We only open the truck one night a week…Fridays. Starting this coming Friday, it will always be a fundraiser. Even though the business is new and times are tough, this seems like a win win to me. The natural place for me to start is with “Food, What?!” , an organization to which I have strong ties. FW is a program under the umbrella of Life Lab Science Program (located at the UCSC Farm and Garden) where I have been the site gardener/maintenance person for going on four years. I have had the honor to work with the FW kids and staff over this time. Let me tell you that witnessing the transformation in these young lives as a result of participating in the program makes my heart swell to near bursting. The admiration that I have for Doron Comechero and Abby Bell, the program directors, cannot not easily be expressed. These are two of the hardest working and dedicated people one could ever hope to cross paths with, and believe me, they are making a difference in these kids lives and hence the greater good. I also have the good fortune to have the support of some of the FW grads in my business. It is amazing to see them put what they have learned into action in another context. This is how I know about the true effectiveness of the program. Every one of the kids I have worked with has been everything I could hope for. They bring the FW mindset of team support, leadership, cooperation, flexibility, willingness, focus, curiosity, desire for efficiency, follow-through, communication, kindness, and safety. They also bring with them a firm grip on nutrition and kitchen skills. I have managed or employed lots of people at different times in my life. These youth outshine most of them in terms of teamwork and willingness. I kid you not. So, If you want and easy way to give a little to really change the life of a kid who needs some help, come eat some yummy fish tacos on Friday from 5:30-9:00. Hope to see you there.
