t’s day five at the Food inequality service trip in Baltimore, MD. As part of the Bucknell university course, Food, Faith and Justice, seven individuals including myself visited several religious institutions (Sikh Association of Baltimore, Islamic Society, Black Church Food Security Network), community farms (Little Portion Farm, Baltimore Farm Alliance) and a soup kitchen (Our Daily Bread). The object of this trip was to become accustomed to the many issues facing Baltimore – homelessness, the lasting effect of red lining and most of all, individuals struggling to obtain sufficient sustenance to go about their daily lives.
We initially met with Dr. Surinder Singh Gill to inquire about his project in helping immigrants and those in the Sikh community in having a stable community. In Sikhism he mentioned how when sharing meals, all individuals despite race, religion or socioeconomic status must sit in line side by side as a means of showcasing how all are equal. This similarity is also present in Islam as when Muslims come together to have their required prayers, all must prostrate in the presence of God; thus, further showing the equal nature of everyone despite their differences. Along with this concept I further learned of the concepts in these religious faiths: a) Baptized Sikhs must never cut any part of their body hair and must remain vegan b) Muslims must uphold the principles of their religion, many of which focus on the importance of society and the need to aid those less privileged.
Moreover, we got to participate in hands-on work at the Baltimore Farm Alliance, Little Portion Farm and the Maryland Food Bank. These experiences involved clearing a deteriorated pathway to make way for a new one that will be used for a community farm. Added nutrition to planting beds by shoveling, transporting and dumping mushroom mulch and finally sorted food and accessory products on a conveyor belt to distribute to individuals.
As previously stated, I along with eight other individuals all took part in this unique experience and although I was skeptical of spending a week with people I barely knew. Through the work, eating together and reflecting on the day, each person has proven to be reliable. As such, this group is like a mini family outside my actual family at Bucknell and home.