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Community Observation Paper
For this assignment I chose to volunteer at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and
discuss the observations I made while working with this organization. This organization started
in the 1980’s and distributes food to those in need in 53 counties across central and western
Oklahoma (Regional Food Bank, 2022). This organization has a goal of not letting anyone go
hungry. They are currently only servicing central and western Oklahoma. However, the
organization continues to grow.
What was Observed During the Experience?
I volunteered to work with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma during their Saturday
event where they host a grocery give away in downtown Oklahoma City. For this event they set
up what almost looks like a grocery store. Many people from the community lined up to have
their turn to walk through. At the beginning of the building a volunteer takes information on the
families as they enter such as how many people are in the household. With this information they
are allotted a certain amount for each section of the store. These sections include canned goods,
dairy, bakery and so on. The largest families receiving the larger quantities to account for every
member. The process is very organized and thought out. It was impressive to see the way
everything and everyone just seemed to effortlessly fall into place.
How Did the Experience affect you?
This experience affected me more than I thought it would. I realized that I do not think
about what some of these people are going through very often. I tend to forget how lucky I am to
have the things I have. Seeing so many people lined up to get groceries they would otherwise
have gone without. Some of them in dirty clothes, obviously homeless. It was eye opening. Also,
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they did not take more than they needed or fight over the resources provided. The entire
operation ran smoothly. Everyone from the community members getting food to the volunteers
working here were all very nice and in good spirits. I was heart warming and made me proud to
be a part of it. I was not sure what to expect when I started this and I was pleasantly surprised by
the experience.
What are the Needs of the population that you interacted with for this assignment?
The need of the population in this instance is the need for food to put on the table for
families who are struggling to make ends meet. We fail to realize that there are many families
who don’t have anything to eat at home or simply can’t afford food after paying bills every
month. Programs like the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma help families across central and
western Oklahoma get good healthy food that they would not have otherwise. After volunteering
I am reminded of how great the need for programs like this is in my community. Most of the
people served by this organization are chronically hungry children, seniors living on minimal
fixed incomes, and families struggling to make ends meet. Oklahoma is currently ranked in the
top 5 hungriest states in the nation (Regional Food Bank, 2022). The Regional Food Bank of
Oklahoma is working hard to change that statistic with there grocery giveaway we discussed here
along with things like a food drive where people donate canned goods and other items to help
them say stocked and ready to help those in need.
How can you help make a difference with this group?
After observing this program and meeting some of the families they are servicing I have
been putting a lot of thought into how I can help. I definitely plan on volunteering again I met
some amazing people and I was reminded of how many people in my community could really
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use the assistance and are grateful for it. I am also organizing a food drive to be started at my
church. It is a rather large congregation and I know we can gather some much-needed items to
donate to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. The organization relies on these donations to
keep the program running as it is a non-profit organization. They do good work, and I am
honored to be a part of the work they are doing for the community. The bible talks about giving
to others and charity many times but the verse I find most fitting to relate to my experience here
is” In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak,
remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ “
(King James Version, 1769/2017, Acts 20:35). I believe the message here is reminding us not to
be greedy and to be aware of the needs of others. It is our responsibility to give to those less
fortunate than we are. Through our Lord we should remember to show love, kindness, and
generosity.
In conclusion, this experience was eye opening for me. I realize how great the need for
programs like the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is in my community. I was also inspired to
volunteer again and to do my part getting donations to assist in keeping programs like this
running, as so many people rely on the resources they provide. Of all of the assignments I have
done for classes this one has had the greatest impact on me, and I will carry the lessons learned
here with me from now on.
