What does it mean to #FeedDayton? You're probably thinking, 'It's exactly what it sounds like.' While that is true, #FeedDayton also means so much more than just simply feeding people. To me, #FeedDayton means community, hope, laughter, food, people, and love for Dayton, Ohio.
Dayton, Ohio is full of diversity and history. Whether you're from Dayton or living across the globe, you have been impacted by Dayton in one way or another. Orville and Wilbur Wright, more commonly known as the Wright Brothers, invented the airplane in 1903 in their bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio. If you haven't flown in an airplane, maybe you have ridden a bike. Huffy, a Dayton bicycle brand, invented training wheels in 1942. Twenty years later, in 1962, Ermal Fraze of Dayton introduced the world to the pop tab. Whether you're doing life in the 937 area, or in another state, you have been impacted by my city: Dayton, Ohio.
I decided to start BOGG in 2010 when I realized there was a need in Dayton that was not being met: Hunger relief. Dayton is always apart of the top ten hungriest cities in the United States. This broke my heart because I had no idea that so many families were struggling to put food on the table. Thankfully, BOGG had grown into something more than just food. BOGG has grown into a movement: To love people and to feed people.
BOGG is a mobile community outreach program that feeds 40,000 people each year who are living in the Dayton area. By volunteering, I get to be part of the story. I get to meet the people and see the faces of Dayton. I get to serve my community, and help meet the needs of thousands of families. I really like that BOGG is not traditional. It is a mobile food pantry that travels to where the needs are in Dayton. Each week we load up the two box trucks with food and take them to one of ten Mobile Meal pantry locations where families can come to receive a week's worth of groceries. Those of us volunteering serve anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds of food per family. Unlike other food banks, BOGG is serving healthy food options such as ground turkey, chicken breast, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole wheat bread, and so on. People who are experiencing hunger should not be forced to eat heavily processed foods for every meal. BOGG wants to make sure they're fueling their community with healthy food options. That is a cause I can stand behind and be apart of, and I hope you can too.
When I volunteer with BOGG, I am meeting people from all walks of life, all ages, races, religions, genders, etc. I get the opportunity to be part of their life story, and they get to be part of mine. BOGG is more than just feeding people. BOGG is about loving people, and loving your community. When we look at Dayton's history, we can see how our past Daytonians have made an impact. BOGG is here to empower present Daytonians to transform lives and make an impact in our city, together. In some way, you have been touched by my city. Because of this, together, we are Dayton, and together we will #FeedDayton.
Review from #MyGivingStory