The U.S. Navy served in the fight against hunger this Navy Week.
A crew of U.S. Navy sailors recently took to shore to volunteer at the Mid-Ohio Market at Gantz Road, one of Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s no-cost fresh food markets, as part of a week of service.
In late summer, sailors from USS Constitution in Boston, Massachusetts, took a break from maintaining the centuries-old warship and welcoming visitors to help stock coolers, guide families, and put groceries in customers’ carts.
Navy Week is a national community outreach event for cities without a naval base like Columbus. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy. Dating from the early 1800s, the USS Constitution is the oldest vessel in the Navy and serves as a historical site and museum.
Second in Command Petty Officer Brandon Jones is from Logan County, just north of Columbus. For him, serving at the market is a chance to give back close to his hometown.
“I’m happy to serve my community,” he said. “Even an hour away, it’s still home to me.”
For some sailors who’ve lived with poverty and food insecurity before, it was more than a day of service. Seaman Ismael Rodriguez proudly wore a “Yo hablo español” pin and chatted with Spanish-speaking customers as they shopped.
“I grew up in San Diego. We were poor,” said Ismael. “I see myself in the little kids here. I’m extremely humbled to be in a position to volunteer now.”
Petty Officer 2nd class David Hernandez grew up going to a food pantry in south Texas. He said volunteering at the Mid-Ohio Market at Gantz Road brought up a lot of emotions.
“When we go back to Boston, I might volunteer at the food bank there,” he said.
The Mid-Ohio Market at Gantz Road serves hundreds of families a day. Sailors treated every neighbor like they were their own.
“[The U.S. Navy] is here, and we see you,” said David. “Even if all we can do today is put a smile on someone’s face, we’ve done our job.”
