Collecting, Caring and Learning – The B91Community Garden Food Drive A Success!
The unexpected outcome of helping to organize the Food Drive for the Beach 91st St.Community Garden was how much I learned about the food and hygiene needs of people in Rockaway – our community members. When the project started, I called the rectory to confirm that St. Rose of Lima was accepting food pantry donations. Father Rodriguez said, “Absolutely, yes.” I began naively listing items I thought we should collect. I can’t believe I said cat food, soooo embarrassing. The Father politely thanked me but added, “We need on-the-go foods.”
I paused, taken aback thinking in my head, “Food you can eat on the street?” My heart dropped. I felt so out of touch. He explained they were looking for items like Hamburger Helper and food that doesn’t require a stove. Food that can be made in a microwave or with boiling water and canned food with self-opening tabs, as many people don’t have access to a can opener.
He mentioned the need for small-sized toiletries items – hand warmers, band-aids, hand sanitizer, hand cream, wipes, gum, chapstick, feminine products, combs, etc. These will be used by the Youth Group, which is organizing a holiday program through Dec. 15. “Homeless Blessing Bags.” If you can contribute, drop off these wellness gifts after every Mass at St. Rose. More info on their FB page.
Processing all this was a humbling moment. There’s so much around us that goes unseen in our community.
An interesting parallel is, in my professional life, I’ve been working in the nonprofit world, working on strategic planning development for two organizations: CUMAC and The Greater Newark Conservancy. Both focus on combating food insecurity by collaborating with other outreach organizations, and guests (the food insecure) with environmental, food, and racial injustice as focal points. The end goal is holistic care, improving the health and well-being of the people they serve. For perspective, these groups are similar to RISE.
So far, my biggest takeaway from this work has been asking: How did these people become food insecure in the first place? The answer is complex, involving factors like trauma, poverty, social injustice, systemic racism, and government policymaking. It’s so overwhelming and when I get anxious, I remember to go back to this: “I want to change the world,’ said Tiny Dragon. — ‘Start with the next person who needs your help,’ replied Big Panda.” – James Norbury
Speaking for the B91 Community Garden, I want to sincerely thank everyone who donated food and monetary gifts. We are tremendously overwhelmed by the generosity and support we’ve received.
I also want to extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed in other ways—whether it was sharing on social media, checking expiration dates, carrying boxes, or any of the other tasks that made this possible. We did a good thing, folks.
To close, I want to acknowledge the hard work Father Rodriguez accomplishes at St. Rose of Lima Parish. I don’t know all of it, but I do know he also serves as the administrator at St. Camillus-St. Virgilius, in addition to being the Pastor of St. Rose oversees all three churches. And this doesn’t touch on the counseling and emotional support component of his work. Imagine that was your job?
The team at St. Rose seems small, yet they manage an impressive number of programs, including the youth group, the food pantry, AA meetings, other ministries and Mass, holiday celebrations, weddings, baptisms, funerals… so much more. Beyond that, there’s maintenance, finances, and the many other responsibilities that keep everything running.
It’s remarkable, and my sense is that much of this goes unrecognized. I don’t think many people fully realize the effort and dedication of the team at St. Rose and how tirelessly they work to meet community needs. So, thank you, St. Rose!
Visit or get involved. St. Rose of Lima is located at 130 Beach 84th St, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693. (718) 634-7394
