Feeding our Neighbors: Oakland Service

Last weekend, buildOn Oakland students embraced the spirit of giving by joining forces with the East Oakland Collective and Digital Underground Family & Friends for Feed the Hood 30, a citywide community service event. This project, which honored the life and legacy of Oakland legend Shock G, was a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when we come together to support our community.

A Day of Action and Impact

The goal for the day was ambitious: to prepare and distribute over 1,500 meals and 1,500 hygiene kits to their unhoused neighbors throughout Oakland. With a team of dedicated volunteers, buildOn students assembled sandwiches, packed hygiene kits, and collected essential summer items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and hand-held fans.

Oakland United

The atmosphere was buzzing with activity as volunteers from various groups worked side by side. Local restaurants provided pre-packaged meals, and all different kinds of local businesses took part as well–it was a perfect example of the impact a community can have when they all come together. 

Making a Difference, One Meal at a Time

In previous years at Feed the Hood, students have delivered the food directly to their neighbors. This year, instead of distributing the meals directly to individuals, they were asked to stock a community fridge just a block away. So, in true buildOn fashion, the students formed a human chain to efficiently load the fridge. Just like so many others have done on Trek in faraway countries like Malawi or Nepal over the years, the students passed the food down the line and into the fridge. 

After the project was done, the impact students had made was instantly clear. The community fridge, overflowing with fresh meals and essential supplies, is now a vital resource for those in need!

The Power of Community

This event was a powerful reminder of the importance of community service and the impact we can make when we work together. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in Feed the Hood 30, and we’re so proud of the buildOn Oakland students who are working hard to make their community a better place.

You can help us expand our reach in Oakland and around the world by making a donation to buildOn today.