Beets Cure All

Out of all the times we have volunteered at West Harlem Community Kitchen, it was our fourth time that we actually played an important role in the creation of the featured meal. This was absolutely one of my favorite volunteering experiences.

On that particular day lemon-salmon with quinoa and beets was on the menu. Me and shelly were both taken aback by the high quality of nutritious and delectable food that was offered at this soup kitchen. During prep we had to handle the raw fish. It was extremely cold and quickly numbed all feeling in my hands. However, once the fish began to bake in the oven my senses were completely flooded. Shelly and I were both memorized by the smell and were reminded frequently of our own hunger.

It was during those moments that I reflected on how lucky I was to be able to go out or open my dorm room fridge whenever I felt hungry. I’m privileged to say I’ve never experienced true starvation. I spent a long time wondering how many people in that room had in my place.

This day also marked the first time that Shelly and I got to actually serve the elderly their meal. I was surprised how warm, inviting, and charming everyone was. Whenever I gave someone their tray they greeted me with the biggest smile and the grateful “thank you.”

One woman in particular caught my attention. She was an elderly disabled woman in a wheelchair who gently wheeled her way to the front of the line. When she got to the serving area she began to tell me “I love beets! Beets are amazing. Absolutely the best.” To which I replied “Yes, beets are pretty great.” She then looked me in the eyes- caught me in a penetrating gaze and said very sternly “Beets. Cure. Everything.” Wide-eyed I nodded. She continued, “Everything but death.” She stifled a laugh at my shocked expression, before making her way to the coffee station.

Now, everytime I see beets I can’t help but smile. In that moment I realized that everyone there, no matter how small or insignificant the interaction, influenced me in ways I would have never imagined.