From the Frontline: What I've Learned after a Year with Operation Frontline in Colorado
Posted by Becky Mares on Tuesday, September 7, 2010
“Give a person a fish, and they will eat for a day. Teach a person to fish, and they will eat for a lifetime.”
Share Our Strength’s Operation Frontline embodies this classic motto of self-sufficiency. In searching for AmeriCorps programs around the country, I was immediately drawn to the possibility of working with Operation Frontline’s nutrition education program. It is important for people at risk of hunger to get enough food, but it is essential for people to eat quality, nutritious food as well. Working alongside committed volunteers and agencies, it has been rewarding to see Operation Frontline participants build their skills and confidence in becoming self-reliant and leading a healthy lifestyle.
As an AmeriCorps member, I have been able to commit a year of service to bringing this incredible program to the Pikes Peak region of Colorado. Every day brings a fresh perspective on issues of hunger and nutrition facing the residents of central and southern Colorado.
I have also gained incredible perspective and skills from my experience with Operation Frontline. The two greatest things I have realized during my time are: 1) the tangibility of eating healthy, tasty food on a budget and 2) my passion for education. The “light bulb”, or “aha,” moments I have seen in class make being an educator a rewarding career.
During a Side By Side taste test, in which moms and kids cook and taste together, participants were encouraged to try samples of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains they may not have tasted before. One participant thought she would not like mango because it was slimy, but when she tasted it she was surprised to find that she did in fact enjoy it.
One mother in an Eating Right adult course came to the first day talking about how her son did not like to eat anything green. When she made Ratatouille at home the second week, she was pleased to report that her son ate the whole thing—zucchini and all!
In another course, Eating Right participants took turns speaking about what they would take with them from the course. One graduate shared that she gained a newfound self-esteem from the class. She used to be intimidated by unknown recipes, but now has the ability to apply her knowledge to new challenges with confidence.
These moments bring joy to my experience as an Operation Frontline AmeriCorps member. Working with participants, volunteers, and agencies makes me proud to be part of Operation Frontline and excited to be on the forefront of nutrition education in Colorado and across the country.
Photo above: Microwavable Apple Crisp from an Operation Frontline class. More recipes are available in our Operation Frontline Recipe Collection (download as PDF).
September 7, 2010 | 0 comment(s) | Tags: AmeriCorps, colorado, no kid hungry
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