Local Asian-American Groups Volunteer to Distribute Food

On Sunday, April 18, the Ithaca Asian-American Association (IAAA) hosted a food distribution event in downtown Ithaca, at Shortstop Deli. An impressive number of volunteers from both the IAAA and IHS’s own new club, the Asian-American and Allies Council (AAAC), gathered to set up tables and unload cardboard boxes of packaged food, about 9000 pounds in total. The boxes contained potatoes, onions, milk, seasoned chicken, and more. Dedicated volunteers distributed the food, part of the United States Department of Agriculture Farmers to Families program, to a large line of cars and people in need. 

IHS AAPI volunteers signed up through the AAAC, co-founded by passionate students Evelyn Kim ‘21 and Grace Lim ‘23. When asked how they were inspired to establish the club, both discussed the recent rise in anti-Asian racism across the US: “All throughout our lives we’ve been experiencing this. The recent uptake, like the Atlanta shooting and other crimes in general against Asian people just because we’re Asian… that kind of triggered this nationwide awareness. AAPI have been going through racism our entire lives, and we just felt really passionate about spreading awareness. We really want to see change now, and we’re done being silent about this. We need to see change happen—and no one else is gonna do it for us,” says Kim. Lim elaborates, referencing the ten percent of Ithaca City School District students who are Asian and the importance of raising awareness: “Especially in IHS, that’s where we can start. The administration and our Board of Education need some assistance beginning this conversation, and we, Asian-American students and allies, can do just that.”

In response to the event, Kim and Lim both expressed gratitude and excitement. Kim notes, “It was amazing, great turnout, so many volunteers from IHS, and we’re so grateful for that. We had a lot of people come for food—I think it was like 458 boxes that we gave away.” After the initial rush, volunteers were also able to walk food boxes across the street to the Salvation Army for those in need. The teamwork among the organizers and volunteers was clear, as the group directed traffic, made signs, and communicated with each other to ensure everything flowed smoothly. 

Lim highlights, “Thank you to everyone who volunteered as well as the IAAA for hosting and organizing this community event. We appreciate everything that our community and our own students at IHS are doing to raise awareness about anti-Asian racism.” In terms of important information, pamphlets were also distributed to provide details on how and where to receive the COVID-19 vaccination and the Ithaca Dragon Boat Club, and an illustration emphasizing how the virus has no nationality was displayed. 

When asked if the AAAC plans to volunteer and help out at more events like the food distribution, Kim and Lim were certain. Lim says, “For me, this event was like the start. This year, the IAAA organization is hosting a mural painting, so we’re planning to help with that, as well as a film festival at IHS to spread awareness. Through these events, we hope that our school and the greater community will understand and learn about students’ experiences being Asian-American.” Kim, who will be attending Ithaca’s own Cornell University in the fall, notes, “Definitely. At Cornell, I’m planning on joining the Asian and Asian-American Center, and I also want to keep working with the community and organizations on issues related to social justice in general. That’s such an important topic to me, and I hope I keep being involved in these events and organizations.”

The AAAC hopes to provide a safe space where AAPI students can share their personal experiences, and facilitate important discussions around how to address anti-Asian hate in Ithaca and IHS. Similarly, the IAAA continues to do great work for the local community—to find out more details, visit their website for information about their organization and essential resources.