By Michelle Lecumberry, Design Editor
Tables of packaged foods, such as bread and potatoes, being distributed at the Food Fair on Feb. 8 at Lone Star College- Kingwood. Photo by Abigail Morar.
There is more to college than classes, grades, and credits. College is also about leaving a mark in the world and finding something you are passionate about.
The Community Food Fair, hosted by the Humble Area Assistance Ministries (HAAM), in partnership with Respiratory Therapy Associate Professor, Gary Wynne, and Education Professor Brenda Stubbs, kicked off on February 8 in Parking Lot G of Lone Star College-Kingwood.
The first of four fairs this semester was a success, Volunteer Coordinator of HAAM Cathy Schrof said.
The main purpose of the food fairs is to help community residents in crisis. According to the ministry’s website, 20 percent of resident live below the poverty line and 35 percent of students enrolled in Humble Independent School District qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Schrof said that this event fed about 324 families, 1,023 individuals, 80 LSC-Kingwood students, and 159 volunteers.
Furthermore, the event is open for everyone. To receive food, HAAM asks questions for the ministry’s records. Questions are asked to better understand how to help the community. Privacy is vital for this event to avoid unintentional embarrassment, according to Stubbs.
There were all type of cars at the event. No matter what you drive or the type of clothes you wear, the food fair is a judgment-free zone because sometimes your loved one is sick or your house is flooded, Stubbs said.
“You don’t know about the day before,” Stubbs said.
Cars line up Feb. 8 in the Lone Star College-Kingwood Parking Lot G for the Community Food Fair. Volunteers ask drivers questions of family status and income for Humble Area Assistance Ministry records. Photo by Abigail Morar.
The scene during the food fair was welcoming and respectful. There were many volunteers that were inspired by the food fair. Many nursing students were at the event, as they were one of the hosting programs.
“I am here because I am part of student ambassadors, and that’s why I like to help my community,” Nicolas Oviedo said.
The food fair even attracted faculty from LSC-Cy-Fair to the event, Hillary Harris, Education Department Chair, said.
“We came to be inspired by the one and only Brenda Stubbs. There is no one as hard working, and inspiring as her,” Harris said.
There will be other three food fairs during this semester: March 8, April 12, and May 3; four more appearing in the Fall 2017 semester. This provides many opportunities for students to serve their community.
This event is unique because all the volunteers value the people they are helping, first year student Melanie Quinchiguango said.
“We are not heroes for helping, we are helping heroes,” Quinchiguango said.
Volunteers pose for a quick photo as the Community Food Fair comes to a close on Feb. 8. Nursing students, Humble Area Assistance Ministry volunteers, and other Lone Star College-Kingwood students volunteer at the Food Fair. Group photo by Abigail Morar.
