It's HIP!

  

I often walk around my neighborhood admiring flowers and fruiting plants as I get some exercise and fresh air. One recent Friday a delicious aroma coming from a church along my path had me very interested in what they were doing. In their parking lot I saw two vans for HIP, Hunger Intervention Program. 

A shelter meal packed for delivery

Once home, I searched for the HIP website and learned they have many volunteer opportunities from cooking meals for shelters and seniors to serving and delivering meals. I filled out a volunteer interest form right away. 

 

The next week I was volunteering as a dish washing assistant. Hey, it’s a necessary part of making meals! Two days later I was preparing meals for delivery and serving at HIP’s free lunch for seniors.

A fresh senior meal

The food is indeed as good as it smells and the next week I was helping to prepare the seniors’ lunch by slicing green peppers, cilantro, and red onions. The latter was a tear-filled experience. 😂 All meals include a main dish such as orzo with sausage and vegetables, a fresh salad, fruit, and often a freshly baked cookie for dessert.

With the daily volunteer opportunities available and being less than a mile from my home, I’m ready, willing, and able to help several days a week! 

I enjoyed these beautiful tulips along my walk and was inspired to plant bulbs in our yard for blooms next spring.