Fighting Fear with Feasting

Pedro Rodriguez

Food Services Specialist, The Bowery Mission

Fighting Fear: We're fighting an enemy that we can't see and that in itself is scary, almost psychological. I never thought I would experience a crisis like this. When you can't see or feel something, that in itself makes you feel anxiety. And everyone was going through that. We were all in that together.

Finding Your Purpose: A wise person once told me, "Pedro, you must not leave a sinking ship.” For me, that means you don't abandon the guests in their time of need. Because where are they going to go? The pandemic really makes you refocus on what’s important. For me, that is providing food for our guests. I love being here to prepare that little feast. God has given me these two hands for that purpose.

Coming Together as a Team: All of us on the Food Services team have different personalities and we’re doing this work all over the city. I think, collectively, the pandemic caused us to galvanize even better as a team. All the text threads, email threads, and meetings created more cohesion. Sometimes, traumatic experiences bring you together.

Offering Relief: For that hour and half to two hours when guests are eating, I want them to feel like they're cared for and listened to. Do you know what Jesus said in Luke 14? “When you throw a feast or a banquet, don't invite those who can pay for it. Invite the poor.” In other words, give a memorable experience to those who can't give you back anything.”

Making it Extra Special: When you get fresh ingredients or fresh herbs, the meals can be really phenomenal. Bringing that level of quality to our guests makes them feel extra special. They feel like, "Look what they did for us. They've taken the time and they really care." A fellow staff member told me something that almost brought tears to my eyes. She said, "Pedro, your food made me thankful I'm alive." If fried pork with sauteed onions can make that kind of a difference, I'm a happy camper.

Love for Volunteers: Our volunteers are crucial. They are the heartbeat of this mission. As chefs, we can make the food by ourselves. You throw me in any kitchen and I'll be like "OK, where's the fridge?" But when the time comes to serve the food, bring it to people, clean up, do all these things, they play a vital part in what we do. I think it's imperative that we show our appreciation for all they do.