Observations

Diversity and World Cultures
Daniel Wagner
Module 3 Assignment 2
Darryle Hockett
February 27, 2012

My Observations
For this assignment I chose someplace that is close to me.   The Wallace Avenue food kitchen located within the walls of the Dunamis Baptist Church located at 751 Wallace Avenue Wilkinsburg PA 15221.   The soup kitchen is ran by volunteers and members of the church, they provide lunch and dinner services to the homeless, poor and low income families that have run out of food for the month.
The food kitchen is located in the lower level of a church.   The church itself is a huge red brick building with large red doors.   The doors look inviting but can also appear intimidating from time to time depending on why you’re approaching them.   When you enter the dining hall the lights are kind of dim from the poor lighting but its warm and have a comfortable feel to it.   The smell of whatever they are cooking in the kitchen fills
My first day at the food kitchen was on Thursday February 23rd from 11am – 1pm.   When I arrived at the soup kitchen I watched as the staff members set up the dining area, prepared the food for the coming lunch rush.   I was amazed at how organized these people were able to work almost like a well-oiled machine.   They were able to work in complete harmony.   They had one objective in mind to serve the hungry.  
On day 1, I sat in the rear of the dining hall away from everyone so that no one would be able to see me writing my notes.   I didn’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable or have been think that someone was watching their every move.   On day 2 of my visit I chose to participate in the lunch services.   I sat among a family that is currently going through tough economic times.   They only have enough money from unemployment to pay their rent so to eat they utilize the food kitchen 4 days a week.
At least 75 people arrived at the soup kitchen during the lunch rush; I was kind of surprised that the people didn’t have a choice...