Truckin’ to Tacoma

By David Hlebain, CSB Food Program Assistant

Chicken Soup Brigade doesn’t just serve those living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses in Seattle.  Every Tuesday morning, I load a van with bags of groceries and frozen meals for clients living in Pierce County.

The grocery bags are filled with staple items such as pasta, rice, and oatmeal, fresh fruits and veggies, high-protein items including beans, tuna, and peanut butter, milk, eggs, and chicken breasts.  Homemade frozen meals include tasty selections such as Chicken Curry, Hearty Spaghetti, and Atlantic Cod with Couscous.

In comparison to the bustling pace of Chicken Soup Brigade’s onsite Friday pick ups, where hundreds of clients pick up food during the day, the pick up center at the Pierce County AIDS Foundation (PCAF) is much quieter.  About thirty-five clients come in between noon and 3:00 p.m.  In addition to getting their groceries, clients sometimes sit down with me and chat.  We might swap recipes, reading lists, or tales of the past week.  Stories of triumphs, struggles, and day-to-day activities abound.

Lifelong is about more than just providing services.  Creating a nurturing and supportive community is at the heart of our mission.  The weekly exchange of food, stories, and smiles is one reflection of the spirit of Lifelong at work.