Wal-Mart Volunteers at the Kitchen!

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06.01.2009 --

(above) Walmart staff member, Carolyn Parham (DCCK's Volunteer Program Coordinator) and Ray Bracy, Wal-Mart Vice President for Government Relations.

Staff from Congressman John Boozman's office and Wal-Mart had a great morning volunteering together at DC Central Kitchen. "This is my third time volunteering. I enjoy getting to know the students and staff and hearing their stories," said Ray Bracy, Wal-Mart Vice President for Government Relations.

Wal-Mart's relationship with DC Central Kitchen began in October of 2008. "We liked the ideas behind DC Central Kitchen because they correlated with two of our main pillars for giving – food, nutrition and fighting hunger and job training," stated E.R. Anderson, the Regional Media Director. "After visiting the Kitchen, we realized that not only is this a good cause, but it's an amazing organization that changes lives."

Since their first experience at the Kitchen, Wal-Mart staff has attended graduation, judged at Cook-offs and become the main sponsor for the Capital Food Fight. They also hope to become regular volunteers. "Volunteering at the Kitchen is a great thing for us to do as a team," said E.R.

With Wal-Mart's headquarters located in Arkansas, they also have close ties with Congressman John Boozman (R-AK3), a Co-Chair on the Congressional Hunger Caucus.

Jamie, a legislative correspondent for Congressman Boozman, was initially nervous about volunteering but felt more comfortable once she saw how much the DC Central Kitchen staff enjoyed working in the Kitchen. "I don’t know how to cook, but I can definitely help prep vegetables!" she said as she peeled carrots.

Zach, also from Congressman Boozman's office, works daily with legislation focused on hunger, social service and nutrition issues. "It's great to get a hands-on perspective," he said.

After working under the kind yet watchful eye of Miss Dot in salad production, Zach summarized what he learned in this statement: "I learned that this is Miss Dot's Kitchen!"

Thanks so much to all of our volunteers! You make 4,000 meals a day possible.