My name is Kiley Zarzoza, and I am a Junior at the University of Portland, majoring in Nursing with a minor in Neuroscience. This summer, I am interning at the Maple Valley Food Bank (MVFB), in Maple Valley, WA.
The Maple Valley Food Bank provides food assistance and emergency services to low-income residents of Maple Valley, Black Diamond, and the Tahoma School District. Last summer, during COVID, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Food Bank. I fell in love with the volunteers, staff, clients, and the work the Food Bank does. It was then through the Interns for Justice Program I got the opportunity to step into a deeper role at the Food Bank.
This summer my main project is helping highlight the different resources and organizations that can provide support in multiple areas. Through conversations and data collection I have been able to pin point areas of interest for clients. Some of these areas include; job training programs, utility assistance, health care, and dental care. During my second week I highlighted the Washington State Food Stamps Program, called Basic Food. Providing information on how and who can apply for this program.
The other part of this project is updating and adding to an existing resource list that the Food Bank uses.
One goal the director of the MVFB, Lindsey Habenicht, shared with me was being able to do more boots on the ground work. I worked closely with Allie Ross, community health coordinator, getting this goal started. We have delivered supplies and food to our houseless community members. During this summer we will be at the local farmers market a couple times making our presence known in the community and collecting donations. I have participated alongside the staff to reach more clients in need of food assistance throughout the community of Maple Valley.
During my time as an intern I have been listening to people share their stories. I have been pushed outside my comfort zone and been able to learn more about myself. The Maple Valley Food Bank has taught me that with passion and compassion we can reduce the stigma around shopping at a food bank and support the people in our community.