Almost 600 inmates eagerly lined up for the fundraiser food sale put on by the members of the San Quentin TRUST (Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training).
For the first time in nearly a year and a half Project WHAT! and TRUST are designed to help inmates prepare for reentering society upon release.
The option to purchase a 10-piece bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken, an extra-large pizza, freshly baked cookies, and assorted other treats was back on the table for the first time in a year and a half.
Asked on the Line surveyed those in attendance with a few questions: “Which was the one food item that you were most happy to see on the food sale list? What did you like about the food sale? What food item would you like to see on a future food sale?
Richard Zorns was happy to see Kentucky Fried Chicken. “I like both ‘Original’ and ‘Crispy’,” said Zorns. When asked what he liked about the food sale, he replied, “I was just happy that we were having a food sale.”
For many of the men who stood in line, a food sale meant a tasty alternative, such as pepper jack cheese, honey nut cheerios, and tortilla chips.
Rich Morris wasn’t able to buy anything, but his cellmate shared some food with him. “I like the opportunity to eat something different other than state food or canteen items,” said Morris.
Evan O’Leary was happy that the TRUST food sale offered one of his favorite desserts. “What I liked most about the food sale was that I got my red velvet cake, and I would like to see red velvet cake in future sales,” said O’Leary.
There were varying opinions about what should be sold in future food sales.
Darion Branch said he’d like to see hot chocolate on the food sale menu. Other suggestions included cheesecake, rotisserie chicken and Carl’s Jr. hamburgers.
TRUST Fellows operated the food sale and received much praise for their efficiency.
“What I liked most about the TRUST food sale was the speed of the delivery. It was good to have food sales back,” said Sam Johnson, chairman of the Men’s Advisory Council, who was invited to observe the operation of the food sale.
Randy Maluenda, another TRUST Fellow, was also happy about the KFC and efficient service but wanted to see two-liter cola sold at a future food sale.
TRUST Vice-Chairman Orlando Harris, another red velvet cake fan, said, “Our food sale ran really quick, but I would like to see fruit and nut medley in a future food sale.”
Fundraising food sales are conducted by the finance committee of San Quentin TRUST and headed by the TRUST executive treasurer.
TRUST Fellow Phil Senegal, a senior member of the finance committee, was in charge of processing the West Block food sale slips. He was glad to see large bags of tortilla chips on the menu. “Our food sale was efficient, and in the future I will suggest we sell pork ribs, pulled pork and pork carnitas,” said Senegal.
Christopher Scull, a new TRUST Fellow, participated in a food sale for the first time. “I liked that we sold KFC, and I was impressed with the level of cooperation in our group. In the future, I would like our group to sell the Costco muffins,” said Scull.
Valeray Richardson, the senior TRUST Fellow in charge of North Block processing, commented, “I was happy that we sold ‘KFC Crispy.’ We ran a smooth food sale, but in the future I hope we sell strawberry cheesecake.”
Alexei Ruiz, the TRUST Fellow in charge of H-Unit processing, said, “Of course, I was happy we sold KFC, and I had fun working this sale. I enjoyed doing it. In the future, I hope we can bring back avocados and onions.”
Executive Treasurer Juan Arballo was the TRUST Fellow in charge of the food sale, and his leadership was key to the success of the sale. More than 626 slips were collected and $36,297 in sales resulted in a net profit of over $8,500. Centerforce and Project WHAT! will each receive about $3,000, and $2,500 will go toward a charity of the warden’s choosing. “I am happy with how it ran,” said Arballo “I was trained by secretary Angelo Falcone. I was glad we sold the red velvet cake, and I look forward to seeing strawberry cheesecake.”
