On the Road to Solidarity with FoodWise

On Friday, December 12, just days before Christmas, we traveled around the island in FoodWise's refrigerated van, delivering hope.

At 8:30 AM, we gathered at Victoria Station. The air was already thick under the Urban Terminal bus shelter, and the December sun cast a heavy warmth that urged us to seek shade. We were waiting for Jason from FoodWise and his van for food distribution. He sped by too quickly, leaving us standing on the sidewalk as the white vehicle moved away. A phone call brought laughter. “Wait for me at the lay-by, 500 meters ahead!”

Once we finally got on board, the cab smelled of cleanliness and diesel. We already knew each other, so no small talk was necessary. Behind us, in the refrigerated section, the engine hummed. “We have a long way to go,” Jason said as he shifted gears.

Our first stop was at Innodis. The parking lot had the warehouse doors wide open. Jason grabbed a hand truck and disappeared inside, returning with boxes stacked high. Sausages from Doux followed by packets of Emborg: carrots, peas, green beans. Everything slid into the icy belly of the van.

“Relax, I’ll take care of the rest,” he said as he went back for another load. The last boxes included triangles of La Vache qui rit cheese, beloved by children. Jason closed the doors, ensuring the cold was under control. The chain must not break.

At 9:30 AM, we headed for the highway, southbound.