The aroma of hot turkey and gravy filled the Walter E. Washington Convention Center as thousands of needy people lined up Wednesday for a hot pre-Thanksgiving meal. Safeway’s 11th annual Feast of Sharing also featured a job fair, health screenings and free clothing.
“What Safeway is doing is important, because some people don’t even know where their next meal is coming from or they can’t afford to shop,” attendee Ria Shaw said. “This means so much to people in the area.”
Greg O’Dell, who heads the Washington Convention and Sports Authority, said he expanded the program with the clothing drive this year. He said people are forgoing the food to get clothing because of the current economic state.
The event also enabled residents to learn about job availability in the D.C. area. Lists of hiring employers were handed out to prospective applicants along with job descriptions and contact information.
“At first I wasn’t going to come, but I am really glad I did because I found out that Safeway is hiring, and I just really need employment to support my baby,” Shanan Brown said.
Health testing services also were provided. Diabetes and HIV testing were available along with blood pressure checks and flu vaccines.
“I think this event is helpful because people can learn their health status,” Brown said. “A lot of people here don’t have the means to get regular checkups.”
The D.C. residents not only left with full stomachs but with a Safeway bag full of farm fresh apples, courtesy of Jamie Boyd, coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Gleaning Network. Boyd said her organization gives the needy a bag of fruit to take home so they can feed their families later.
“Fresh produce is so important for the homeless because they don’t have the funds to buy it and eat well,” she said.
Boyd said volunteers worked hard to pick the apples, transport and bag them — and it’s a labor of love. She believes more needs to be done to help the homeless and the seniors of the city.
“My income is below poverty and I don’t get a single penny out of volunteering,” said Boyd, herself a longtime D.C. resident. “I’m turning 81 and I am not going to give up on these people. I will do this as long as I’m able to so I can help them.”
