Throughout my dietetic internship, I have had many different opportunities related to nutrition and working with individuals, but none have really impacted me the way that Operation Food Search has.
Operation Food Search is an extremely unique organization with an inspiring mission to alleviate the burdens of hunger, but the organization does so much more than that.
Even in a quick two weeks, my perspective has been changed for the better, thanks to the people here at Operation Food Search. I was exceptionally fortunate to be able to work alongside such passionate and inspiring people here.
Everyone on the OFS staff goes above and beyond to serve the community. They will do anything and everything possible to provide any resources to the community members. I am truly inspired by the innovation here at this organization. I loved hearing concepts come to life. The MetroMarket began as a simple idea on paper and has grown into a functioning market that I was able to work with. I was surrounded by genuine passion from the OFS staff.
One of the most impacting moments for me was the last day of the Summer Meals Program. The OFS staff had gotten to know a particular community very well and established a strong relationship with them. As a celebration of the last day of Summer Meals, they held a pop-up pantry to help distribute food and fun gifts throughout the community. At one point, one of the residents looked at a staff member and said, “This is what America is all about”. In a time of such turmoil and conflict, it was heart warming to see genuine work for the common good by Operation Food Search.
I have learned to understand people and how important empathy is when working with any type of population. In order to make effective change in the world, you must meet people where they are, free of judgment and full of passion. Operation Food Search has changed me for the better and I can only strive to be as inspirational as the staff and programming here.
— Katie Gallagher, Dietetic Intern
