4-H Delivers

Redwood 4-H Cooking Service

The Issue

Unfortunately, Oakland, California has a high poverty rate. Many citizens are living in poor conditions or even on the streets. CityTeam provides hot meals, safe shelters, showers, and clean clothing to this population. CityTeam has a medical staff that provides medical attention for those in need, and a recovery program is in place for men that are dependant upon drugs and alcohol. CityTeam relies upon donations to keep their organization running.

What has 4-H Done?

For years, Redwood 4-H Club has supported CityTeam. Each year, the club donates photographs, toys, canned foods, and other necessities. However, the main event this year was cooking and serving a dinner for the homeless. The club budgeted and planned in order to make the meal. Nearly all of the members helped in some stage of preparation. For the menu, Redwood 4-H strove to maximize the nutritional value while keeping costs low. They made hamburger, casserole, vegetables, rolls, dessert, and beverages. The club then travelled to CityTeam in order to serve the food they prepared.

The Payoff

About 65 homeless and low income citizens at CityTeam were given a nutritious and delicious meal. They also got the opportunity to interact with 4-H members. The CityTeam residents were very grateful for the 4-Hers and their work. In addition, the 4-H members themselves gained a new understanding of homelessness. They learned how to implement a plan of action and how to give back to the community. The club plans to make their project an annual event.

Author: Megan Reese, State 4-H Office Student Assistant