Nourishment Beyond the Plate: My Time Volunteering at SOME

This past weekend, my husband and I volunteered together at So Others Might Eat (SOME) in Washington, D.C.—a heartfelt offering we chose to make in honor of Father’s Day. What began as a simple act of service quickly became a deeply personal and moving experience.

From the moment we arrived, the environment was filled with warmth and intention. The staff was welcoming and exceptionally well coordinated, and the other volunteers brought such a spirit of collaboration. It was beautiful to witness everyone working together to ensure that every person who walked through those doors was served with dignity and care.

This organization holds a very special place in my heart. Years ago, my mother experienced homelessness, and SOME was one of the places where she received support and services. Returning now—not as someone seeking help, but as someone in a position to give back. This was a powerful full circle moment for me. It reminded me how healing and transformative community can be when it centers compassion and humanity.

Volunteering with SOME reaffirmed my belief that service is sacred. It’s one thing to speak about justice and equity, and it’s another to step into spaces where people’s basic needs are met with love and dignity. On this Father’s Day weekend, we felt grounded in gratitude and purpose, knowing that nourishment comes in many forms.

If you’re looking for a way to give back, I encourage you to explore opportunities with SOME or similar organizations in your area. You never know how deeply your small act of service might ripple outward, or how close to home it may land.