I was a volunteer at OSL, it was one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had! The staff there are so passionate about what they do and they were so patient and willing to share their experiences with our group. All items used in their dishes are organic and even the cleaning of the produce is with organic cleaning products. The amount of people that are fed and how organized they have this operation is amazing! I would definately volunteer again.
I was a volunteer. Operation Sack lunch is very organized, they prepare hot meals for so many. The need is great and they help hundreds of people every day.
I began my experience with OSL supporting my teenage daughter in her volunteer efforts. Later I became a donor to Operation Sack Lunch. Later still, I was recruited as a board member. I am incrediably impressed with the fine work accomplished by this organization with very limited resources, doing the most basic of functions - feeding those in need. With the needs in our community greater than ever, this organization is very important to the very fabric of our community.
The high school students I chaperoned were very moved and inspired by this experience. I'm sure they benefited as much, if not more, than those who were served.
someone close to me recommended that I volunteer with OSL. I began to work with OSL during the summer and part of the fall of this year. the staff are great and genuinely care about the volunteers and those they serve. There were many days that I came even though I was not really up to it. Every time I pressed my way it was worth it and I left uplifted. The people I served were well mannered and grateful for the work I had put in; I loved all the compliments. I was also amazed at the quality foods they have a habit of using I have never seen an non-profit organization responsible for feeding the homeless care so much about quality as well as quantity. I plan to continue working with OSL and would gladly tell others about them with no hesitation.
It is easy for a food bank or meal program to serve junk, old pastries and things with really long shelf lives are easy to donate, easy to prepare. But these foods provide little nutrition for people who are living in difficult to horrible circumstances. One of OSL's guiding principals is that "nutritional excellence is a right we are born to, not a priveledge we earn." OSL walks their talk. They have found many routes to provide good, real food. They have put in place safeguards and precautions so that they can safely serve high quality and fresh foods to persons who have compromised immune systems and fragile lives. It is one step towards health for people who don't have many healthy choices. In providing, advocating, and demanding that their guests are worthy of real food, they raise the bar for everyone. Operation Sack Lunch also runs the Meals Partnership Coalition, a group of meal programs that provide food to shelters, seniors, and other low income recipients. OSL, through this coalition, is able to support, educate and be an advocate for other meal providers in the area.
OPERATION: Sack Lunch is a leader in the fight against hunger in the greater Seattle area. This organization works diligently and effectively to provide nutritious meals to a community in need, and is a leader in the fight for social justice through nutrition. An example of this work can be seen in their commitment to provide not only nutritiously excellent meals, but also meals that are wholesome, and chemical free. Many people in poverty and homelessness experience compromised auto-immune systems due to environmental conditions, and illnesses. OPERATION: Sack Lunch helps to improve their guest's health by providing safe foods that support healthy auto-immune systems. Every person in our society deserves and is entitled to safe, nutritious, and healthful meals. By providing meals with these critical elements, this organization is taking a stand for social justice through nutrition, and providing access to foods that is safe to eat for thousands of people annually.