Apr 13, 2024
Sorting 7,050 pounds potatoes to fight hunger

Early on the crisp Sunday morning a week ago, Ava and Alina from our Explore team joined the 8 High Blocks Challenge team members and approximately 30 other eager volunteers at the Atlanta Community Food Bank with a singular mission: to tackle hunger in Georgia. Armed with gloves, determination, and a heart for service, these individuals embarked on a potato-sorting marathon that would make a significant difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.

With the clock striking 8:30, the volunteers received a sobering orientation on the prevalence of hunger in our community. 

Armed with this knowledge, they geared up with handwashing and glove-wearing techniques, ensuring hygiene standards were met.

The assembly line hummed with activity as volunteers of all ages took their designated positions. At the forefront were nine enthusiastic kids, including our Alina. Their small hands deftly loaded potatoes onto bins. At the end of the line, our Ava earned a special role – tying the end of the nylon mesh bags with precision and care.

As the potatoes moved along the assembly line, each step played a vital role in the sorting process. In step two, vigilant volunteers meticulously examined each spud, discarding any that fell short of perfection. In step three, others expertly bagged and weighed the potatoes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

With unwavering dedication, the volunteers collectively sorted a staggering 7,050 pounds of potatoes. This impressive feat translated into 5,875 meals for our neighbors facing food insecurity – a tangible testament to the power of community action.

Throughout the morning, the 10 children exemplified remarkable work ethics, lifting heavy potato bins with firm determination. Despite the physical demands, they remained resilient, pausing only briefly for a well-deserved 10-minute break, during which they enjoyed a lighthearted moment with a Photo Booth.

In addition to their efforts at the sorting center, the 10 children also made meaningful contributions by donating food they had collected. Their generosity extended beyond the sorting room, embodying the spirit of compassion and solidarity.

The day's endeavors at the Atlanta Community Food Bank were more than just a sorting session – they were a testament to the power of collective action in the fight against hunger. Through their sweat, teamwork, and unshakable commitment, these volunteers made a tangible difference in the lives of their neighbors. As bags of potatoes were weighed and meals tallied, it became clear that when communities come together with purpose and compassion, no challenge is insurmountable.

After Alina and Ava's impactful efforts in the fight against hunger, the Explore team reconvened today, eager to continue their journey of discovery and learning. Max enthralled the group with tales of wildlife spotted by a serene creek, while Haoyang recounted his fascinating visit to a paper mill, where he even crafted his own paper.

Wesley captivated his teammates with a captivating water demonstration, unraveling the geological wonders behind the creation of Antelope Canyon. Meanwhile, Ava shared the joyous experience of witnessing a solar eclipse alongside her sister, sparking fascination among the team. Ian delighted everyone with anecdotes from his recent Ukulele performance at school, showcasing his musical talents. 

Following these intriguing updates, the team engaged in a session of sharing and showcasing. Wesley wowed the group with his Ghost & Phantom II LEGO set, while Ian took on the role of educator, teaching Japanese characters and challenging his peers to guess their meanings.

Eager to delve into literature, the team explored the pages of 'Going Places', a story that beautifully illustrates the power of teamwork and innovation as two children embark on a creative journey to build a racing car.

Transitioning seamlessly from storytelling to hands-on exploration, the team immersed themselves in coding robots. With a focus on precision, they experimented with sharp turns and swing turns, fine-tuning their code to understand how adjustments in degree and wheel size could impact the robot's movements.

In this dynamic blend of discovery, education, and hands-on experimentation, the Explore team continues to cultivate a culture of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration."