When I was a kid I would help my grandmother plant and maintain her 3 acre garden. I remember dropping a fish and a seed potato into hole after hole as we mounded what seemed like a hundred potato plants. My grandmother believed in a full pantry and would can and freeze her garden produce endlessly so that her storage areas were full to bursting.
My father, like his mother, also believed in a lot of food on hand. Perhaps it was partly due to being a child of the great depression, but he would buy canned food by the caselot, his beef by the full cow and he would ensure that our 21 foot freezer was never empty.
The seed has not fallen far from the tree. I too fill my cupboards. I ensure that my family has an seemingly endless array of food available to us, and the choice of dozens of meals waiting in our freezer.
So as we brought home our small box of groceries I was struck by the absurdity of having to set aside these few provisions in a special place so they were not lost in the wide array of other foodstuffs filling our kitchen. I was also struck by my begrudging spirit as suddenly we were limited to so few meal options. My joy in making and planning meals, in the simple act of creative cooking, was suddenly brought up short.
Perhaps this has been our lesson this week. The recognition that worry and concern about food is a burden that too many bear. When we brought home our food hamper we talked about how it was starch heavy and lacked protein or fresh veggies. But as we survived on these items for a few days, the worry was not so much about quality as quantity. It was not about too little meat, and more about simply....will their be enough?
These days of living on a food hamper has been an important exercise for us. It has given us reason to reflect on the abundance in our lives, the choices we have around,not only food, but all the opportunities available to us.
Thanks for the chance.
Thursday, 8 May 2014
And Finally......Acceptance
The last couple of days have been much better. Having aired my feelings of frustration, isolation, and stress has made the difference for me. I realize I got a very small taste of what it is like to be on "survival mode" and have a deeper appreciation of those that are going through this. Once I aired my feelings and realized that I was so used to having whatever I wanted I could relax and concentrate on the moment. What do I have now....not what would I like. And I could hear my grandmother as she always told me, "Be thankful for what you have." I now have feelings of peace and acceptance. So the last couple of days have been much easier.
It emphasizes to me how important it is to have these opportunties to say exactly how you feel no matter what. Just to lay it on the line and say whatever you need to say. I believe we need to make opportunties for the clients, if they wish, to air out some of their feelings.
As I have been able to reflect more on my feelings of thanksgiving, I think of all the people that donate to the food bank and for the many volunteers that donate their time and treat all of the clients with dignity and respect. I give thanks, for you support so many with your jesters of kindness and love. Maniy blessings to you and thank you for the opportunity to take part in this challenge.
It emphasizes to me how important it is to have these opportunties to say exactly how you feel no matter what. Just to lay it on the line and say whatever you need to say. I believe we need to make opportunties for the clients, if they wish, to air out some of their feelings.
As I have been able to reflect more on my feelings of thanksgiving, I think of all the people that donate to the food bank and for the many volunteers that donate their time and treat all of the clients with dignity and respect. I give thanks, for you support so many with your jesters of kindness and love. Maniy blessings to you and thank you for the opportunity to take part in this challenge.
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
On Monday I spent my last $2 on a litre of milk. Normally I wouldn't think twice about it. If I need milk I get it. How simple that sounds but there were a number of other things I wanted with that $2, like cottage cheese, a couple of bananas, more carrots or fruit, chocolate... Milk won out. I used some to make up my tomato soup so I could take it with me for lunch with cheese and crackers and my last orange. Not bad all in all. It was also useful in my kraft dinner for supper. I still have one carrot and an apple. They will be my lunch treats tomorrow.
Today was a very busy day and I didn't have time to figure out my lunch this morning, so after an egg and toast for breakfast, it was water until I could get home. I took the edge off with the last of my crackers and peanut butter. Then fried potatoes and another egg, the last of the brown beans and toast to finish up the day.
As I think about the high carbs and few fruits and vegetables it is really easy to see why in the Health Regions Dispairity Report they found that people living in low income neighborhoods are 398% more likely to suffer from diabetes and 134% more likely to contract heart disease.
Today was a very busy day and I didn't have time to figure out my lunch this morning, so after an egg and toast for breakfast, it was water until I could get home. I took the edge off with the last of my crackers and peanut butter. Then fried potatoes and another egg, the last of the brown beans and toast to finish up the day.
As I think about the high carbs and few fruits and vegetables it is really easy to see why in the Health Regions Dispairity Report they found that people living in low income neighborhoods are 398% more likely to suffer from diabetes and 134% more likely to contract heart disease.
Tuesday, 6 May 2014
Getting Hungry
Up until tonight things were going pretty good, had a good pot of soup that lasted until noon today, had an ok supper of fried potatoes, couple of eggs and a bit of tasty "Flakes of Ham". But tonight I am hungry, I'm use to a snack when watching hockey, I'm just tired of not being able to have a handful of something if I want it. I still have a bit of bread, Mr. Noodles, KD, a can of beans, a carrot, one orange, one apple, oatmeal, 4 eggs and a few crackers left so I won't starve but the meals the rest in my house are eating look a fair bit better. At least I know this soon will be over, hope I lose a pound or two as a side benefit!
Giving Thanks...
When I was growing up we were taught a simple table grace,
During the season of Lent (the 40 days that precede Easter) I choose to fast from all food for 24 hours. In that time of emptiness, I struggled with hunger. My stomach gurgled, groaned and growled. I found myself looking forward to my next meal with the eagerness only a 4 year old could muster. That was a struggle. While I enjoyed my bowl of oatmeal this morning, I noticed how grateful I was for the food that I had both in the course of a normal week, but also for this week. I have had something for every meal, and I have even had enough to snack. In fact, most meals I prepare come with a side of leftovers. I have made most meals stretch for two. This morning I finished off my bag of oatmeal, but it did see me through 3 days! My box of Kraft Dinner was 2 meals, and after 4 suppers with rice I still have some left for one more meal!
Granted there's still a few days left, but I am not going to starve over the next few days, and I will eat rather well. I will be content and satisfied. Do I have complaints? Yes. Am I full after each meal? Not entirely, but that's probably not a bad thing.
I certainly wouldn't eat this way normally, I have been carefully rationing my grains, and I haven't eaten as much fruit and vegetables that I normally would and I am really missing some of my more indulgent snack foods, pretzels, chips and popcorn. I am uncomfortable, but I am not starving. I am hungry at each meal, I haven't slept as well as I am used to, and my concentration and energy levels aren't what they usually are, but I am getting by.
The other thing that I have come to appreciate is how well equipped my kitchen is. It never occurred to me earlier, but if your cooking knowledge and resources are limited, your meals are also going to be limited. I recognize this as a sign of my privilege. Most of my early meals were very simple, boil water, add stir and eat. My suppers were a different story. For my first evening, I looked at what I had and noticed that I had every thing I needed to make a fried rice dish.
I cooked the rice with chicken bouillon so it would absorb the flavour, meanwhile sautéed the onion. I scrambled the egg, and once the rice was done I mixed it all together with some soya sauce and the canned vegetables.
It wasn't the most amazing thing that I had ever made, but it was filling and it fed me for 2 meals!
The other supper that I made has impressed on me my own privilege. I made a slow cooker lentil and ham soup. It didn't occur to me right away but most clients at the food bank probably don't have a slow cooker at home, and yet this was perhaps one of the easiest and most abundant meals for me to prepare. I simply chopped a carrot, an onion and my tomato. Added a cup of lentils, my tin of ham, and then 7 cups of water and an assortment of spices from my cupboard.
Serving this over rice made for a very satisfying and fibre filled supper. I probably will make this again, and I have enough left overs for 3 meals!
"God is great, God is good,As a child, we would race through this prayer on our way to gulping down our milk and stuffing ourselves full with food. As I've grown older, I've thought more about this table grace. As I said it this morning I was really struck by the words. Over the past few days I have not really been thankful for the food that I have. I've spoken with other participants and I've heard stories of struggle, or complaint, uncomfortableness, and even trying to figure out how to 'cheat' and still participate. None of this reflects an attitude of gratitude. Truly, most of us are looking at this challenge as a struggle, and we're not thankful for the food we have.
Let us thank God for this food,
by His hand we all are fed,
thank you God for daily bread."
During the season of Lent (the 40 days that precede Easter) I choose to fast from all food for 24 hours. In that time of emptiness, I struggled with hunger. My stomach gurgled, groaned and growled. I found myself looking forward to my next meal with the eagerness only a 4 year old could muster. That was a struggle. While I enjoyed my bowl of oatmeal this morning, I noticed how grateful I was for the food that I had both in the course of a normal week, but also for this week. I have had something for every meal, and I have even had enough to snack. In fact, most meals I prepare come with a side of leftovers. I have made most meals stretch for two. This morning I finished off my bag of oatmeal, but it did see me through 3 days! My box of Kraft Dinner was 2 meals, and after 4 suppers with rice I still have some left for one more meal!
Granted there's still a few days left, but I am not going to starve over the next few days, and I will eat rather well. I will be content and satisfied. Do I have complaints? Yes. Am I full after each meal? Not entirely, but that's probably not a bad thing.
I certainly wouldn't eat this way normally, I have been carefully rationing my grains, and I haven't eaten as much fruit and vegetables that I normally would and I am really missing some of my more indulgent snack foods, pretzels, chips and popcorn. I am uncomfortable, but I am not starving. I am hungry at each meal, I haven't slept as well as I am used to, and my concentration and energy levels aren't what they usually are, but I am getting by.
 |
| Last Mr. Noodles lunch |
 |
| So what can yo make with an onion, rice, egg, canned peas & carrots, some chicken bouillon and soya sauce? |
 |
| ...why Food Bank Fried Rice of course... |
The other supper that I made has impressed on me my own privilege. I made a slow cooker lentil and ham soup. It didn't occur to me right away but most clients at the food bank probably don't have a slow cooker at home, and yet this was perhaps one of the easiest and most abundant meals for me to prepare. I simply chopped a carrot, an onion and my tomato. Added a cup of lentils, my tin of ham, and then 7 cups of water and an assortment of spices from my cupboard.
 |
| And this here... |
 |
| ...is a lentil, and ham soup, I expect to get 3 meals out of this! |
I have eaten pretty well with the items given to me. Part of this is from the knowledge and creativity that I have in the kitchen, and some is because I have the tools that enable me to cook in these ways. Not everyone has either or both of these. This realization is another dimension to the poverty and hunger 'problem.' One that doesn't present itself with an easy solution, one that I'm not sure I know how to engage.
So how does one humbly give thanks, recognizing that not all enjoy such bounty?
-C
-C
Monday, 5 May 2014
It is official
It is official.....the novelty has definitely worn off. I find myself thinking about food all the time and as my food supply gets less and less it causes me stress. It makes me wonder if I will be able to make the food especially the protein least until Thursday. However, I went to the grocery store today to buy my hotdog but found out they don't sell them in bulk anymore. I did find a package of shaved roast beef on sale...today only....for $.50. That was my highlight.
I can only imagine how the clients feel having to depend on the food bank to survive. As a mother and grandmother, I can't imagine how it would feel to try and feed your kids/grandkids or the stress it might cause.
I am also affected by the social aspect of eating. I am quite extroverted and being around people is important to me. I often go for coffee or for a meal with friends and this week I haven't been able to do that. I feel isolated. I wonder how many clients feel as I do.
On a more positive note, I am very thankful for the folks that support the food bank either by bringing in food items or cash. These kind folks are supporting me for the week and I thank God for them. Another example of loving your neighbour as yourself.
I can only imagine how the clients feel having to depend on the food bank to survive. As a mother and grandmother, I can't imagine how it would feel to try and feed your kids/grandkids or the stress it might cause.
I am also affected by the social aspect of eating. I am quite extroverted and being around people is important to me. I often go for coffee or for a meal with friends and this week I haven't been able to do that. I feel isolated. I wonder how many clients feel as I do.
On a more positive note, I am very thankful for the folks that support the food bank either by bringing in food items or cash. These kind folks are supporting me for the week and I thank God for them. Another example of loving your neighbour as yourself.
Day 3
It is crazy how much I am thinking about food. I woke up in the night and started to wonder about what I would have for lunch toda. Nothing is very portable to pack so I decided to go home and make a grilled cheese sandwich and I had one of my precious carrots which was wonderful. Because I have to be in the city for work tomorrow, I believe I will make up my tomato soup tonite so I can take it with me to heat.
For those who don't know me I work for the Saskatoon Health Region in the Health Promotion Department. A key project we have supported is the Cost of Poverty campaign launched in March.
We know that poverty costs everyone. In 2010, in Saskatchewan the estimated the cost of poverty was $3.8 billion. That includes:
For those who don't know me I work for the Saskatoon Health Region in the Health Promotion Department. A key project we have supported is the Cost of Poverty campaign launched in March.
We know that poverty costs everyone. In 2010, in Saskatchewan the estimated the cost of poverty was $3.8 billion. That includes:
- $420 million in heightened healthcare costs.
- Between $50 and $120 million more than we would otherwise spend on our criminal justice system.
- Upwards of $2 billion annually in missed opportunities and forgone contributions to GDP and taxes cover more than two-thirds of the overall province-wide cost of poverty.
Enough calories to think straight?
I was "starving" last evening after our 3K run that we often do before supper. Lightheaded.
I thought I had had a big lunch with rice, peas and carrots, and half of my "Flakes of Ham" (groan - the dreaded Flakes of Ham!) and felt quite full. Then half an orange at 4 pm.
But when I came in from the run, I headed straight for the crackers. Thank goodness for crackers. I quickly ate four of those precious saltines as an appetizer before my supper bowl of lentil soup, a boiled egg and three (count them), three pieces of toast! I rarely eat toast - too many carbs!
I've been keeping a food diary on an app I have and it has calculated daily calories. For my height and weight I am "allowed" 1800 calories a day. On Saturday I had 1200 calories and on Sunday, 1500. If I decide to exercise, I am in a deficit. Hey, that's good for me and possible weight loss! But what about people in poverty like Food Bank clients who need to do physical work for a living or think straight in school or at home - to plan, to study, to apply for jobs? While living on what is left (or not left) in the cupboard or fridge? Hungry and lightheaded?
Note to self: do not judge others until you have walked in their shoes. And this, for me, is only a five day mini walk in the park. I will return to my world of plenty after Thursday. Some don't have that luxury.
Tonight I start the first of three consecutive 12 hour night shifts at the Group Home where I work. We'll see how that goes! One thing I do know for certain...my crackers are going with me.
Sunday, 4 May 2014
Day 2 - toast, soup and shopping....umh many lessons
Hello to all, I finally have the hang of blogging so here we go with Day Two!
I got up in the morning and decided I would have an orange and two pieces of toast. I'm not a very fussy eater but there are two things I really don't like.....liver and burnt toast. You quessed it...I burnt the toast. Well, I had three choices: throw the toast out, give it to the birds or eat the burnt toast. I realized my decision could have consequences to my week. Throwing the toast out was really not an option ....that is just too wasteful. Giving it to the birds was an feasible option but I decided to eat the burnt toast. I seem to be more thankful when I have very little than when I have more than I really need. Lesson One! Now what is wrong with this picture.
After breakfast I decided to make lentil soup. I looked up the recipe, put in my lentils, one onion, 1/4 cup of chopped carrots, my one tomato, water and spices. I didn't have the other ingredients so they didn't get in the soup. I let it cook and it wasn't too bad....a little bland but not bad. Then I had an idea! I put my one can of vegetable soup in the mixture and oh my goodness...it was delicious.
Lesson Two: I am learning how much I love cooking but how very difficult it is with such a limited resource of food. Also I really miss the social aspect of eating!!
After the soup was cooked I went shopping with my $5. I was very excited about this and with the $5 I bought the smallest container of milk and the smallest jar of peanut butter. I spent $4.10 and was very happy I had $.90 left. I hope to go and buy one hotdog with the left over money for my pork and beans..
Lesson Three: I was so surprised of how excited I was being able to get a few more items for my week long hamper. I think I am becoming more and more aware of how difficult it is for folks to live on so little. This is all very fine for a week but what if that was how you lived each day!
I got up in the morning and decided I would have an orange and two pieces of toast. I'm not a very fussy eater but there are two things I really don't like.....liver and burnt toast. You quessed it...I burnt the toast. Well, I had three choices: throw the toast out, give it to the birds or eat the burnt toast. I realized my decision could have consequences to my week. Throwing the toast out was really not an option ....that is just too wasteful. Giving it to the birds was an feasible option but I decided to eat the burnt toast. I seem to be more thankful when I have very little than when I have more than I really need. Lesson One! Now what is wrong with this picture.
After breakfast I decided to make lentil soup. I looked up the recipe, put in my lentils, one onion, 1/4 cup of chopped carrots, my one tomato, water and spices. I didn't have the other ingredients so they didn't get in the soup. I let it cook and it wasn't too bad....a little bland but not bad. Then I had an idea! I put my one can of vegetable soup in the mixture and oh my goodness...it was delicious.
Lesson Two: I am learning how much I love cooking but how very difficult it is with such a limited resource of food. Also I really miss the social aspect of eating!!
After the soup was cooked I went shopping with my $5. I was very excited about this and with the $5 I bought the smallest container of milk and the smallest jar of peanut butter. I spent $4.10 and was very happy I had $.90 left. I hope to go and buy one hotdog with the left over money for my pork and beans..
Lesson Three: I was so surprised of how excited I was being able to get a few more items for my week long hamper. I think I am becoming more and more aware of how difficult it is for folks to live on so little. This is all very fine for a week but what if that was how you lived each day!
That's a small box for a family....
I am a fan of food. I like to cook, I like to eat, and my
family and I talk often about the next great recipe that we are excited to try
out. So when we were approached to consider living off a food hamper the idea
was not greeted with a lot of enthusiasm. As we reviewed the list of food
commonly given out in a hamper we recognized that it was a lot of starch,
little protein and few veggies. Not exactly our usual fare. My kids were
concerned about the impact of the diet on their ability to concentrate. Anita,
who does not eat carbs after 2:00 most days was wondering what she would eat,
and how she would feel.
Yet as we discussed the idea more fully, we warmed to it a
bit as we considered the impact of mindful eating on our own consciousness, and we realized that we looked forward to the
awareness and conversation that we hoped a few days of this kind of menu would
stimulate. So we agreed to give it a try.
When we picked up the hamper (see picture) we were also told
we could spend $10 on anything else we needed. We chose to buy some yogurt,
milk and a small pack of pork - total value $9.84. We have talked a bit about
the week and tried to do a bit of menu planning to use the resources we have
received to the best of our ability.
Supper tonight is veggie soup with noodles and a bit of
pork with orange slices for dessert.
Wish us luck!
Cam |
| Our hamper for the week. ..Hope it lasts! |
Day One - Recieving the Hamper
Well today is Day One and I enter this challenge with excitement and anticipation. When I picked up my food hamper, my first reaction was....this will be fine....not a problem. Then I got home and started planning my meals. Then I realized this was definitely going to be ïnteresting". I always believe you have to be thankful for what you have and I am hanging on to this. Yet I know this week will be an learning experience I will never forget. Tomorrow I go shopping with my $5 and that two
will be interesting.
Blessings to all that are participating in this Hunger Awareness Challenge.
Debbie Ramage, Incumbent of St. Augustine's Anglican Church
will be interesting.
Blessings to all that are participating in this Hunger Awareness Challenge.
Debbie Ramage, Incumbent of St. Augustine's Anglican Church
Sunday, May 4
Today is my birthday but no cake for me today.
I am a vegetarian so I had the luxury of a jar of peanut butter instead of tuna in my box.
I also added to my food by spending $2.99 of my $5 on a small block of cheese that was on sale at the grocery store. Yesterday I waited until I was really hungry and had toast and peanut butter, later I snacked on crackers and cheese. For supper I had a cooked potato with grated cheese, with some of my can of peas and carrots. From a nutrition standpoint it was pretty poor. No fruit and minimal vegetables. It was a long way from meeting the Canada Food Guide requirements.
This morning I treated myself to 2 eggs scrambled with a toast and one of my apples. Lunch was some of my brown beans with whole wheat bread. That makes a complete protein. I am contemplating one of my 2 carrots, but I am hesitant to use one yet. I am spending way more time thinking about food and what I will allow myself to have next than I ever do normally.
The Start of the Challenge
When Craig and Wilmer asked me about being a part of this challenge, I was a bit hesitant, I was more unsure after picking up my groceries, that is not a lot to eat for a week! The most difficult part so far was watching the hockey game with Michael, him eating three bbq'ed hamburgers while I had Mr. Noodles. I think the whole family should be in it, all or none! I don't think any of them would go for it though. Will be an interesting week.....
Ralph Epp
Saturday, 3 May 2014
Courage Soup
It took a bit of courage to use up one of my two precious carrots, almost all my lentils, half an onion, some beans, some rice, but I miraculously got a nice thick soup. Plus I added a tin of diced tomatoes I bought with part of the $5 we were given.
I feel a bit panicky about possibly running out of food this week but will continue to add water to the soup if necessary! I think it might last me for a few suppers.
I can't believe how much I have obsessed over how to survive on this hamper. I have most of the items prominently displayed on the counter and now, on already on Day One, it is so much less.
We went for a walk/ run before supper and saw hundreds of geese fly overhead towards the river. The thought came into my head, "Do not worry about what you eat or drink..."
Later when I ate my lentil soup, it tasted delicious.
I hope the geese find a nice pea field to rest in overnight and feed on last year's leftover harvest.
I feel a bit panicky about possibly running out of food this week but will continue to add water to the soup if necessary! I think it might last me for a few suppers.
I can't believe how much I have obsessed over how to survive on this hamper. I have most of the items prominently displayed on the counter and now, on already on Day One, it is so much less.
We went for a walk/ run before supper and saw hundreds of geese fly overhead towards the river. The thought came into my head, "Do not worry about what you eat or drink..."
Later when I ate my lentil soup, it tasted delicious.
I hope the geese find a nice pea field to rest in overnight and feed on last year's leftover harvest.
This is my first time posting on this blog. I was asked by Wilmer Froese to take part in Hunger Awareness week by eating only from a box I was given by the Rosthern Food Bank for a period of six days. I started today by eating oatmeal and an apple for breakfast and Mr. Noodles and a spam sandwich for lunch. I am hoping that I will still have something to eat by Wednesday/Thursday!
I am Mark Wurtz and have been the Director of the Youth Farm Bible Camp for the last 13 years. A group of 17 staff of our camp (mixture of high school students and adults) just came back from a Mexico Mission Trip where we built a house for a family in need. Following this adventure with eating from a food bank for six days is an interesting experience. For five days, we lived in poverty - no running water, no hot water, no electricity, no toilets (we used outhouses), and sleeping in tents, while spending the days building a home for a family of four. You can read about this experience at http://mexicoyfbc.blogspot.ca and check out pictures at www.facebook.com/youthfarmbiblecamp.
Although during those five days, we were fed by Mexicans and could eat as much tortillas, beans, salsa, tacos, etc. as we wanted. As well, we stopped at a local grocery store and could purchase items to bring home (vanilla!) and anything else to supplement our current diet. So now I am going to experience what it is like to have very limited options for food after experiencing what it was like to have very limited options for shelter/washrooms.
In life, we can take many things for granted. I do not think I took living in a nice house for granted, however, I definitely took having a long warm shower for granted. Just like, I don't think I take the food I am provided with for granted. However, I am now realizing that I take for granted that I have choice with what I want to eat. For the next six days, I am limited to only the items in a small cardboard box!
How many times can we catch ourselves saying there is nothing to eat here when we are looking at a fully stocked pantry supplemented by a full fridge of food and more food in the deep freeze. So then we decided to go to a restaurant for a meal. It must be because we live in a culture of instant gratification. For me it almost seems easier to pick from a very limited supply instead of from an almost unlimited amount of options. The only problem is that the supply will run out rather fast!
Mark
I am Mark Wurtz and have been the Director of the Youth Farm Bible Camp for the last 13 years. A group of 17 staff of our camp (mixture of high school students and adults) just came back from a Mexico Mission Trip where we built a house for a family in need. Following this adventure with eating from a food bank for six days is an interesting experience. For five days, we lived in poverty - no running water, no hot water, no electricity, no toilets (we used outhouses), and sleeping in tents, while spending the days building a home for a family of four. You can read about this experience at http://mexicoyfbc.blogspot.ca and check out pictures at www.facebook.com/youthfarmbiblecamp.
Although during those five days, we were fed by Mexicans and could eat as much tortillas, beans, salsa, tacos, etc. as we wanted. As well, we stopped at a local grocery store and could purchase items to bring home (vanilla!) and anything else to supplement our current diet. So now I am going to experience what it is like to have very limited options for food after experiencing what it was like to have very limited options for shelter/washrooms.
In life, we can take many things for granted. I do not think I took living in a nice house for granted, however, I definitely took having a long warm shower for granted. Just like, I don't think I take the food I am provided with for granted. However, I am now realizing that I take for granted that I have choice with what I want to eat. For the next six days, I am limited to only the items in a small cardboard box!
How many times can we catch ourselves saying there is nothing to eat here when we are looking at a fully stocked pantry supplemented by a full fridge of food and more food in the deep freeze. So then we decided to go to a restaurant for a meal. It must be because we live in a culture of instant gratification. For me it almost seems easier to pick from a very limited supply instead of from an almost unlimited amount of options. The only problem is that the supply will run out rather fast!
Mark
Habits...
First thing this morning I caught myself almost breaking the challenge. I had rolled out of bed, showered, and was on the hunt for breakfast. I pulled out a pot and filled it with water, and plunked two eggs into it. And that’s when I caught myself. I wasn’t even thinking. I would have eaten 2/3 of the eggs given to me at once! Without thinking! I am struck by how habitual an eater I am. I quickly dried the eggs off like precious jewels found at the bottom of a stream, and opted instead for oatmeal with a little honey stirred in.
 |
| Breakfast: 1/3 cup of oatmeal mixed with 2/3 cup of water and honey to taste |
Last night I was aware that I would have to change some patterns in my life, I was surprised at how many ingrained food habits I really did have. This morning without thinking I prepared coffee for myself, I usually make a 3 cup french press to help me with my writing. I was grateful to see that we were allowed to drink coffee, it would have been sad to let go of this habit. But I was again reminded that coffee is a luxury that not everyone can afford. The cost of coffee beans alone is prohibitive to some, and that I drink fair trade coffee means that I am paying even more for it.
I have caught myself thinking this morning about what I might have for lunch, what might taste good, and planning my meals for the day, however, my planning is not taking into account what I have from the food bank. Perhaps a better descriptor for the time being is dreaming. I am dreaming about what I could make for my meals, this is not grounded in the reality of my experience, and it causes me to wonder, how many who use the food bank also dream about food that is out of grasp?
-C
-C
Friday, 2 May 2014
Picking up groceries...
I just picked up my groceries for the week....
I don't usually get all my groceries at once. Living in a small town, I usually walk to the grocery store each day to pick up what it is that I need to make supper. I have always enjoyed going to the grocery store. It's a place of possibility for me. As I browser the produce and meat sections I wonder, how will the flavours compliment each other. What flavour combinations could I create.
Cooking is one practice that I am probably going to miss this week. I love to cook. I love the creativity that it requires. I love how I can take raw ingredients, and transform them into something that has an impact on the senses, taste, smell, texture, sound (sometimes), sight. Cooking is one way that I wind down after a particularly hectic day.
This week, being on a strict diet, I don't expect I will be doing a lot of exotic cooking. I suspect, that my cooking will move to the realm of trying to imagine how best I can make use of what I have. What flavour combinations can I use? How can I blend things together for a tasty meal.
I notice that I have a lot of grains, rice, beans, lentils, bread, crackers, pasta, and oats. There aren't a lot of vegetables, I have a couple onions, a tomato, two carrots and a can of peas and carrots. My fruit is limited to two apples and two oranges. My meat is two cans, a can of tuna and a can of ham. That's it. I will have to imagine how to make $5 stretch for the week to supplement what I don't have.
My immediate feels are ones of fear and uncertainty. I look at these groceries as a puzzle, one that I need to 'solve' to make it through the week. While there may be many solutions, I have to figure out the one what works best. One that doesn't leave me short, one that is sufficient, and I'm afraid that there might not be enough. Already I was joking and bargaining with others of what can be traded to make my hamper 'better.' We all got the same hamper, so there wasn't much trading. But I am afraid of what this week might be like. At this point, I can only imagine and anticipate whether I will be hungry or content. I already anticipate that I will have to adjust my eating habits, for obvious reasons, there is no snacking this week.
So I enter into this experiment with a little bit of fear and trembling. I've got my groceries for the week, now all I have to do is make them last.
-C
 |
| The contents of a hamper of food for a single person. These are my groceries for the week. |
I don't usually get all my groceries at once. Living in a small town, I usually walk to the grocery store each day to pick up what it is that I need to make supper. I have always enjoyed going to the grocery store. It's a place of possibility for me. As I browser the produce and meat sections I wonder, how will the flavours compliment each other. What flavour combinations could I create.
Cooking is one practice that I am probably going to miss this week. I love to cook. I love the creativity that it requires. I love how I can take raw ingredients, and transform them into something that has an impact on the senses, taste, smell, texture, sound (sometimes), sight. Cooking is one way that I wind down after a particularly hectic day.
This week, being on a strict diet, I don't expect I will be doing a lot of exotic cooking. I suspect, that my cooking will move to the realm of trying to imagine how best I can make use of what I have. What flavour combinations can I use? How can I blend things together for a tasty meal.
I notice that I have a lot of grains, rice, beans, lentils, bread, crackers, pasta, and oats. There aren't a lot of vegetables, I have a couple onions, a tomato, two carrots and a can of peas and carrots. My fruit is limited to two apples and two oranges. My meat is two cans, a can of tuna and a can of ham. That's it. I will have to imagine how to make $5 stretch for the week to supplement what I don't have.
My immediate feels are ones of fear and uncertainty. I look at these groceries as a puzzle, one that I need to 'solve' to make it through the week. While there may be many solutions, I have to figure out the one what works best. One that doesn't leave me short, one that is sufficient, and I'm afraid that there might not be enough. Already I was joking and bargaining with others of what can be traded to make my hamper 'better.' We all got the same hamper, so there wasn't much trading. But I am afraid of what this week might be like. At this point, I can only imagine and anticipate whether I will be hungry or content. I already anticipate that I will have to adjust my eating habits, for obvious reasons, there is no snacking this week.
So I enter into this experiment with a little bit of fear and trembling. I've got my groceries for the week, now all I have to do is make them last.
-C
Wednesday, 16 April 2014
Hunger Awareness Week, 2014
May 5-9th has been designated as Hunger Awareness Week throughout Canada. Its purpose is to help make Canadians aware of the issue of hunger in Canada and to work at ways together to solve this problem.
Over 800 000 Canadians use a food bank each month. In the month of March 101 households were provided with food from the Rosthern District Food Bank! We clearly have issues of hunger and poverty within our won communities.
To help us in a small way better understand what it feels like to not have enough to eat, the Rosthern District Food Bank is asking members of the community of Rosthern to life off of a food hamper for one week.
A typical hamper for an individual in Rosthern includes:
1 can of soup
1 can of beans
1 can of vegetables
1 package of crackers
1 small bag of potatoes
1 box of kraft dinner
2 packages of Mr. Noodles
1 small bag of fruit
1 bag of fresh vegetables
1 loaf of bread
1/2 dozen eggs
Oatmeal
2 cans of tuna (or other meat)
Participants are picking up their hampers on May 2nd, and will return to the food bank on May 9th. They will then share their experiences with the group. They will also be encouraged to add to this blog throughout their experience.
So check back regularly for more reflections.
Thanks for being open to this and following our stories.
-Rosthern Food Bank
Over 800 000 Canadians use a food bank each month. In the month of March 101 households were provided with food from the Rosthern District Food Bank! We clearly have issues of hunger and poverty within our won communities.
To help us in a small way better understand what it feels like to not have enough to eat, the Rosthern District Food Bank is asking members of the community of Rosthern to life off of a food hamper for one week.
A typical hamper for an individual in Rosthern includes:
1 can of soup
1 can of beans
1 can of vegetables
1 package of crackers
1 small bag of potatoes
1 box of kraft dinner
2 packages of Mr. Noodles
1 small bag of fruit
1 bag of fresh vegetables
1 loaf of bread
1/2 dozen eggs
Oatmeal
2 cans of tuna (or other meat)
Participants are picking up their hampers on May 2nd, and will return to the food bank on May 9th. They will then share their experiences with the group. They will also be encouraged to add to this blog throughout their experience.
So check back regularly for more reflections.
Thanks for being open to this and following our stories.
-Rosthern Food Bank
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)