let us be a part of the session. Everyone was kind and friendly. The session was not only fun but very informative too.

Every single minute I was there I saw everyone doing their task with much dedication and they were willing to listen to one another’s advice and ideas while engaging in the work. These few hours at the Foodbank was all worth it. Meeting with such lovely, kind hearted people, who I believe are making a huge impact on the community by spreading their kindness, made my experience a rewarding one. The work of these people is commendable, and I hope to come back soon!Ever wondered where would you find your next meal? How would you support your family given an unexpected circumstance? Do you ever wake up and thank the almighty for another day of life rather than thinking about how to get to work before 9am? I’ve never thought about the importance of these questions until recently, where I had an experience as a volunteer at a food bank in Perth, WA. When I moved to Perth to pursue my MSc. In food science and technology from Curtin University, it was one of my priorities to get involved in many activities and community services. I’ve volunteered for an old age home and an orphanage back in Mumbai and TBH, it can be difficult to find an organisation that can interest young minds.

When I was offered the opportunity to volunteer at Foodbank WA, I decided to participate without even thinking twice. My experience at the Foodbank was really exciting and since I went there with my friend Faseeh, it turned to be fun and enjoyable too. When I first arrived at the location, I was anxious as to what to do and where to go as the building was humongous. As we entered the reception, we met this really kind lady Mel Rowe who took us around the property and introduced us to a bunch of really cool people who work there. She had some interesting things to tell us about how things function at Foodbank and it brought me to understand how each and every person working there is special and unique as they work long hours to do what was right. Ever wondered where would you find your next meal? How would you support your family given an unexpected circumstance? Do you ever wake up and thank the almighty for another day of life rather than thinking about how to get to work before 9am? I’ve never thought about the importance of these questions until recently, where I had an experience as a volunteer at a food bank in Perth, WA. When I moved to Perth to pursue my MSc. In food science and technology from Curtin University, it was one of my priorities to get involved in many activities and community services. I’ve volunteered for an old age home and an orphanage back in Mumbai and TBH, it can be difficult to find an organisation that can interest young minds.

The moment I entered the warehouse, I looked with awe at the aisles filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, canned food, frozen food and delicious treats. The fact that filled me with joy is knowing that this food will be distributed among people who need it the most and that I’ll be participating in building a stronger Australia. The work environment was nice, the people around were friendly and worked with a positive attitude, they also played good music so that everybody was in a good mood while working.

We then headed towards “cooking sensation” class where Nerissa was teaching people how to cook simple and nutritious food and she let us be a part of the session. Everyone was kind and friendly. The session was not only fun but very informative too.

From Volunteering at this non-profit food pantry, I learned “never to judge a book by its cover” in simple words, an individual might appear well put together on the outside but you never know what it is they are dealing with on the inside. I’ve also come to appreciate everything that I have in my life, from food to eat and a roof over my head and that some people are less fortunate than me. All I would like to say is that go ahead and help someone in need because every crumb counts. From this experience, I’ve learnt that it doesn’t require much to make a better community. Just a little bit of love, kindness and the will to make a difference.

Bio: Prerna Anand Singh is pursuing Master of Science in Food Science and Technology at Curtin University, Australia. Prerna is enthusiastic about food science and appreciated by many for showing her exceptional dedication as a volunteer at Foodbank WA.