‘This is all of us, really’: Ursula discusses generosity among people struggling to get by after food bank volunteer’s story

When Michael Jensen began volunteering at a Port Townsend food bank in April, he worried he would frequently have to tell people they could not take more food. Instead, his account described clients concerned about leaving enough for others, an experience he shared in a Reddit post that drew national attention.

The story prompted co-host Ursula Reutin and fill-in host Angela Poe Russell to challenge assumptions about people seeking assistance during “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio.

“It’s the opposite of what so many people think when they picture people who need help or need assistance — that it’s someone trying to take advantage of the system,” Angela said.

“Don’t make assumptions,” Ursula added. “This whole idea of, it’s a word we use, demonizing people who are struggling with whatever it is that they’re struggling with. I love that he took the time to open our eyes.”

Food bank account prompts reflections on volunteering

Ursula described Jensen’s account of having to reassure clients that there was enough food available for them to take what they needed.

She connected it with her own volunteer experiences.

“I’ve had the great opportunity to work at several food banks, and it is just amazing what goes on behind the scenes,” Ursula said. “When you actually do encounter people who are in need, you are just struck by, you know, this is all of us, really.”

Angela recalled watching a Whole Foods cashier offer to cover a purchase for someone who could not pay.

“The cashier was like, ‘I’ll take care of it,’” Angela said. “I knew, I’m like, this cashier is not making a lot of money, and she’s like, ‘I’m going to help this person.’ I’ve seen it over and over. People with the least are giving a higher proportion of their income.”

Hosts recall generosity during their travels

Angela also discussed what she witnessed while reporting in Haiti after an earthquake.

“There were these narratives of people taking and clamoring for water and food, and when I was there on the ground, I saw people sharing,” Angela said. “I just love that he’s shedding light on what it’s really like.”

Ursula recalled visits to the Philippines.

“Many, many times, I would experience the most generosity with the people who had the least,” Ursula said. “They are going to feed you no matter what, even if it’s their last thing on their table. They are going to feed you. I just love that he’s trying to basically fight some biases that some people might have, and I really appreciate that.”

Angela encourages volunteering in different communities

Ursula drew a comparison with tipping and the experience of working in service jobs.

“I’ve always noticed that the best tippers are people who have also worked in those [positions], and they might not have a lot, but they will tip heavy because they understand it,” Ursula said.

Angela returned to what listeners could take from Jensen’s experience.

“What I take away from this article, I guess the takeaway for me, is to go into different areas, volunteer in different communities,” Angela said. “It’ll just open your eyes. I think it’ll make us better people.”

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.