Hi again, Breakthrough!

After a busy week of networking, traveling, and brainstorming, the Relish crew swapped thinking caps for sanitary gloves, and exercised our hearts to serve with the friendly faces at Breakthrough Fresh Market. 

With a smaller group this time around, our over-achieving minds worried Miss Sally would be disappointed. What would she say upon seeing our meager group of four volunteers!? Yet hardly through the threshold and we were greeted with such delight. It struck us then, that we’re not here to impress. We’re here to help. We rolled up our sleeves and obediently scattered as tasks were assigned to each of us. Paul was sent to the back to assist with the heavy lifting. Kali diligently scanned expiration codes, while Claudia took to the freezer, and Molly, the piles upon piles of corn.

It’s easy to forget why we’re stocking the shelves in the first place. Mindless back and forth, from bag to shelf (or trash) and so on and so forth, until time’s up and it’s back to the hustle of our busy, color-coded life in the Loop. Mere hours spent in this space, only to return in another month and go through all the same motions again. But for whatever reason, this time around felt different.

Perhaps the growing sense of familiarity with each task made way for comfort and ease. Instead of dutifully checking off boxes, we took in the room, and more importantly the people alongside us. We began to ask more about them. Why were they stocking shelves?

We learned that one woman volunteers at Breakthrough just to spend time with her elderly mother. They laughed over bags of oddly shaped vegetables, holding them up for us to laugh at too.

We learned that Ralph takes care of his sister after her house burned down. He comes to the market to provide for his family, but also to aid in comedic banter and sneak treats for his friends. He wouldn’t let us leave without a “reward” for our hard work. Humbling really, to think that we showed up with intention of giving, but left with pockets full of Cowtails and Rice-Crispies.

We learned that Yvonne’s beautiful sweater with the fancy fur collar was donated to her at Breakthrough. She smiled proudly, then said simply, “I’ve gotta earn this sweater,” adding that this is why she volunteers, “to give back for what she’s been given.” She is homeless, but not without community.

And so, through these people (and countless others) the Breakthrough Mission made itself known: Breakthrough is a place to build community, a place of great passion, and a place of dignity and respect for all people. 

Perhaps we can take home more than just treats in our pockets. We can take this mission and weave its same sentiments into our own living and working communities. We, Relish Works, can build community, inspire passion, and foster respect for all people. 

Thank you Miss Sally, Ralph (Boss), and Yvonne.

 -Molly