Today was our last full day in Saint Louis, and we made the most of it. We started by working all morning at the Saint Louis Food Bank — a huge warehouse that receives, sorts, stores, and distributes food donations to food pantries and other organizations all over Eastern Missouri and Western Illinois (much like Harvesters in Kansas City). Working with other other volunteers, over the course of three hours we packed and labeled 5600 pounds of frozen black bean patties that were donated by Morningstar Farms! That translates to 4571 meals for people who are hungry and/or food insecure.
After our work was done, we went on a tour of the food bank, including their huge freezer area. Then we ate lunch in their break room and debriefed the week’s work with Sue, our work coordinator. Everyone agreed that it has been a truly great trip filled with very meaningful service and education.
After lunch, we hung out at the Saint Louis Zoo. Our time there included train rides, a sea lion show, the brand new penguin habitat, and the opportunity to pet stingrays! Then we ate dinner and root beer floats at Fitz’s to celebrate a wonderful week. Tomorrow we’ll clean and load up, spend some time at the Gateway Arch, and then drive home to Smithville. We’ll see you then!
Thanks again for all of the updates. Can’t wait to see you all when you get home! Safe travels.