Shepherd's Table: Meeting Needs and Changing Lives

Presenter: Shyazana Rahaman, General Biology & Information Sciences, Global Public Health Scholars

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For my practicum I volunteered at Shepherd’s table located in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland. I spent the majority of my time in the dining room and kitchen. I would manage the line up and provide food or drinks to every person entering during my meal service responsibilities. If I wasn’t working the line up, I would be out in the dining room wiping the tables or carrying the dishes to the dish room after each guest was finished eating. As part of my many kitchen prep shifts, I would report to the chef in charge of the day's forthcoming meal and inquire about any tasks they might need assistance with. Most of my tasks included chopping and peeling vegetables, preparing desserts, and wrapping silverware in napkins. After helping with kitchen prep or meal service, I would then clean the kitchen and dining area before leaving. From working here I learned a greater understanding of the hardships the DMV community endures daily due to food insecurity. I was also taught interpersonal communication and was able to sympathize and embrace the community. Through a variety of initiatives created to both fulfill immediate needs and offer ongoing social assistance, the work done at Shepherd’s table helps combat food insecurity and homelessness. The meal service program helps attack food insecurity and malnourishment by providing free, nutritious meals three times a day.