A Day With KANBE’s: A Field Trip Reflection

On a sunlit morning, bright and clear,

Nine of us set out with a purpose nearby.

Through Kansas winds and Missouri skies,

To Kansas City, where service lies.

We came to KANBE, hearts aware,

Of food and justice shaped with care.

Among the fruits and vegetables stored,

We saw a mission deeply poured.

Maps adorned the office wall,

With pins in zip codes, tall and petite

Each mark is a promise, proudly shown,

That no one in this fight is alone.

From Jackson's streets to Wyandotte's edge,

KANBE stands as hunger's hedge.

With fridges stocked in every place,

They meet the need with quiet grace.

Big stores like Walmart, Aldi, too,

Give what's fresh and still brand new.

From these gifts, a network grows,

To every home, that hardship knows.

Farmers take what can't be used,

To compost lands, not left abused.

Volunteers with a steady hand,

Sort and serve at each demand.

Morning shifts to afternoon,

Work that hums a hopeful tune.

In the summer months, the students come,

Their energy is a beating drum.

We carpooled in, explored, and engaged,

In every space, compassion is staged.

We listened closely as stories flowed

Of store partners helping hope unfold.

Fresh food is shared, and waste food is turned into.

These are not just meals, but also lessons deeply learned.

We learned about the power of community, the importance of sustainability,

and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Recycled, reused, or made to feed,

Each step answers hunger's need.

At Thelma's Kitchen, midday rest,

Where salad, soup, and sandwiches are blessed.

Coffee warmed the final phase,

Of this inspiring, sunlit day.

Then back we drove, with minds enriched,

By every tale, and purpose stitched.

A journey more than miles could show,

It's where community and kindness grow.