Setting the table on Veterans Day
The engine rumbled, vibrated, and brakes hissed as the tractor-trailer settled into position at the Birmingham VA Clinic Nov. 10. This delivery would be special on any day of the year but making this cargo more precious was the intended receiver during this particular time—Veterans and Veterans Day.
Thanks to the generosity of the HUB Community Development Corporation, 300 food boxes, better referred to as meal boxes, were delivered and distributed to Veterans of the Birmingham VA Health Care System.
“What you see here is at the very heart of our mission,” said Pamelia Harris, Executive Director of the HUB. “Working with the Food Bank of Central Alabama, these 300 boxes include a meal for four with a [roasting chicken or pork roast] for that Veteran family to enjoy. We are happy to be here and look forward to what’s next. This was fun and exciting.”
As the trailer doors opened, Birmingham VA specialist from the Homeless Veteran Program claimed 75 meals. Nearly 10 vehicles were staged and ready to personally deliver each meal to the Veterans who receive case management for Homeless Veterans; other Veterans and loved ones lined up to receive their meal box.
“For community partners to come together with the Birmingham VA to improve the Veterans Experience is amazing,” said Paula Stokes, Chief, Research and Design for VA Veterans Experience. “The VA tries to meet all the needs of Veterans, but there are some needs we can’t provide alone. When we can work with our community partners, especially during Veterans Day, it is amazing what we can do for our Veterans.”