Rogelio stood ankle deep in the freezing water, his wading boots providing a thin barrier against the cold. It was close to noon, but the temperature on this February morning still hovered at 26 degrees. His cold fingers were stiff as they broke the ice that clothed the young leeks.
He looked up as a familiar grey van bumped along the dirt road next to the field where he was working. A smile spread across his face. “Mama Anna!” he announced to his co-workers.
The farm’s owner came out to greet Hannah, the volunteer who coordinates St. Francis House’s meal program. She visited the farm several times a month, bringing leftovers from the previous night’s meal at the Armory. Today she brought a delicious stew prepared by the employees of a local business.
As the farm owner carried the hot stew inside, Hannah carried in the bowls and spoons she had brought along. A dozen field workers trudged along the road toward them, waving happily. “Gracias, Mama Anna!” they called.
The farm owner solemnly shook Hannah’s hand. In exchange for the stew, he presented Hannah with two flats of romaine lettuce to share with St. Francis House’s meal program and clothing bank clients. “Thank you for caring about our workers,” he said.