Glide Values Resonate With PHS' Mission

We strive to be a radically inclusive, just and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization.

225,000 people will be nourished through SF Food Bank programs

Our mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin. It's a huge job that's only gotten harder as our community struggles with a prolonged period of economic distress and record numbers of people are pushed to the point of hunger.

Tenderloin Street Retreat 2016 - What holds us separate? What keeps us separated? As we walk the street, what still connects us?

We believe that when we walk the streets, the life around us is a mirror, reflecting back to us our humanity, our frailties and our strengths. When we look with compassion upon others, we find compassion within ourselves, for ourselves and for others. When we acknowledge the strengths of those around us, we acknowledge the incredible worth of all of us.

Young Activists Reflect

I chose to serve at Glide, Faithful Fools, and SF Food Bank. I decided to experience it a second time because I liked it a lot last year. However, I didn’t feel like I got enough out of it last year and I wanted to see if I could experience new things I hadn’t last year. I wanted to meet new people and observe the people and experiences on the street. I met new volunteers at the faithful fools, new people in the Tenderloin, and went to new places in the TL.

The work we have done for these three days is important. It serves hungry and homeless people. The work that we have done not only benefits people in need but it also benefits us. It provides new experiences and helps us better realize our place in the world.

We are separated from the people in the Tenderloin. We have a barrier related to class between us. We have better education, money, and job opportunities. Wealth will always keep us separated. It is very difficult for people with very little money to change their economic class and rise above their situation. We are still connected because we are all human. We all have somehow shared similar experiences at some point. We all can share something whether it be related to race, gender, sexual preference, or interests.

~ Jay

I chose to serve at Glide, Faithful Fools, and SF Food Bank because I wanted to help people that are in need of food, shelter, and care. It helped me be aware of how lucky I am and how I should be grateful that I have a roof over my head and a hot meal everyday. The work we have been doing for the last three days is important because it helped lots of people. We packaged rice - which went to lots of different schools, churches, and non-profit organizations. I have bonded with people in my challenge week group by talking to them and cooperating with them.

~ Amir

I feel that doing Glide, Faithful Fools and SF Food Bank, will greatly help the less fortunate. One way that I think about it is that doing something that only takes three days will have a great, positive affect on people's lives. Another reason I enjoy working here is because not only do we help the less fortunate, but we also get to spend time with friends. One way I have made new friends was when we were assigned groups in the Faithful Fools street retreat. I wasn't put with anyone I would usually hang out with, but I ended up having a lot of fun, and I to know people in the other grades a bit more.

~ JP

I have helped my community by serving others who are food insecure. I have learned to put my self in other peoples’ shoes at the street retreat. I have also helped package food for those who need it at the food bank.

The work we have done for the past 3 days is important because I was able to interact with people from a different background and I got to serve my community. I felt connected towards the people I served and found that they are really fun to talk to.

I chose to help at Glide, SF food bank and Faithful fools because I wanted to help my community and serve those who need it. I was looking for a new experience and a new challenge and this challenge week really helped me connect with new people and experience things I hadn't experienced before.

~ Fatima

In the past few days, I have been able to observe a community that was much different than the one I am used to. The stereotype of the Tenderloin being a dangerous place had disappeared as I was welcomed into the community. Seeing others who are less fortunate made me reflect on my life and made me think of how I should be grateful of it.

Helping the community had been a great experience as I had been able to give back. Helping people who are homeless and are food insecure made me feel good about myself.

Experiencing this with my friends and peers had been fun. Not only did we help the community, but we also did it together. We cooperated with each other, especially at the Food Bank when we made sure each box of rice were exactly 15 pounds. By the end of the day, I was very tired and felt very sick, but it was worth it. I was able to enjoy myself and be able to say that I have helped my community.  

~ Kharisma

The work we have done these past 3 days is important because we have done a lot of work, and most of that work benefits and helps other people. On the first day, we walked around the Tenderloin, and we got to see what it was like there and we didn't have any help from adults when we were walking around. I think that we all got a little more empathetic for the people who live there and eat art Glide and St. Anthony's. On day 2, we went to a food bank and helped bag 1 pound of rice into each bag. It was really fun - especially my job, scooping rice into bags - and I learned more about how food banks help people who don't have a lot of money. We also walked around San Francisco a little bit and we got to see a bunch of different neighborhoods. Today we are all going to Glide again, but this time we are there to volunteer. This will give us a look into how people are affected by Glide, and how it helps them. We will get to serve people food, and we will also eat some of the food at the soup kitchen. I chose to serve at Glide, Faithful Fools, and SFM Food bank because I like to help people, and these organizations need volunteers to help them help people in need of help. SFM Food bank needs volunteers because they need help getting food like rice and pasta into bags, which they give to families who can't afford that much food. Glide needs volunteers to help serve the food to the homeless, and to help them prepare lots of things. Faithful Fools wants volunteers so that they can get donations, and so that people are more aware of the places where there are people in need (I think). In conclusion, this is why I think the work we have done is important, and why I chose to serve at the places that we have visited.

~ Hana

I think it is very important to help our community with serving and volunteering at places like glide. Also to help the part of the community that maybe we don't experience or are educated about that part of our community like the TL or maybe a soup kitchen or somewhere where lots of people are food insecure. The work we have done for these 3 days is important because we helped lots of people and we got to experience different things like when we went to faithful fools. We got to walk around the TL and see another side of it and get to have a head on day as a regular child in the TL Also we got to make a lot of rice for the S.F food bank and we got to see the process of how the food bank distributes and how they get the food were every they need it to be. Also at glide we get to serve people and children that are food insecure and get them a real healthy meal.

~ Tia

I connected with the Tenderloin community. Many people are friendly and just want to say “Hi.” Doing the street retreat was very mind opening to me because I used to ignore them. But I had many conversations with good people and that helped me understand that they are equal rights same as everybody.

The work I have done for the past three days is important because I got to explore and understand a community that I have never understood before. I also helped package food to be sent to soup kitchens, St. Anthony's, etc. But the most important thing I have done these days is communicating and being a part of the community.

~ Nicholas

I find it imperative to help feed the food insecure and the homeless - since a quarter of SF fits in that category.

What holds us separate what keeps us separated what still connects - It’s the past generation telling us that homeless people are dangerous and what still keeps us connected is that we are all human.

~ Nika

Wednesday I walked the Tenderloin and observed the people who lived there. Then reflected on what we saw and what we thought. On my adventure through the Tenderloin I actually ate at Glide. On Thursday My group and I went to the SFM Food Bank and volunteered. We packaged rice that was going to be delivered to schools, churches and soup kitchens. On Friday we are going to volunteer at glib instead of being a guest. So now we can see both views at glide. The work we've done for these past 3 days is important because we are giving back to the community.

~ Anthony

Nick Retreats to the Streets of the Tenderloin

Good people live in the Tenderloin and mean to do good things. They are not all ill. They just might be going through hard times. Some are lonely and just want a friend. My chaperone knew so may people in such little time. Yes, some are not friendly and want to shut others out but they just need to figure out things for themselves. So many people take food, water and other needs for granted. People with such insecurities are trying to make the best of their lives. It made me a little bit sad. Here I am living the perfect life and complaining about everything. Experiencing today made me more conscious of the less fortunate and I will do my best to think more highly of people facing food insecurity.

Tomorrow's Leaders Work to Make San Francisco a Better Place for All People

Wednesday at Glide was really fun, because I got to greet every single guest. I offered them a warm friendly start to their day. I was the person to welcome them. I was the one that offered them their tray filled with food from the main kitchen line. It was good to give breakfast to the people at Glide. Giving made my day, because I saw how lucky I am and how I can help those less unfortunate. The people I served are friendly, grateful, they want to know me, and they are very thankful for my efforts. Glide gives me the chance/ opportunity to give and help others!

~ Lily

At Glide today, we helped others glide towards food security. Actually, we didn't glide far enough towards food security, we took a small step along the long road to food security. I worked behind a counter getting food off of and cleaning trays. It was a small job, but people still came up to me to say "Thank God you're in my life" - someone literally said that. 1 out of every 4 people don't know where they will get their next meal, and serving 1000 out of the 800,000 people served each year gave 1000 people their next meal. Going to Glide lets you make a positive difference in San Francisco and allows you to meet people you wouldn't normally. I serve to make the positive change. I wouldn't be able to make it without Glide. The people at Glide are thankful, and they deserve every bite of food they get.

~ Max

Glide is about making relationships with the people that are food insecure and homeless in San Francisco. Waking up very early in the morning means a lot to other people, and it could be just enough to make your day. Serving at Glide is a unique experience to have, and it is worth everything just to see their smiling faces. Every drop of sweat we make is one more happy person in our community, and that really matters, it is the reason I go to Glide.

~ Dena

Wednesday at Glide was a wonderful experience for me, we served, talked with and helped many people. Nothing is as fulfilling as watching over 600 people leave with content smiles and full stomachs. Many people are food insecure or struggling with homelessness, and a lot of them come to Glide to get a warm meal and see some friendly faces. Not many people get the opportunity to do something so amazing as serving, and I feel very lucky to be able to help out at Glide.

~ Sofie

Today, as we served trays laden with warm, nurturing food,  I was able to see the face of each guest as they received a tray from Lily-who had a friendly greeting for each one.   There were guest who came in with hoodies or towels wrapped around heads to protect from the downpour, and only their eyes were visible.  There were guests with irregular teeth but shining smiles--delighted to see Lily warmly welcoming them.  There were many Asian women who all received an additional apple stealthily stuffed into their big shopping bags with a gentle smile from James, the floor manager who has an enormous heart.  He is covered in tattoos, and knows the majority of the almost 1,000 homeless guests who regularly receive meals in Moe's Kitchen or the Coffee Cafe.

There are those who look as if they could step into a Board Room if only they had a good suit.  Others show the signs of extended time on the streets, with possible substance challenges.  Many appear as if, at one time, they knew "better times", and now call the sidewalk their home.  All laugh with delight as Lily and I sing for a long line waiting to be served.

I believe that the most important thing we do is to let those who are having difficult times know that we hear them, and care.  We become the voice of those who might otherwise be voiceless.

I truly love doing this service with PHS students.  Your spirit, your enthusiasm, your willingness to roll out of bed and be there by 6:30 am before a long day at school, all touch the hearts of the many people we serve.

Equally important to me, in my international work, is the fact that we stand in solidarity with the poor and marginalized all over the world, and students who are being of service to them.  Tashakur! Thank you!

~ Sherri

Glide is more than just a food service for homeless people. It is for people to come who can't support themselves. The reason I go to glide is so that I can experience that part of town and people that I am not usually surrounded by and it just feels good to serve and know that I helped my community. To me even if I'm behind the counter passing bread out I am still helping a lot of people

~ Tia

At Glide, we serve people who are less fortunate. Most of the people who go to Glide are not homeless, they cannot afford to pay for food and housing in the most expensive city in America. I go to Glide because I enjoy volunteering and helping people in need. Today, I worked in the Coffee House for the first 30 minutes. I was transferred to chopping ham because there were not a lot of Coffee House patrons. We needed and wanted to help where we could. My friend Sophia and I chopped ham for sandwiches while listening to 80's music. Volunteering was really fun, and I hope to do it again soon.

~ Henry

When my alarm went off at 5:45 am this morning, the rain was pounding down outside. I had vague memories of being awake just a few hours prior, since I had moved into a new apartment that evening after a professional development session for work that lasted until 6 pm. I was still tired from traveling for the holidays as a series of delays got me back home to San Francisco at 4 am on Monday morning. The last thing I wanted to do after an already crazy week was go out into the cold rain on a dark Wednesday morning. I ultimately sprang to life after remembering the work I used to do in the Tenderloin. I thought of the many homeless seniors I used to serve at the St. Francis Living room, and of the kids I used to teach at the Tenderloin Community School; 25% of whom did not have the privilege of staying in a bed they could call their own. I thought of the kids at PHS who were benefiting immensely from the opportunity to interact with people from a very different world than their own, and I knew I had to witness it. I also remembered how valuable service work is to me--I've always come away from service with a deep gratitude for what I have and valuable perspective about myself and the world. This trip to Glide was no different. I came away from the experience with a renewed sense of the restorative power of discipline and generosity. I'm glad I got out of bed for that.

~ Anjali

Wednesday at Glide was really fun. I served sugar to every one of our guests. I go to Glide to serve and help people who can't always find their own food. I also go to Glide because it is fun and I get to interact with friends that I don't usually get to hang out with.

~ Mina

At Glide my job was to walk around, make people feel welcome, fill up cups, take empty trays and clean tabletops. I serve at Glide because I want to help people and hopefully make another person's day better by serving them food and sharing a smile. I like going because it makes me feel good to help people. We don't only serve food to those that are homeless but serve people who are food insecure. Food insecure is when people aren’t so sure about when or where their next meal will come from.

~ Mariela

My experiences at Glide have been positive. Even when a verbal dispute broke out between two guests - I still enjoyed those three-plus hours of service. I think it is important to serve at Glide because 1 in 4 people in SF are food insecure, and there are too many who are homeless and starving. The people there were gracious and thankful for the food we served. I hope I can make more people feel like that in the future. I went to Glide so people in need of food could satisfy their hunger. I refilled their drinks, help bus trays, and clean tables. I am really satisfied with the service I did at Glide.

~ Montie

I gazed into the eyes of each guest and I saw a kindred spirit. I saw sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, friends, lovers, mothers, fathers, grandfathers, and grandmothers. Each person has a tender story worth sharing. I showed up and I am filled with gratitude to be able to share mornings filled with giving and compassion. I am thankful to be able to provide comfort and kindness to my fellow mortals.

~ Todd

Mindsets Tranformed

When I go to Glide, I really learn about what's outside of my daily life. To take the time out my daily schedule and be grateful for having food and a home makes me feel great. I love saying "Good Morning!" to all of the Glider's and usually getting a thank you and good morning back. I always feel grateful for everything I have and it always makes me feel better. Helping one another in the San Francisco community can always change how you feel towards others.

I go to Glide because I love learning new things from others and seeing what goes on outside of my daily life. Glide is also a great way to meet others and learn more about them. Glide is also super fun because you are giving others something they don't have, but need in their lives like any other human being. I think it's great that Glide gives resources to others to live, because when you think about it, the homeless really need it to live and be humans like everyone else.

~ Nisrine

Volunteering at Glide again reiterated the fact for me that so much of San Francisco is without food security. For me, Glide was an introduction to the quarter of San Francisco that is not able to support everyday necessities. Through volunteering, we create a community of support. One in four residence of San Francisco is food insecure. So many in our own San Francisco community struggle with everyday necessities while many others live without fully understanding these hardships. Glide is a great way to experience how many in San Francisco cannot provide everyday necessities and feel like your giving back to the community.

~ Ellie

Volunteering at Glide is an amazing experience to come and learn more about how not everything is perfect, and not everyone has as much as we do. Every time I go to glide, it opens my eyes to something new. You see, 1/4 of San Francisco is food insecure. That means that a lot of San Francisco can't get the food they need. When you go to Glide, it'll open your eyes to a world you have never seen before. You'll see people who can't afford food, more or less a place to keep them sheltered for the night.  You start learning about unconditional love. How you can love someone even if they are not related to you. You can love someone Evan if you don't even know them. Throughout the years I have been going to glide, I have learned about giving kindness, and love to ones who get beaten and stepped on. If you go to glide you will learn to love these people, that they are just like us. They just can't afford what we have.

~ Madison

Volunteering at Glide is a wonderful way to give back to people who are less fortunate. 1 out of 4 people in San Francisco are food insecure and Glide is helping to make sure that people stay healthy and get the food that they need. Helping at Glide means serving food, cleaning up, setting up, having fun, and connecting with people that are in need of help. The main reason that I participate at Glide is the satisfaction and sense of love that comes off of helping people. Glide teaches you that everyone is equal, that we all deserve the same amount of appreciation. At Glide today I was working in the "Coffee House". There, I served the elderly, families, and disabled people. I've done Glide many times and each time my mindset and perspective change. Glide is truly unique - I've never seen a place more welcoming and open. I'm really lucky to get to be apart of it.

~ Sophie

At Glide, fellow students and I learned all about unconditional love. We learned what it feels like to help out other community members that really need it.
We should be grateful for all of our privileges, especially the ones that other people don't have. When we have a necessity, that we have but others still need, we should share all of our resources. When I first went to Glide, I imagined some one trying to trip me. I was nervous.  When I left, though, I knew that everyone else there was just like me, but with less.

~ Max

Glide is not only a place to support those who need it, but a place of family and community. I participated for the first time on Wednesday and had the best time, I had never seen something so amazing. I watched from my little salt and pepper corner as 550 people filed in, got a warm meal and left happy. If someone got upset or needed something it was solved with a gentle smile and a little extra food. I've never experienced something so heartwarming, I met the most interesting characters and helped out in so many cool wonderful ways. I walked in thinking, " It will just be a slow morning behind a counter" but came out with a new mindset and a pair of tired legs.

~ Sofie

I think that for my first time going to Glide that I did good. I think when I was waiting I was scared that something bad will happen to me but know I am wanting to go back. I also think that we do Glide because we give food to people that cant feed themselves. I had a great time.

~ Tia

I thought Glide and working in the Coffee House were really fun. It was really fun because I got to speak with a lot of people and have meaningful conversations. It was also really fun serving people and giving them food, because I realized how lucky we are to be here serving wonderful people and giving them food. Working in the coffee house was a great starter point and next time we go I really want to work in the main kitchen because it would be more fun serving more people. I noticed that a lot of people were happy to be where they were. I noticed that a lot of people gave gratitude and appreciation and I will cherish that.  Thank you for introducing me into Glide!!!

~ Lily

When I first step foot in the Glide community I was nervous, scared, and worried. After I started serving food it was fun and interesting to see how other people lived and their life styles. It felt good to feed people that didn't have enough food to eat. It was really tiring but it still felt good and was all worth it. My job was to bus guests' trays, put dirty trays in the washing dish area and filling up the milk, juice, and coffee. I liked helping other volunteers to get new drinks and help carry the trays. I would definitely do Glide again.

~ Mariela

I loved going to Glide and serving food to people. It was a really fun experience. I liked having conversations with the people that we serve the food to. It was my first time going there and I had a whole different picture in my mind of what it would look like and be like. I liked coming back to school and telling all of my friends that didn't go how it was and that they should go next year. I am going to go next year if I can.

~ Mina

My perspective on Glide has changed throughout my entire experience at PHS. In the beginning of my time at Glide, I was afraid to participate as much as I did today. Over the years, I have found that I throw myself into all the opportunities we have to help, and work to the best of my ability. We do Glide to appreciate all we have, and to help the people in our community. I love the feeling of gratitude I get from people when working at Glide.

~ Estelle

My mindset and perspective have changed as well as how I see the world. After I went to Glide, I started seeing all things in a whole new light. At first I thought it would be scary because I thought the people would be mean, but that wasn't the case at all. Everybody at Glide is very nice and treat people nicely as well.  I never thought I would interact with people at Glide the way I do. I remember that many people made me laugh and were very nice. I believe that we work at Glide to make us appreciate what we have and see the world in a new light. I think that helping out the less fortunate really makes you think about life in a different light. I am so fortunate to be part of a school that offers Glide and many other opportunities.

~ Julianna

My mind set on Glide has changed over the last two year dramatically. My fist time going I was scared if everything I saw, didn't talk to anyone and stayed near my friends the whole time. Now that I have gone there many times, I feel comfortable and excited to meet and serve the people.

We support Glide to give back to our community because all of us are very privileged, and it feels good to give back to those who are less fortunate. Glide is a way to see and better understand how people that are food insecure or homeless live. When I leave Glide I always feels a sense of accomplishment come over me, and I feel that I have made a difference in at least one person's life.

~ Sophia

Show Up And Make a Difference!

I learnt, at Glide, that one out of four people are homeless or food insecure. I also learnt that a lot of those who eat at Glide, have some sort of shelter, but can not afford enough food to feed themselves, or their families.  What everybody needs to know about Glide, is that it's a part of a community, it is not scary, the people are just normal people who turned out to be less fortune then ourselves.  My favorite part of my three shifts at Glide had to be throwing sandwiches at Sadie Ray so she could put them in the sandwich box. I made a difference today, by just showing up, serving food, preparing the food, as well a sharing my smile. Everybody needs a smile, so the smile can spread around the room. I really want to be a vet, or work at a food pantry like Glide. It may be difficult to open a food pantry by myself though.

~  Laura

Food Insecurity in San Francisco

Yesterday, while we were serving at Glide, we learned about food insecurity and how it affects people across America. Food insecurity is when someone is not sure about when or where their next meal is coming from. At Glide, my favorite part about the day was seeing the happiness around the dining hall. It shows everyone that homeless people are not "scary" nor are they "creepy". I also enjoyed making sandwiches and racing with Aracely trying to make sandwiches faster. My entire group changed and touched people's lives. Glide needs 60-80 volunteers per day so if we weren't there, people would have gone hungry and been left feeling like they hadn't connected to all the people that they could have. I think that Glide is an amazing opportunity for everyone. We get the chance to experience how people deal with food insecurity. 

~ Charly

Day Three - Faithful Fools' Street Retreat

We are called to a life of presence that acknowledges each human's incredible worth.

Aware of our judgments, we seek to meet people where they are through the Arts, Education, Advocacy, and Accompaniment.

We participate in shattering myths about those living in poverty, seeing the light, courage, intelligence, strength, and creativity of the people we encounter.

We discover on the streets our common humanity through which celebration, community, and healing occur.

Meeting People at Glide

People need to know that they can always go to Glide for free food and they will be welcomed there. My favorite part of the day was when I was busing tables at breakfast. I met a lot of people. I made a difference today by not letting people go hungry. Now that I have been to Glide I will acknowledge how there are so many home and food insecure people in the world. I will hopefully volunteer and donate money to charity organizations related to helping less fortunate people.

~ Jay

Ordinary People Give

I learned that the people at Glide aren't all homeless, actually half of them have a home, they just can't afford to pay for food and housing. Everybody needs to know that Glide is mostly sustained by ordinary people donating money. My favorite part of the day was during Food Prep, when we were making the sandwiches because we were all talking and having fun together. I made a difference today by making sure that someone went home with a full stomach, instead of an empty one. I want to continue to volunteer at organizations like Glide or the Food Bank, and help people who are food insecure to become food secure.

~ Henry

GLIDE Opens Doors

While serving at Glide I learned that so many people, not just homeless people, are not food secure. Everyone needs to know that Glide opens doors in your personal life and also in you mantle state. You learn that a lot of people are less fortunate and helping others just lets you see these people. My favorite part of the day was eating at Glide’s Mo’s Kitchen. The food was amazing and the people there where really nice. I made a difference as I served people who didn't have food security. I will try to go back to Glide and serve again.

~ Max

I Made a Difference Today - I Will Be Respectful

I learned that people struggling with hunger and homelessness need financial help, and have to go to Glide to get a meal or two. This does not mean that they are homeless. Something that everyone needs to know about Glide is that it is a really welcoming environment and everyone is super friendly, and the food is amazing. My favorite part of the day was preparing food, because the whole group was working together as a team making sandwiches. It was really fun because we were able to talk to each other, while making a difference in San Francisco's Tenderloin community. I made a difference because my first job was collecting tickets from gusts, and I made sure to always have a smile on my face and greet the guests with enthusiasm and respect. All of the clients did the same thing for me, and it put both of us in a good mood. In my life I am always going to be respectful to others around me and to those less fortunate than me.

~ Sophia

GLIDE: Day One at SF Food Bank

Reflecting on Our Day at SF Food Bank

Question: What does everyone need to know about the day our team shared at San Francisco's Food Bank?

Charly: People need to know that we went to the SF Food Bank, met great and important people there,  worked measuring and packaging rice to be given to people at food bazaars all over the bay area, the Food Banks are open 7 days a week, and the Food Banks need people of all ages to help.

Sadie Ray: One in 4 people in SF are food insecure. People expect to see nothing but cans and boxes but more than 60% of food shipped out is fresh produce.  The Food Bank is the main supplier to more than 400 food pantries and soup kitchens like Glide in San Francisco.

Aracely: We went because there are people all over SF who are food insecure. Last year the Food Bank gave out more than 46 million lbs of food and expect to give more than 47 million pounds this year.

Nika: People need to know that we are helping out people who are food insecure. We are helping those who are not as fortunate as we are. People need to know that it is not boring -- it is really fun to do this work.

Laura: We bagged over 2100 lbs of rice... The food bank happens because the volunteers make it happen. Without volunteers the Food Bank would not survive.

Sophia: We had a lot of  FUN. The Food Bank has 200 partnerships and 200 food pantries that they serve. If you are food insecure call 211 and you will get the help you need

Max: On a project like this, you will learn more than you can at school. The Food Bank gives opportunities to children who would not have access to fresh produce. The warehouse smells of oranges and onions... Bring money for snacks...

Jay: People in SF and Marin can get free food, if they have a need. It is a nice warehouse and great place to work.

Rou Rou: Most of the food is donated or the Food Bank might pay $.86/lb for their fresh produce

Todd: There are 3 to 4 million lbs of food in the Food Bank's warehouse that require teams of volunteers to process and to get to people in need.

Question: How did your work make you feel and what was a favorite moment?

Henry: Sealing the bags of rice was really fun. It felt good that our packages would go to help people who couldn't help themselves and weren't as fortunate as we are.

Laura: Similar to Henry's... All our hard work and effort were great... I like to think that if we went to one of the hundreds of distribution food bazaars I could say that I made this packet of rice happen... I helped the person who is going to get it... I helped people who weren't as fortunate as we are.

Nika: It is great feeling that I was able to help someone...

Aracely: I really enjoyed weighing, measuring, packaging and labeling the rice. The people from Twitter who were working next us couldn't get as precise measurements. They were puzzled as to why.

Sadie Ray: It is so satisfying when you finish each box and took it to be closed and weighed. I was pleased when the annoying singing guy who thought he could rap finally got off our bus as we made our way back to PHS and today's assembly.

Charly: Filling a box was really gratifying -- feeling that you got things accomplished.  I am grateful that I go to a school that gives me opportunities to help people throughout the Bay Area.

Todd: I loved seeing everyone working so hard... being so enthusiastic and having so much fun working hard. This is truly an authentic learning experience... and when people are at their best.  I loved the journey across the City, listening to student stories which shows us how smart and funny all of them are.

Rou Rou: Didn't get to go but has been several times before. Loved counting and seeing how much everyone packaged in the collaborative effort.

Jay: I liked talking to various people on the bus like the guy who wasn't a fan of Jerry Brown.

Max: Getting measures of exactly one pound was always a pleasing thing... The man we met and talked with on Muni - "Fracking Guy " was a Vet and he was really intriguing. 

Sophia: Today felt really good. When I woke up this morning I didn't want to come because I was tired but I had a lot of fun with friends.  We had good conversations while packing rice... I ripped a couple of bags but it was no big deal we packed a ton of rice to be given to people in need.

Do Gooders Reflect on Their Morning of Service at Glide

My motivation for serving at Glide is providing food for those who can’t provide food for themselves. It is a great way to give back and benefit the community. It was a really fun experience. Today I had a different job than I had previously. I handed trays to the arriving people. It was really sad to see everyone so appreciative of food that we take for granted.

~ Ellie

Today, when I served at Glide, I worked in the Coffee House serving disabled people and families. I experienced that working to help people takes a lot of effort and hard work. I worked to help people at Glide that are in need and that have a hard time feeding themselves properly. The thing that I enjoyed the most about serving homeless people at Glide is to see how people live their lives, especially families, and how they find help and shelter. Today I lived the PHS mission of "World Citizens who advocate for themselves and others” by helping people not only from my community, but from the whole city.

~ Charly

I serve at Glide because it's really fun to serve these people. It's a way to give back to our community and care for other people. I also serve at Glide because everyone is so happy and thankful for us being there. Whenever you give someone their tray or refill their water they're so grateful. We go to restaurants all of the time and never really think about the people taking their time to serve us. It's a good way to put yourself in their shoes and help those less fortunate. I really enjoyed everything about Glide. I was doing a different job than last time so it was nice to experience something new and exciting. Everyone who was working with me got really emotional when we would have families with kids come in. The little kids were so happy and didn't really get how unfortunate their lives were. It really made me appreciate how I should be happy given everything that I have, if these kids have it worse and are so happy. I lived the PHS mission by going to Glide and helping serve the less fortunate.

~ Sophie

The reason I go to Glide is because it's fun to serve people and become kind of like busboys. My jobs were putting the bread and sugar on the plates and clean tables. My favorite thing about serving is being part of providing meals. I lived the PHS mission by showing I demonstrate challenge-seeking and resilience, because I took a risk and worked at Glide.

~ Eloise

I serve at Glide because, I feel very happy seeing all of the smiles on those peoples' faces. Today at Glide I experienced, the gratitude of other people, and see how thankful they are to have Glide as their food source. The thing I have enjoyed most about serving is it makes me feel satisfied to see that those people are getting food in their stomachs. I lived the PHS mission by sharing my kindness with others.

~ Madison

I serve at Glide because I love to be a waiter. Today I had the experienced helping poor people by feeding them. What I enjoy about serving was yelling “Hot Stuff!” when I had pitchers of coffee in my hands. I lived the PHS mission by trying to create world in which all people are happy.

~ Ryan

Today was my first time serving at Glide and it was an incredible experience. I serve at Glide because I want to connect with people who live in this city and help make it possible for those who are hungry or in need to get what they need. I experienced a lot of joy meeting people and doing my job which was working the floor clearing tables and getting people what they needed for their breakfast. I also experienced pain seeing up close how much need there is in this city and how many people are really hungry. I am thankful that there is an organization like Glide that feeds over 700 breakfast meals to people who need it. I really liked making eye contact with people and exchanging "good mornings." I also enjoyed seeing people share a meal together. I am thankful for seeing all of our students engage deeply with the mission of PHS and give their energy and enthusiasm to this work. I lived the PHS mission today by modeling care for the people in my community. I also lived the mission through helping encourage students to advocate for themselves and for others. I am thankful for this experience and look forward to serving again!

~ Kelsey

I serve at Glide because I believe it is a great way to help out our community, and people in need. I feel enlightened when someone appreciates me being there, so I am always glad to lend a hand. Today I experienced giving to the less fortunate, which was absolutely rewarding. The thing I enjoyed most about serving was, being a small part of the Glide process. I lived the PHS mission by demonstrating effort and engagement during my job at Glide.

~ Estelle

I served at Glide because it helps people who couldn't otherwise get breakfast. Today I experienced how hard it is helping these people get the food they deserve. The thing I most enjoyed was feeling I was helping people and making the coffee. I lived the PHS mission by connecting my hands, mind and heart while helping others.

~ Nathan

I serve at Glide because I want to help those less fortunate than myself. Today I experienced the joy of helping families, disabled, and the elderly. The thing I enjoyed most about serving was when young kids, disabled people or the elderly said, "Thank you" to me. It was so sweet and special. I lived the PHS Mission by demonstrating effort and engagement throughout our service.

~ Henry

I serve at Glide because I think the people who work there can't serve the homeless every early morning and they need help. I also feel bad and I would like to help and see the people who I share this world with.

Today I experienced patience. There are people who don't have as many rights and privileges as others, but they have a rare thing, patience. They give their friends or children food that they have been waiting for and it comes all from the heart. I found that heart warming.

The thing I enjoyed most about serving was how they shared their food and sacrifice the thing they want for friends or children.

I lived PHS' mission by demonstrating challenge seeking and resilience. I did this by keeping a positive attitude in the morning and challenging myself to try new things like working in the coffee house.

~ Nisrine

I serve at Glide because I enjoy serving those who are less fortunate than myself. Today I experienced friendship, family and sadness. The thing I enjoyed most about serving was seeing the smiles of others, as well as serving food. I would like to maybe do for a summer job in the future, to be a waitress. I lived the PHS mission by demonstrating effort and engagement.

~ Laura

I served at Glide because it would help me get into more high schools, I still loved helping people who need it, and the good feeling I get afterwards is better than anything else. Today I experienced many challenges, such as going to the wrong place with the wrong things and figuring out where those things actually go. The thing I enjoyed most about serving was the wonderful feeling you get when you help a less fortunate person and they say, “Thanks!” It's amazing. I lived the PHS a mission by helping people who needed it. Glide is amazing.

~ Max

I serve at Glide because I like to help people out who are in need because I realize how really fortunate I am. I want to give something back to people who are not as fortunate. Today I experienced a sense of community, because when I was collecting the trays. I also saw everyone sharing their food and having conversations. The thing that I enjoyed most about serving was getting to talk to everyone, and seeing that there is more to a person than what they look like. I lived the PHS mission by being kind and having a fun time with my friends.

~ Sophia

I serve at Glide because I really enjoy seeing people affected by the work we do. Today I experienced working in the main dining room. It was very fun and I had never worked in the big dinning room before. The thing I enjoyed most about serving was how everyone was so appreciative of our work and I saw a lot of happy people. I lived the PHS mission by helping everyone and doing my best to stay positive.

~ Ivy

I served at Glide because I thought it was an experience I should try in my school-lifetime and I knew I would feel proud afterwards. Today I experienced joy in providing people food and the bustle of serving people (on some level). I enjoyed it when people were yelling "Hot Stuff!" And some of the people who were eating would repeat it/laugh about it. Serving tables was also fun. I demonstrated effort and engagement when I was serving the people of the Tenderloin.

~ Montie

I serve at Glide so I can experience being a waiter to help the poor. Today I experienced a lot of fun and being a waiter too. The thing I enjoyed the most about serving was the feeling I got when I helped a bunch of people who needed coffee. I lived the PHS mission by demonstrating a love of learning through curiosity and inquiry.

~ Elliott

I serve at Glide because I like to be a good citizen of SF and because my sister and my friends go to Glide. I experienced people happy to have a warm place and a hot meal. I enjoyed seeing people smile when I served them or gave them the bigger oranges.  I lived our mission as I advocated for others by serving them food.

~ Owen

I serve at Glide because there are people who don't know where they're going to get their next meal and I like giving them that meal. Today I had the experience of helping people who don't have food and/or a house. The thing I enjoyed most was yelling, “Hot Stuff!” when I was carrying and serving coffee. I lived the PHS mission by demonstrating effort and engagement.

~ Tobin

I serve at Glide because I like being part of the solution for hunger. Any little thing I can do to help the people of San Francisco, I will. Today I experienced a sense of community at Glide, I love seeing people I have seen before at Glide. The thing I always enjoy most is the appreciation I receive from people who eat at Glide. I live the PHS mission by striving to create a place where the companionship of their peers fosters community life and helps each carry a just share of the responsibility within and beyond the walls of the school through volunteering at Glide. 

~ Clara

I want to thank all the people that support this student initiated, designed and implemented project. This community service project is authentic and truly constructivist. Our students demonstrate that they love working hard and that they have the will and wherewithal to act on their convictions. Their response to the needs of others is to share a smile, reach out and work to make all peoples' lives better. Thank you to Amy, Abby and Kathleen for making time to share in our day's adventures and accomplishments. I am inspired to be a better person and am profoundly grateful for days like today.

~ Todd

Our Morning of Giving

Today at Glide, I served many disabled people and children in the coffee house. After we were introduced and told the rules, we were assigned our jobs and started serving! At the end of the day we had served over 700 hungry children, men and women. After we were finished serving, I was very tired but I was proud that all of us had gotten up early and served people in need. I think that every time we go to Glide, we make an impact on someone and we are able to see what life is like for less privileged people. It is great to serve people who need help, and I hope that more people come to do a great deed.

~ Carly

This was my first time volunteering at Glide. It was technically very sad to see so many people food deprived or in need of help. Food security is something we take for granted. We served around 700 people and that's not representative of all the people in San Francisco in need of a meal. It's good to feel that your work affects so many people.

~ Ellie

After those less fortunate left Glide Memorial, I was sad to see that there was still some bacon left. The refilling guy had said there was no more bacon for those less fortunate. I thought this meant there was no more bacon left for anyone. When I saw all that bacon later, I was sad because those less fortunate were the ones who really needed it, not us. We needed breakfast too, but we already had way more than enough. We were grateful just the same.

~ Cole

Today at Glide I was a being a "waitress". Basically my job was to take peoples’ trays when they were done eating, wipe down the tables, and refill coffee, water, and milk. It really impacted me seeing all of these people that were essentially starving. It really filled me with joy to see all of these people so happy getting their food and being able to eat. It also made me really sad to think about how many people are impacted by true hunger and starvation. It makes you think about how lucky that you are and how you're so fortunate to be able to have food in front of you for every meal. In the end, it was a truly amazing experience and I highly encourage others to volunteer.

~ Sophie

Glide is a community, and whenever I go back to work there I always see people I've served before. I have been to Glide 10 or 11 times over the course of the last 3 years and I've worked most of the jobs. This time I greeted people and gave them their trays of food. I experienced interactions with so many different types of people. Every single person that came up to me was so grateful for the food, and my volunteer work. I love serving the people at Glide. I feel like I'm really giving back to the community.

~ Clara

I thought that giving today was a great experience because you got to help people in need. My job was taking the trays from someone and sliding it to the next person who would give the tray to the people coming for a meal. I liked my job because it made me feel that I was important to these people. The fact was that it made me feel great!

~ Audrey

Dear Reader,

This is what I want to say...
I personally felt really sad and happy at the same time, because these people were able to get food into them because we served.
If you really think about it, these people have been starving for days and days. Seeing these people sitting at tables eating food and feeling relaxed brings a tear to my eye. I am thankful that I have food and water so very accessible to me.

~ Madison

Glide was a totally awesome experience for many reasons. Firstly, I got to see people who, even if they don't have privileges like mine, they are grateful for every act of kindness anybody offered. Secondly, I got to feel what it is like to be a waiter and work and that was a spectacular experience. Lastly, I did something to help the community and that feels so great.

~ Elliott

I enjoy serving at Glide because I love seeing how happy the people are after they get food, or a drink. All these things are so basic to all of us, but mean a lot to the people at Glide. I had two jobs. My first job was putting eggs on trays, which was a little boring because it was very repetitive. My second job was working on the main floor, refilling drinks and clearing tables. It was so nice to see how happy everybody was after I refilled the pitchers of coffee, water or milk.

~ Henry

I enjoyed Glide today because I saw some really rough people there, they could not afford anything else but Glide. I could see how much they needed food to stay alive. One of the really heart warming things about the morning was that they would always say, "Thank You!" or "You’re an angel!" to each of us.

~ Laura

Glide today was really rewarding. When I served people they all were so grateful for each of us helping them out. I could tell that food didn't come very easily to these people and that they were so glad that we were there to help. I saw many families and many different kinds of people and it made me sad because they needed food as much as anyone. In our lives we should be more grateful for what we have.

~ Ivy

Glide was the most fun part of my Wednesday because I get to help my school serve breakfast to these people we really want to help. I have been doing this since last year and man am I still having fun! I am going to keep on doing it until I graduate! So, see you next Glide.

~ Jaheim

Today Glide was amazing! I loved all of it! It was really amazing and a very good opportunity for me to help a community in need. When I left Glide I felt better about myself, and the San Francisco communities around me.

~ Miles

Our students worked very hard responding to the needs of Glide’s guests. They fully engaged each person they met. They acted with care and compassion. They truly saw each person they met today as a caring, inquisitive and creative being. I am profoundly moved witnessing how much PHS students LOVE giving of themselves. They have left a lasting impression on the Glide community. Our students’ actions bring pride to the PHS community.

~ Todd

PHS Street Retreat Friday 01/24/14

I had an wonderful time during the street retreat and serving people at Glide. I used to walk through the Tenderloin scared to death! I was scared that some homeless person would kidnap me. I went on that street retreat and everything changed. I said, "Hi!" to people and they said, "Hi!" back to me. My real burst of reality was when I had to go back to a soup kitchen to feed myself. Needing to go back to the soup kitchen for food gave me inspiration to write and here it is:

  I see homeless people as I walk by...
  I let out a sigh...
  It makes me think...
  Why?
  Why what?
  Why are these people homeless?
  They all once had friends, houses, homes and families!
  I wonder, "How would it feel if it happened to me? All people deserves to be happy!'

~ Meena

We served food to people in need and they were very thankful because they have food in which makes them happy.

We talked to people and they said we were doing a good thing to help the less fortunate.

My group sat with two ladies at the cafeteria who barely even knew each other but they were talking and making jokes like they were friends for years and they seemed really happy.

~ Lane

We served people food who were in need of it. These people were very happy to see the food.

The people we served talked with each other as if they have been friends their whole life even though they just met.

Many of the people there were friendly and were very open to talking. People would help each other by giving them the food that they did not want as much as the other person. Many of them would say thank you as they left.

~ Luke

Our Tenderloin Adventures.
By Liang
Mission Statement Line:

A World in which All People will be happy!

While in the Tenderloin, I found that wherever I looked there was another beside me. You could call it crowded, but I call it it’s own little community. Every time I smiled at someone I got a huge grin back, maybe some of the “grinniest” grins I’ve ever seen. The Tenderloin is a city of it’s own, a different and most definitely diverse city. If I could describe the Tenderloin in one word, I’d probably say, togetherness. You walk around and you can tell immediately that everyone knows each other. From across the street you’ll see someone yell “Alex!” or perhaps “Lisa!” and they’ll be looking right at you. But then you realize they’re calling the person behind you. Afterwards, you feel like you want to be apart of their community, you want to know that almost everyone around you knows what your name is. It makes you feel, significant, even if these people aren’t as wealthy or fortunate as you. Overall, going to the Tenderloin was a fantastic experience, I’m not saying I’d beg to go back, but if you ever get the chance. Take it.

★Please take note that on this adventure I was accompanied by Ben, Hudson, Lane, Katy, Petal, Pilar, Isabell, Ben, Clara, Luke, Meenaa, and Tanya★

~ Liang

We want to create a world that let's everyone have imagination and creativity.

There were kids playing in a park and they were making up a game And they were being very creative.

~ Petal

People need to be capable of speaking to people for help and help for other people.
My understanding is that people in the Tenderloin might connect with this quote because some of them are poor or homeless and need help sometimes. And sometimes they need to ask for help for a friend or family member who can't or don't want to ask for help themselves.

~ Hudson

At PHS we want a world where everyone helps each other to be their best and achieve what each person can achieve. We help each other and other people in San Francisco when other people in our community need this help.

My experience during our field trip to the tenderloin and especially Glide Church was a great example of the PHS community reaching out to others to help others who need us. We helped the community by giving food to people who cannot afford it. Those people could not achieve the task of feeding them selves so we spent our time helping them.

~ Ben

I hesitate to say that my time in the Tenderloin was fun. To describe it thusly, perhaps implies a flippant attitude, or that I have turned a blind eye to the people who call it their home... However, that is far from true. Doing this project has opened my eyes, not only to the suffering and hardship, but to the bright spots of friendship, harmony and hope, found in the Tenderloin.

Life is not easy in the Tenderloin. Sadly, there are many people in this position.

Most people we saw, had at least one other person with them. Community seemed very important to the people of the neighborhood.

There are many beautiful works of art to be found in the Tenderloin. Often putting the neighborhood in a positive light. There are many very talented individuals, living on the streets.

The Tenderloin National Forest is a beautiful garden, a contradiction of most people's preconceived notions of the neighborhood.

My time in this infamous neighborhood taught me to open my eyes to the people around me. To observe both the bad and the good and to not judge either way. I would willingly return to the Tenderloin, volunteer at Glide and talk to the people living there. I believe it is an experience from which all of us could benefit.

~ Katy

Our Wednesday Serving The Tenderloin Community

Today I went to Glide  because it feels good to help people who are hungry and/or under the poverty line. I also like going because it's fun to help people who need help. Today I refilled pitcher of water, coffee and milk, cleaned tables and cleaned trays. It is really fun going and helping people even if I did need to wake up at 5am!

~ Charly

I went to Glide because I want to help lots of people and I wanted to do something really good for the world. I like Glide because it it is really nice to see all the people get food and be happy and it is really fun because you get to have your friends there to. Today I handed out trays and brought trays back to the coffee house. I also helped bring the cups to the back to be washed.

~ Ivy

I like Glide because I was having so much fun making people happy and doing refills of coffee and having call call me nice things like handsome, cute and pretty. Some people said that I should work here more because a little effort like mine can change peoples' hearts. I even like making people feel warm and cozing inside.

~ Jaheim

I do Glide because I like helping people, and it's fun. It will also help me get into a good high school. I like Glide a lot and I hope we can do it again soon!

Today, I refilled the pitchers of milk, water and coffee for the tables I was working at. The only annoying thing was when I was carrying two pitchers of milk someone bumped into me, I almost spilled. I loved seeing the people saying thank you after they had a good meal!

~ Henry

I like to volunteer because I love helping people that need help. It feels really good helping people. I think we should do this more often. I worked at the coffee house and  gave food trays to the people. I refilled beverages, wiped tables, and after Glide closed I helped stack the chairs.

~ Kharisma

PHS Students Serve!

Glide began serving meals in 1969 as a volunteer-run potluck for 50 guests, and now serves on average 2,560 meals a day with the help of 30 kitchen and security staff and thousands of volunteers each year! Need and suffering never take a holiday! Our young people prove time and time again that they are ready to take on the fight to end suffering, even when our nation's leaders fail to respond. Please share in our students' remarkably rich and rewarding morning working with the Glide community!