@feedingamerica

class="content__text" More than two decades ago, a friend invited Audrey Wong – known as “Auntie Audrey” in her community – to help families in need at an elementary school near her home in Hawaii. “When I got there, I saw all of these big trucks with food,” she fondly recalls. “That was the first time I ever saw a @hawaiifoodbank truck, and I could see they were really helping others. I had no idea how much our community was impacted — how many families were struggling and not having enough to eat. That made me say, ‘I want to do all I can, too.’” Now, Auntie Audrey and a group of volunteers help distribute food at a park district site every first and third Monday of the month. They distribute food to more than 100 families. She knows firsthand how much the food means to her community. “When I first got married, we encountered very hard times. My husband became unemployed. We didn’t want our parents to know we were struggling, so we ended up living in our car with our first child,” she says with tears her eyes. “I remember going to the grocery store with my pennies, nickels and dimes — trying to buy a single can of Carnation cream, so my baby could have his milk.” The young couple lived in their car for three months. They eventually found their way, thanks to the help of strangers. “I will never forget that time in my life,” she reflects back. “I had complete strangers give us food. It reminded me of what my father taught us as children. He taught us to love people — not for what they look like or what they have. Just love the person.” At 71, she continues to share that sentiment with others. Just as those strangers helped her all those years ago, she now creates second chances for others — building relationships and breaking down barriers. “I don’t always know their names, and they may not know mine — and that is okay. I still always smile and say, ‘I’ll see you next week.’ It becomes more than just food; it’s about being a friend to them. It is not my job to judge others,” she explains. “That’s why I see a rainbow when I look at someone in need. I see the heart of the person. It is important to build friendships. It is a bridge to their hearts.” #AAPIHeritageMonth

May 14, 2023