Joy’s Kitchen

Now that I have some free time, I’ve begun volunteering. One of my favorite organizations is Joy’s Kitchen. Kathy, the woman who created Joy’s, is amazing. Over the past 10+ years she has made it her mission to eliminate food waste, improve the lives of those experiencing food insecurity, and to effect climate change. Each month, over 400 volunteers unite in a shared intention to gather, sort, and distribute food. “We know that every act to help eradicate climate change through saving viable food from waste can also love people. We are the solutions to a healthier planet and people.”

I’ve known Kathy for many years. We met rather serendipitously when her father was ill, and I was their palliative care coordinator. She and her dad told me about Joy’s Kitchen, named after their beloved wife and mother, Joyce. Fast forward years later, I arrive at a food bank to volunteer and the first person I see is Kathy.

Kathy is a people magnet and an entrepreneur extraordinaire. Three times a week, Joy’s trucks and trailers make their rounds throughout the city collecting food from area grocery stores. When you see the condition of the trucks and trailers, it is a wonder they keep plugging along, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. Approximately 6,000 pounds of food is rescued each trip and distributed to individuals, shelters, and other food banks. Joy’s motto is: Save Food – Love People.

On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, Joy’s opens their doors to the community to distribute free food. There are no restrictions or criteria for participating; everyone is welcome. In fact, one of the things I appreciate most about Joy’s is their mission to create a “We’re all in this together,” vibe rather than an “us vs. them” environment. Kathy explains, “We are not here for them, we are here with them.” As such, volunteers are encouraged to “shop” along with the other “guests.”

A professor once said, “The difference between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’ is simply a matter of timing.” I’ve never forgotten those words. Truth be told, most of us are one, maybe two paychecks away from financial ruin. Divorce, illness, unemployment, a pandemic…none of us are immune to life’s hardships.

On the home page for Joy’s Kitchen, there is a quote, “Together we can be the change we wish to see in the world.” IYKYK

❤️

P.S. Joy’s Kitchen is in dire need of financial assistance to continue their noble mission. If you have a few extra dollars, or a whole bunch of dollars, please consider donating at joyskitchen.org/donate.