Taylor has always felt a need to help those who are less fortunate and especially those who are suffering from an illness. Son of Leisa Zigman and Michael Edlin of Clayton, his mitzvah project was volunteering at Food Outreach.

Founded in 1988, Food Outreach is the only St. Louis area organization whose mission is to provide nutritional support and enhance the quality of life of low-income men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS or Cancer. Non-perishables, frozen “scratched-made” meals and fresh produce are available. 

During his five-hour shifts, Taylor worked in the grocery center gathering meals and sweeping floors. He also set the tables in preparation for the Monday hot lunch, which is served on white china to the Food Outreach clients. It becomes a social occasion where they offer support to one another.

A student at Wydown Elementary, Taylor said, “I knew the meals would help people who could really use the help.” He added, “I would return from Food Outreach tired, but inspired by those who built this incredible organization and by the clients trying to live each day with dignity.”  Kathy Spencer, Volunteer Coordinator at Food Outreach, said Taylor really enjoyed his experience and was a wonderful volunteer. 

For more information about Food Outreach, visit www.foodoutreach.org.