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I have spent over 100 hours working volunteer service at a nearby community food pantry in the Northern VA area just outside of DC. Through the pantry we provide basic groceries to families in need on a weekly and monthly basis. Many of these families are unemployed, low income and to be able to have basic food necessities provided to them at least one a month is especially helpful.
But one of the issues I have noticed is misplacement of priorities. We have a lot of folks who come in with blue toothes or brand new pairs of Nikes but somehow can't afford basic food necessities. This is seriously detrimental to people who need help and are actually serious about trying to lift themselves out of poverty. We have an individual at our food pantry who now volunteers who used to come and receive aid. He worked himself out of poverty and now screens people and gives them advice. Its a need program because he really forces those who come in to consider the position they're in and how they treat it. Those who walk in with 80 dollar jeans and an iPhone he practically laughs at.
I think this is a very important component of social innovation. You can't help people who can't prioritize their needs or who expect things to be handed to them or who refuse simply to do their half of the work.
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