By Hsiu-Lian Chu, Ching-Hung Yeh 

Though Hurricane Beryl has long passed since early July, life remains challenging for vulnerable communities. In collaboration with the Houston Food Bank, Tzu Chi Texas volunteers continue to distribute fresh food offering ongoing support to those in need. 

Dedicated Efforts to Learn Spanish 

Before 8 a.m. on July 27, the rain was softly falling as the Houston Food Bank’s refrigerated truck arrived on schedule with fresh fruits and vegetables. At the distribution site, two rain shelters were set up by local high school volunteers. Although the students who come to assist varied each time, each student demonstrated their dedication to serve. 

Tzu Chi volunteer Tom Hsiao from Taiwan (left) writes the next distribution date (8/10) in Spanish—"La Proxima Vez 10 de Agosto"—on a whiteboard. | Photo by Ching-Hung Yeh | Texas, USA | 2024/07/27 

  

CEO Jenhsiung Luo carefully planned the placement of the pallets based on the types and quantities of food available that day. Volunteer Bin Xue meticulously organized the distribution areas, aiming for the smoothest possible experience for those receiving the food. 

As preparations continued, Tzu Chi volunteer Wenjie Xiao from Taiwan wrote the next distribution date in Spanish—“La Proxima Vez 10 de Agosto”—on a whiteboard to foster a warmer connection with the Latino community. Since the start of the food distributions, Xiao has been learning Spanish and actively engages with Latino community members in their language. This not only helps him practice but also bridges cultural gaps. 

  

Caring for Those in Need: United in Service 

As the rain drizzled intermittently, cars began arriving for the distribution. CEO Luo recognized the pressing need for fresh food, serving a diverse community that includes refugees from Myanmar and Afghanistan, as well as an increasing number of Mexican families. Despite the weather, the volunteers’ dedication was evident and deeply appreciated. Many community members, inspired by the volunteers’ selfless service, chose to volunteer themselves. To ensure no one missed out, Tzu Chi volunteers set aside food for these new volunteers to collect after the distribution. 

Volunteer Mary Hsiao (front) assists in placing produce into a cart. For community members who forgot to bring bags, she reminds them to bring a cart or carry bags next time. | Photo by Ching-Hung Yeh | Texas, USA | 2024/07/27 

Familiar Faces, Warm Returns 

Ashley Lu brought her daughter, Chloe Yang, to volunteer and help those who walked to the site for food distribution. With summer vacation underway, Ashley wanted Chloe to engage in something meaningful and decided to bring her along after learning about the event from the volunteers. 

Ashley easily integrated into the Tzu Chi family, finding joy in helping others. She led by example, serving with enthusiasm. Chloe, a graduate of Tzu Chi’s Great Love Preschool, assisted volunteers Elaine Cheng and Ling Lee in packing and organizing food. Her dedication matched the adults’, and she was thrilled to have the chance to serve others. 

Elderly participant Feng-lin Yin (left), who frequently attends Tzu Chi events, knows many of the volunteers and sees Tzu Chi as home. Ashley (right) joyfully embraced the Tzu Chi family and actively served the community. | Photo by Ching-Hung Yeh | Texas, USA | 2024/07/27 

Feng-lin Yin, a long-term care recipient, usually collects her food through the drive-through. This time, she walked, expressing her gratitude: "I’m really touched by the volunteers' warmth, even in the rain." Tzu Chi’s help has made a big difference in her community, and she finds joy in reconnecting with the volunteers, saying, “They’ve become like family; it feels like coming home.” 

Eighty-eight-year-old Subi Li from Chongqing treasures the fruits and vegetables she receives. "The 'Tzu Chi Bank' provides for us every month, ensuring we have what we need. I’m deeply moved and very grateful for their thoughtfulness." 

 

Gratitude from the Heart 

LEFT: A group of newly arrived Vietnamese immigrants, invited by volunteer Justina Tran joined the distribution event, helping with packing and sorting. RIGHT: Wearing a plastic bag on her head and covered with plastic sheeting, 88-year-old Subi Li feels grateful for the volunteers' thoughtful consideration to protect her from the rain. | Photos courtesy of Ching-Hung Yeh | Texas, USA | 2024/07/27 

  Li, who lives in an apartment complex for seniors, explained in Cantonese how she uses the food. With a grateful heart and a thumbs-up, she said, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Wearing a plastic bag on her head, covered in a makeshift raincoat, and using her walker, Li waved goodbye to the volunteers with a joyful smile as she made her way back home. 

Despite the wind and rain, everyone's efforts ensured the distribution was completed before noon. A total of 291 households received fresh produce—209 by car and 82 on foot. Many Mexicans and others cross the U.S. border annually through Texas and neighboring states, seeking better lives. Yet, life here often falls short of expectations. With inflation and unstable weather post-pandemic, those struggling the most face even greater challenges. The partnership between Tzu Chi and the Houston Food Bank has indeed provided much-needed relief, allowing seniors to enjoy their meals with peace of mind. 

 

(Text by Hsiu-Lien Chu, Ching-Hung Yeh. Report from the USA on July 27, 2024. Edited by Yu-Chen Pan, Department of Literature and History, Tzu Chi Foundation)