Major(s): Government
What was the name of the organization you worked for over the summer?
The Bergen County Office of Food Security
What did you work on?
I was an intern with the Bergen County Office of Food Security through the Bergen County Commissioners’ internship program. It was a very hands-on experience which involved on-site visits to food pantries across Bergen County, New Jersey. We volunteered at food distributions and met with pantry leaders to learn about issues they are facing. At the county government office, we met with county government leaders to outline and plan a campaign for Hunger Action Month in September 2023. Through the Bergen County Commissioners, the internship program also included tours of county government facilities including the county jail, courthouse, homeless shelter, emergency operations center, fire department training center, and more.
What was a highlight of your experience?
My proudest experience was being able to use my Spanish skills, which I gained at Wesleyan, at food distributions. Because of my background in Spanish, I was frequently sent to volunteer at food pantries that had a higher demand for Spanish speakers. At some moments, I acted as a translator to help food pantries gain access to government resources, including a software that we are promoting called OASIS.
How did your summer experience impact you?
While changemaking in the world can often be indirect, it was very meaningful to be directly putting food into the hands of people who need it most. While I was helping other people get food, doing this work was also nourishment to my own soul.
