Investing in Students: Educator Witnesses the Impact of Service Learning

Through the Service Learning Program, students
participate in activities that teach the impact
of our services.

“When I grow up, I want to be a chef!”

Tiffany Johnson will never forget these words spoken by one of her students after he participated in Food & Friends’ Service Learning Program. As the Assistant Principal of Whittier Education Campus, she has seen firsthand the impact this program has on her students.

“With Food & Friends, I realized that being involved in service learning does so much for them. It builds their character, encourages them to give to their community, allows them to work as a team and gives them a sense of value…because of that, I see a huge difference in them at school.”

In the case of this particular student, Tiffany was surprised to see his new found motivation and focus. In the past, the student had minor behavioral issues; she had never seen him so focused on and interested in an activity. She attributes this change to the learning environment offered by Food & Friends and the value that was placed on the student’s volunteer experience.

“As soon as he [a student] arrived at Food & Friends, he instantly felt a connection with one of the chefs and they fostered a relationship,” says Tiffany. “In addition to learning about what the chef does on a daily basis, the student had the opportunity to give back to the community which contributed to the way he viewed himself. He felt like Food & Friends was invested in him.”

Each student participating in the program packages and/or delivers meals to clients and takes part in custom-designed workshops that tie in their volunteer experience with real world issues. Since its creation in 2000, the program has grown tremendously. Nearly 1,400 students participated during the 2012-2013 school year. 

This success would not be possible without the support of partners like AT&T, which has demonstrated a true investment in service learning and in the wellness of our community.

Each year, hundreds of students volunteer
through the Service Learning Program.

“Food & Friends’ Service Learning Program is a unique and refreshing approach to engaging with the community and one we’re pleased to support,” said Beth Shiroishi, Vice President, Sustainability and Philanthropy, AT&T. “By integrating student volunteers into their meal delivery service; they provide a tangible and motivational experience for students, going above and beyond their core mission. Through the program, Food & Friends excels at promoting learning opportunities and addressing a community need—two attributes we highly value at AT&T.”

The Service Learning Program has been successful in forging a unique collaboration between Food & Friends, schools, AT&T and community partners that are critical to supporting student success. For students like Tiffany’s, a partnership like this is invaluable and instrumental in creating a well-rounded education.

Tiffany has already scheduled Whittier’s next service learning dates and is excited to witness more of the impact of the program on her students.

“For students to still be invested in an organization months after working there speaks volumes about the program and we can’t wait to be back in the kitchen volunteering.”

Engaging Youth through Service Learning Program

Half of the 12,000 volunteers who join us annually are under the age of 25. Last school year, more than 1,000 of our youth volunteers participated in our Service Learning Program. Through this program, we engage students in traditional community service and highlight educational activities. Some students even receive on-the-job training to prepare for life after school.

Food & Friends engages thousands
of youth every year through its
Service Learning Program

This year, we will continue to enhance our Service Learning Program with help from Youth Service America (YSA). YSA’s mission is to improve communities by increasing the number and diversity of young people serving in substantive roles. Food & Friends was chosen as a Lead Sodexo Organizer, meaning we will recruit and assist at least 10 community partners in growing their volunteer and service learning programs. The kick-off for recruitment started in October at the Youth Service Institute conference in Houston, Texas.

As part of our partnership with Sodexo, I had the opportunity to attend this three-day event designed to introduce the latest and most effective strategies for quality youth engagement. My primary objective for attending was to share ideas and learn from other people working in this field. I was honored to share Food & Friends’ successes in recruiting charter schools, and how we use surveys to track progress in our afterschool students. New contacts taught me to focus school recruitment around a day like Global Youth Service Day, and a few organizations shared useful lesson plans designed to prepare classes before volunteering.

We're participating in GYSD this year!
Check out our opportunities for youth that week!

Now, back at Food & Friends, we are discussing ways to incorporate some of these new ideas into our program. We love working with our youth volunteers and want to ensure they are part of a top quality program. Based on the growth we’ve experienced in recent years, we know Service Learning will continue to grow and serve more local high school students. This unique experience provides a glimpse into community service and exposes youth to valuable lessons that are not taught in a classroom.

For more information regarding Service Learning, please contact me at agaudette@foodandfriends.org or at (202) 269-6832.

Angela Gaudette is the Service Learning Coordinator at Food & Friends. She has been a member of our team for over three years. Prior to Food & Friends, she worked in Los Angeles as the Youth Resource Coordinator at an afterschool program. Among Angela’s favorite things are working with students, cooking, gardening and her recent Ironman Wisconsin finish.

Help Us Thank Teachers!

Few other professions touch as many people as teachers do. Teachers make a lasting impact on their students' lives and inspire the next generation through their work. This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week and Food & Friends and our supporters want to recognize the importance of educators and say thank you!

Our Service Learning Program uses community service to bring learning to life. We work with dozens of teachers and school administrators to give students the opportunity to engage in meaningful service projects integrated with curriculum-based workshops. We are truly grateful to the teachers who engage their students in helping the community.

What role has a teacher played in your life? What makes a great teacher? Who was your favorite teacher and why?

Students from Duke Ellington School of the Arts

Although this praise is deserved every day, join us in using this week to make a special effort to honor educators and acknowledge the crucial role they play in ensuring every student receives a quality education.

Join Food & Friends in paying tribute to the teachers in our lives by commenting on our Facebook page or by tweeting a thank you message to teachers -- include @foodandfriends.