Feb. 5, 2009

On January 9, 2009 the Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving team assembled at the Capital Area Food Bank located in Washington, D.C. The Food Bank's aim is to provide food, hygiene items, household necessities, and more for underprivileged residents in the Washington, D.C. and Metropolitan areas.

Upon their arrival, the Terps were briefed with the history of the Food Bank, the work they would be completing, and the social issue of hunger in the surrounding areas. The team spent the next couple hours in a large warehouse actively moving and dividing cans of food, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies into corresponding bins. This proved to be an educational experience according to freshman Martha VanLieshout, "It makes you appreciate the work that goes into food distribution for our area's poor. It also helps you understand the process behind what happens [when you donate cans] and food to such a corporation."

Although at times tedious and labor intensive, the Terps walked away from their service with another positive experience. As confirmed by junior Chris Rouchard, "It was humbling. It feels like you are making a difference in the community, which is hard to come by these days." The team has volunteered at the Food Bank in the past, and is looking forward to returning in the near future.