Food bank client-volunteers benefit from life lessons and shopping model

Published by West Seattle Food Bank newsletter.

February 2018 marked the one-year anniversary of the West Seattle Food Bank’s (WSFB) transition to a shopping model. This system mirrors a small grocery store and has greatly improved the experience for clients such as Lanny Davis and his grandson, Sergio. The model also has made access to fresh items such as produce, milk, eggs and meats simpler. “This place is so clean and well organized,” said Lanny. “Not every food bank is like this.”

Lanny is afflicted with Chorea Syndrome, which causes indirect, involuntary and irregular movements that seem to flow from one muscle to the next. Still, Lanny never stops smiling—despite the fact he frequently experiences joint pain which makes walking and leg movements difficult. While he had a construction job in his younger days, he is unable to continue in the trade due to the disorder and relies on social security disability. “The food bank covers what we can’t,” said the cheerful grandfather.

For the past five years, Lanny has been volunteering regularly for the food bank. Sergio, who is now 13, has joined him once a week after school for the past four. As volunteers, both Lanny and Sergio help stock and unstock shelves, distribute food, clean and assist with whatever else might be needed.

 “When this guy started [volunteering], he was so little he needed to stand on a cart to distribute food,” says Lanny. “But now I can reach and I’m strong,” said Sergio, who enjoys writing and wants to become a comedian someday.

Sergio is an eighth grader at one of the schools served by WSFB’s Backpack Program, Lanny shared. “The Backpack Program is really cool,” interjected Sergio. The program, which gives participating students an initial backpack, is designed to cover weekend meals at home, when school meals are not available. Discretion and practicality are key with bags typically containing ready-to-eat items or meals that kids can easily make themselves. Each Friday food is placed in participating students’ lockers. There are six meals included in each weekend food pack. Fresh fruit, oatmeal, canned items, peanut butter, juice boxes, milk cartons, snacks and more are included.

“He likes the sweets,” said Lanny with a large grin, pointing his thumb toward Sergio, who laughed at his burly grandfather’s teasing.

But such programs are just the cusp of the many ways in which the food bank has benefitted the pair. They indicated one of the biggest things they’ve learned while lending a hand at WSFB is how to interact with the community and people in general, which Lanny believes led to his ability to recently win custody of Sergio. “It’s a good feeling when people say they’re so glad you’re here,” said Lanny. He elaborated, saying WSFB’s staff were instrumental in providing him with character references and letters of support to gain custody of Sergio.

“Before my grades weren’t great and I’d gotten into some trouble,” shared Sergio. “Now that I’m in a more stable situation, I can focus on my schoolwork.”

Since he became Sergio’s guardian, Lanny has noticed his grandson’s grades have improved. “He’s much happier and more pleasant to be around. He’s even gotten positive feedback from the West Seattle Food Bank team too. I feel great that he’s with me full time now. He’s my best friend,” shared Lanny.

Lanny said he wants people to know there are real people in real need out there and he’s trying to set an example for his grandson. “I want to raise him up right and show him how to do the right thing,” said the Morgan Junction area resident.

It seems Lanny’s wish and leading by example has done just that, instilling within his grandson what it means to others when you do good. “People go home with smiles on their faces and food in their bellies. And that’s a good thing,” Sergio summed up. Indeed, it is.

West Seattle Food Bank is one of just a handful of Washington food banks that provides a shopping model, which affords dignity and offers recipients fresher options to choose from in their visit.

Block cover photo by Kat Yukawa on Unsplash.