To meet the 12 hour community service requirement for the Nutrition 139 course I applied with five organizations on the approved list. The organization that responded the fastest to me was Open Heart Kitchen, they operate primarily in the Pleasanton and Livermore areas. Their application and enrollment process gives the feeling that this organization is huge and that many people really care about the less fortunate. From observation and conversations with the site supervisor, I believe this organization relies on individual donations, small business donations, and donations from large corporations like Safeway and Walmart. This organization also relies on volunteers who work every day, they get workers from students fulfilling their schedules and resumes, individuals fulfilling court orders, and those who simply want to help the less fortunate. My first shift started on February 21, 2014, there was not one training or orientation session. Most of the work on the site was something you could do at home. As soon as I walked in and introduced myself to the site supervisor, I was put to work. I started by making the juice and filling the container with water. Then I worked with another volunteer to put a warning label on the boxes to alert people to the presence of hot dishes. Then it was time to open up and start serving food, I was on desert duty. It was easy, which allowed me to make observations and take mental notes. I noticed that most of the people visiting this particular soup kitchen in Livermore were Caucasian and of varying ages. There are some who appear to be in their 60s and a couple of groups who appear to be in their 20s and homeless. While most clients are homeless, some have homes of their own. Ev...... middle of the paper....... On the first day I noticed a person pouring a large amount of sugar on their meal, then in the following weeks I noticed people pouring large amounts of salt and pepper on already savory first courses. They would literally cover the entire plate or boxes with salt and pepper on top. It is true that salt makes food taste better, but consuming too much of it would be dangerous to anyone's health. I could only hope that those people don't eat every meal with so much salt and pepper for their own good. I really enjoyed volunteering at a soup kitchen by offering some of my time to serve those who are in a low place in their lives. However, it is unlikely that I will continue the service after meeting the 12 hour requirement. The location is just too far and the gas isn't worth it, however I would look for other volunteer organizations in my area in the future.