Rock for Hunger :: The American Critic

Rock for Hunger

by CBRADIO
November 29th, 2008 at 9:30 AM
Filed under: Arts & Entertainment, News Story Commentary

Many from my generation dismiss the importance of service learning. They feel that it impedes upon their life and schedule and is an overall waste of time. This could not be further from the truth. If you want a service learning experience that will truly move you, help feed the homeless with Rock for Hunger.

I must begin by saying how much I love Rock for Hunger and the impact they have made and are currently making in the community. Working with the homeless and fighting poverty is one of the most noble and humble things you can do. What started as a very small nonprofit organization, feeding the homeless with only bag lunches and Capri Sun’s, has become something more; something much bigger. Rock for Hunger now cares for the homeless every Monday night at Lake Eola with hot food, drinks, cloths, and books. The rest of the week is used for planning concerts, other feedings, and new ways to get involved. They do all this with the goal of raising awareness to local poverty while pursuing the highly idealistic vision of ridding the world from poverty completely. Their motto: “Think globally, act locally.”

I have served with Rock for Hunger many times and each time is unique. Whether it’s looking into the faces of homeless people you have never seen but feel for, or seeing someone you fed the week before and picking up a conversation like old friends, you experience something very real. There is something so beautiful about being close to the poor and becoming humble enough to see them as equals, which is what they are and have always been. Of course, the increasingly hectic schedule of everyday life makes this harder and harder to see. What’s important is that you see it, touch it, and feel it.

The first time I served with Rock for Hunger I wasn’t sure what to expect. I met with Chris Goyzeuta, founder and Executive Director of Rock for Hunger, at the downtown post office, located on the corner of Jefferson and Magnolia. I began helping him unload hot food from his trunk which had been prepared earlier that night. As we walked over to the corner where we would set up I saw a small army of volunteers and homeless awaiting us. We were followed by six other volunteers, all carrying hot food, water, and cloths. Using park benches and a mailbox to set up our “buffet,” the homeless began forming a single file line. I was in charge of handing out plastic silverware and paper plates at the beginning of the line. What surprised me was that no one was pushing or shoving, trying to cut in line. The homeless waited until we had everything set up and then, once they were told we were ready, they began to move towards the food. The line was around fifty people long and grew a little as the line moved. As I handed out forks and greeted everyone I couldn’t help but notice the complex differences in each individual. Some were very quiet, almost embarrassed to be seen. Some were very loud and rude, grabbing the plastic utensils from me, as if it was owed to them. Yet, most were very polite and surprisingly clean. An hour into the feeding the line was almost empty and we had run out of bread. Apples seemed to be abundant and not many wanted them. I found that odd but I was reminded by Chris G. that many of the homeless don’t have the teeth for apple eating.

The best part about this experience was being able to talk with these people while they were eating. It seems a certain defense mechanism shuts down when you break bread with someone. All of a sudden everyone is very human. There is no class structure and any feelings of superiority all fall away. While talking with one man, Eric, I learned he was only in his thirties and had been in the Marine Corps. When I asked how he became homeless he just shrugged, “Sometimes things happen…” Seeing as how he was a Marine and still eating I decided to end my line of questioning. From what I could tell he was a smart, capable man that could get a job. But that’s just it, isn’t it? I have no idea how or why he’s here so who am I to judge? Who knows what happened to him to put him here. He did not seem to be here by choice; in fact, he seemed embarrassed talking to me, with us being so close in age. I told him that Rock for Hunger was here every Monday and he said he knew. “I come here sometimes…” It was hard to see a man that had served our country now reduced to eating food prepared by a nonprofit organization on a street corner.

Yet, the saddest thing I saw was a mother and child, hand in hand, looking through the pile of clothes and shoes that Rock for Hunger had provided. I remember thinking, how could this happen? We live in the richest country in the world. Still, not everyone is here by chance alone. Some have serious problems with drugs and alcohol and need treatment. Some have no family to turn to. It’s important to remember that this could happen to anyone. Yes, some people make poor decisions but some are just unlucky. I know that had I not had my family to help me after my house foreclosed and my business failed, I too could have been on the streets. Yes, I have some friends that could have helped me, but that is my point; some people don’t have that option, some are all alone in this world.

I will continue to work with Rock for Hunger and I do my best to get others involved. Being a local musician, I play whatever shows Rock for Hunger puts on. I recently played Rock for Hunger 3, at the Plaza Theatre. The turnout was great and we not only raised money but an awareness to the problem.

I cannot tell people enough what an amazing experience this is. The value you will get out of serving with Rock for Hunger is immeasurable and the impact you will have can change lives. “Be the change you want to see in the world.” –Gandhi