by Meredith Davenport

A few weeks ago, I responded to an ad in the Democrat and Chronicle for a Spanish interpreter to work in a food pantry. I had no idea that response would land me smack in the middle of a group of extraordinary kick-a– church ladies (and a few awesome churchmen). I am very grateful to have the opportunity to serve the community in their group called Beyond the Sanctuary that operates out of the AME Mt. Zion church in the Cornhill neighborhood. Each Wednesday we come together to pack bags and send hundreds of pounds of food and supplies into the community. As a photojournalist who covered all kinds of crisis all over the world, I know how quickly normality can unravel. For this reason, I am deeply concerned about food insecurity in Rochester. Being part of the solution rather than imagining the worst of the problem has given my more than I could have imagined. I have met a beautiful group of courageous and caring people and found a sense of connection with them.

I believe their work will become more important in the coming weeks and months. If you are interested in learning more or would like to make a donation you can go to their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Beyond-the-Sanctuary-Inc-102811104478823/