Well, Hunger Action Week came to a close on Friday with the release of United Way of King County’s Hunger Relief Now! plan, but the conversation continues thanks to efforts of all the food bloggers who took part in the Hunger Challenge. We will continue to post reflections on the week as they’re written, but in the meantime I’d like to share some excerpts from the past few days:
From 1 Family Friendly Food: On the way home I was thinking about this experience and then my thoughts wondered and kids at my son’s school came to my mind. 39% of kids in that school qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Every month, when we bring a snack to class, I bake something for the kids. I believe many kids’ parents are too busy to bake but for me it’s very easy. I bake corn muffins or banana breads. The teacher always tells me how the kids were happy and devoured the baked goods. But what do I really know about these kids? Or that woman? Or all the other people who don’t have enough money for food?
From Julie Jams: I think I’ve maintained a rather unhealthy sense of pride during this process, like if I can buy organic, prepare some meat dishes, and even invite company over that everyone should be able to do it. Although embarrassing to admit, I think I’ve even harbored the feeling that if anyone is getting this food assistance money and is still going hungry that they are to blame. You know, what’s their problem? But, I think I’ve failed to take into account the vast blessings in my life. For example, part of the reason our income is low is because it is important to us that I can stay home with our small children. If I had to put in 8 or 9 hours at work everyday (like most women I know), I know my energy would be too sapped to be creative in the kitchen.
From Savory Sweet Life: I recognize there are families out there who are struggling to put food on the table. In fact I have a friend who hasn’t paid her mortgage in months and is still struggling to put food on the table. She utilizes the local food bank and it’s difficult to watch her and her family being limited to what is given to them especially because she’s a foodie like me. But in her case, she is unable to just buy what she wants, she just has to make do with what she has. I’ve been thinking about her a lot this week. Although we have/do share meals with them, as a mom I know it must be difficult for her and family to struggle. Is there hope for her?
From Self-Rising Flour: So how long could I keep this up, eating on $12 a day? The answer here is I really don’t know. I don’t think anyone wants to be on food assistance or go to a food bank. I think it is exhausting to constantly be calculating and budgeting and wondering if I have the money to buy basic food staples. Yet I know this is the reality that many people face every day. Even with all my food savvy, comparison shopping and mad kitchen skills I couldn’t bring the menu in under budget. That’s something I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Even more great posts. . .
Hunger Action Week – Day 4 from What’s for Dinner?
Hunger Action Challenge Day 5: Aloo Gobi and Wine from The Gastro Gnome
Strawberry-Cranberry Freezert from the Curious Domestic
The Challenge – Finis! from Musings on the Path to Frugality
Hunger Challenge Day 5 + Recap from NOMalicious
Wrapping Up the Hunger Challenge from Live to Eat
Hunger Challenge Day Five from Favorite Freezer Foods
Last Day of Hunger Challenge!!! from Mirch Masala
United Way Wrap-Up from Eric Rivera’s Cooking Blog
Day 4: An open challenge to give from Fishes + Loaves
Hunger Challenge: A Night Out from Eat All About It
