NOT FED UP

What is your name, and how are you involved in the fight against food insecurity in Georgia?

My name is Ashley Rush, and I am a volunteer for the non-profit organization, The Sandwich Project (TSP). I am one of their “hosts,” which means I run a collection site for them where people can drop off sandwiches every week. I also run events and speak at events on behalf of TSP

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What first opened your eyes to food insecurity in Georgia, and what made you decide to take action instead of looking away?

I grew up in downtown Atlanta, where we had homeless people sleeping in our front yard and in the doorways of most buildings. My mother showed great empathy towards these people and taught us to always be mindful of others' needs. I volunteered at the St. Luke's soup kitchen, which later became the Atlanta Food Bank, when I was young. When I was 12, I used to make sandwiches at home and hand them out to homeless people on the street. I don’t really think about it, I just feel compelled to help. 

 

What role do local communities—schools, churches, students, or volunteers—play in making real progress against food insecurity?

Communities, schools, and churches play a huge role as they are able to assemble a lot of people to come together for a specific goal, whether that is making sandwiches for TSP, putting together bagged lunches for school kids on breaks, or fundraising. etc. It’s these groups that are our largest donors.

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For someone who feels passionate but doesn’t know where to start, what are the easiest or most impactful ways to get involved in Georgia?

So I can only speak to TSP's involvement. There are websites that list organizations that are in need of help. You can sign up on those sites, or you can go directly to the organization of your choice to see if they have any volunteer opportunities. I know the Atlanta Food Bank is always in need. TSP caught my attention because there is no sign-up required to volunteer, which can be a barrier for many people. Every Wednesday, we collect, so if you can make sandwiches, you can volunteer! There are safety protocols that you must follow if you want to make sandwiches, and those can be found on thesandwichproject.org

 

What is a common misconception about food insecurity or government assistance programs that you wish more people understood?

A common misconception about food insecurity is that people have brought this circumstance on themselves and should “pick themselves up by the bootstraps”. This misconception is just poor education and a lack of being around those who suffer. When you aren’t exposed to other people's experiences, it’s easy to assume you know how they got there. As for government assistance programs, there is also a huge misconception that EVERYONE abuses the system, which is simply not the case and is an outright lie. Yes, there is a small percentage of people who are abusing the system, but to shut that system down because of the actions of a few is not the answer; fixing the system is. The vast majority of those in GA who are food insecure are women and children.

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What keeps you motivated in this work, even when the problem feels overwhelming?

I continue to stay motivated because it's just second nature, like brushing my teeth. I just do it because it needs to be done.
 

If you could give one message to people listening or reading this interview about why they should get involved, what would it be?

I feel people should get involved because we, as humans, all need help in some way. It’s just too easy not to help. Every little bit helps!