Yesterday, the national radio personality Trey Morgan, known in New York City from his regular appearances on Z100, brought his 30 Deeds, 30 Days campaign to the Food Bank's Community Kitchen & Food Pantry of West Harlem. For this campaign, Trey is documenting his experiences visiting and volunteering for 30 different charities over September's 30 days and we were excited to welcome Trey to Harlem on the second day of his campaign. Read Trey's blog post below about his experience at the Community Kitchen, originally posted to his campaign blog, and don't forget to check out 30Deeds30Days.com for photos and a video of his experience with the Food Bank and more! 

Day Two of “30 Deeds, 30 Days” was spent at the Food Bank For New York City. What an eye-opening day! I arrived a little bit before 11am and there was a line of people waiting outside to go into the food pantry. Today was especially meaningful to me because growing up; my family had visited the local food bank in Texas. Also, I believe that no one should ever go hungry. The people I met today are simply amazing and I am honored to have been a guest and volunteer for such a remarkable organization.

I was greeted by Carol Schneider, Senior Media Relations Manager, who introduced us to German Tejeda, Senior Director, Tax Services, and then had a chance to sit down with Shanon Morris, Program Manager and Carlos M. Rodriguez, Vice President Agency Relations & Benefit Access. I got a tour of the Community Kitchen & Food Pantry. The kitchen looked like any kitchen you would find in a large restaurant. German was telling me that they have to keep their kitchen cleaner than any restaurant in the city because they have more regulations and more agencies monitoring the operation than a typical restaurant does.

Trey Morgan with Shannon Morris, Food Bank Program Manager, at the Community Kitchen & Food Pantry of West Harlem; visit 30Deeds30Days.com for more photos!

The food pantry was nothing like I expected. I thought it was going to be a room with pre-filled grocery bags and people would just walk up and take a bag and whatever it had in it was the food you were given. It was quite the opposite, actually. The food pantry was set up like a grocery store. Depending on the size of your family, you would get a laminated card with the amount of food you were eligible for. This system gives the “customers” some dignity and empowers them to make their own choices on what they eat. Maybe you don’t like garbanzo beans but love kidney beans, then you get a choice. It was wonderful to see how much the Food Bank For New York City cares about the nutritional content.

After the grand tour, I got the chance to stock shelves. Putting cases of canned beans, tuna and even fruit juice on the shelves. I know it sounds so simple and you might ask, “Why do they need a volunteer to do that?” Well, instead of paying someone $8 an hour to stock shelves, they can spend that money to pay the gas bill or to repair a leaky faucet.

I must admit; I was very impressed with how passionate and invested they are in their work towards ending what is called “food poverty.” Everyone at the Food Bank For New York City is motivated and on a mission.

As I mention in my video, I met with a family that has experienced terrible loss and has endured so many challenges. Challenges that to you or me are simply unimaginable, but somehow this couple has continued to stay positive and feel "blessed." I am blessed to know them. Food Bank For New York City has eagerly worked with them to get into a new shelter for the time being and they are diligently making sure they have enough food to eat. Not everyone who comes to the Food Bank For New York City is homeless, but in this family's situation, unfortunately they found themselves without.

So far in the last two days I’ve been fortunate enough to work with so many inspiring individuals and learn things about the organizations that I never knew about. One of the best parts has been gaining a new perspective on just what the organizations do. For instance, did you know that the Food Bank For New York City provides more than just food? Carol was kind enough to send me some really great information to share with you about the Food Bank For New York City. Take a look [on the 30 Days, 30 Deeds blog] and read about their amazing programs.

Let me know your thoughts. Send me an email and I would strongly encourage you to get involved with your local food bank. No one should ever go hungry.

Thank you for your support. Day three coming to you soon!

Check out the video from my day at Food Bank For New York City here.

-Trey