Strengthening Food Networks Over the Holidays: Radiologic Sciences Students Volunteer

Left: Radiologic Sciences students, members of RSSA, Joanna Wu, Alec Armendariz, Desiree Maurino, and Sadie Eldredge.

During the final months of the fall 2022 semester, the Radiologic Sciences Student Association (RSSA) (Health Sciences) participated in two community service opportunities: a canned food drive for the Valley Food Bank and the Northridge Hospital Holiday Jam.

Throughout November, the RSSA held a canned food drive for the Valley Food Bank, which provides food to a network of food pantries, rescue missions, and non-profit organizations. The food bank relies on community organized food drives to provide most of the canned goods and non-perishable items to those with food insecurity. One of the primary goals of the RSSA is to engage in service opportunities and, with such a large number of un-homed population in LA, it was decided to hold the food drive to help those in need. The food drive was advertised on RSSA social media sites and through multiple email reminders. We were able to collect seven large grocery bags of food from students (both current and pre-Radiologic Sciences students). The Valley Food Bank was very appreciative of our generous donations and we were grateful to those willing to participate in this important event.

On December 9^th, five RSSA members had the privilege of volunteering at Northridge Hospital’s Holiday Jam. For 21 years, Northridge Hospital has hosted this annual event for hundreds of elementary school-aged children in the San Fernando Valley region, who are part of the “Title1/No Child Left Behind” program. Each child was treated to a day of food, games, gifts, and fun. They even enjoyed petting some adorable therapy dogs and sitting on Santa’s lap for a photo. Members of the RSSA helped with a variety of activities, including making cotton candy, packing bags with gifts, and placing photos of each child with Santa into Christmas cards. Interacting with the children and seeing their joy was a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of the holiday season.

Sp 2023
Doris Abrishami/Health Sciences Faculty and Director of the Radiologic Sciences Program

Photo credit: Sadie Eldridge