WOW! What an experience this has been. I am so glad that I participated in this hunger challenge (and I have to admit I am equally glad that I have completed it!) The shopping alone was an experience. Price winning out over taste with each purchase. I was happy that I had the skills to put together a healthy variety for the week and still stay in budget I couldn't help but think how difficult it would be for some to put together a healthy menu within this limited budget. When I got to the checkout, I did go over by a few dollars so I had to put some items back. I let the checkout girl know what I was doing and she was great. I couldn't help but think how embarrassed I might be if I REALLY couldn't afford it all and had to put items back.

During the week, I really didn't feel hungry, I felt more bored. My husband Derek, who also did the challenge, and I were eating out of a few grocery bags while our four kids ate out of the entire pantry and refrigerator. I never thought of what a luxury that was. The sad thing was, our kids wanted what we had (plain pasta with sauce, cheap canned juice, etc) and we wanted all the foods they were eating. I'm embarrassed to say that by the end of the week I was actually bargaining and trading foods with my five year old. We were both thrilled!

Other realities that hit home this week was that food was just a small piece of the puzzle for most people. As I did my laundry, washed my hair, used paper napkins, and cleaned my house, I realized that these are items that I take for granted and I would probably have to choose between these and food, utilities, rent, etc. I also watched my kids this week and felt so thankful that we don't have to worry about feeding them or taking care of their basic needs. I was also amazed at how many places I actually got food for free this week: neighborhood block party, culinary class I am enrolled in, a church group I volunteer. My friend even sent a thank you gift card to Cold Stone--it was like gold!

As far as the pregnancy goes, I think I picked the best week possible to complete this challenge. I am at the end of the first trimester so the "green" feeling is subsiding but I am not feeling any more hungry than usual. I did do a cracker trade with my kids midweek since the ones I picked out weren't tasting good to me. I can't imagine what women do at the very beginning of their pregnancies, especially if they don't know what to expect. Being my fifth pregnancy, I pretty much know how to handle/prevent morning sickness. If this were my first pregnancy and I tried to do this challenge--I would have been vomitting all week.

The extra foods from WIC left me with mixed emotions. I worked for WIC in Florida several years ago and I really thought we were significantly helping them out. I will say that milk and juice were pretty much covered which I really appreicated. However, the 3 extra eggs, 4 slices of bread, 4 ozs of beans, and $2.00 for fruits and vegetables were somewhat disappointing. The nine extra ounces of cereal helped me towards the end of the week too. I do still really support WIC since it only allows a well balanced blend of healthy foods. I was just expecting it to be more helpful than it was.

Thank you for including me in this hunger challenge. I think it's been a great experience and I'm sure it will continue in years to come. Good luck to all of you who have yet to complete your week.

The Big Picture

On the final days of the hunger challenge... I learned at the beginning of the week that with some effort, planning and sacrifice, finding food to sustain myself for the week was not as difficult as I expected. It was the little changes in lifestyle and habit that made it difficult: no coffee, no snacking, bland foods, etc.. As the week went on however, I had the advantage of attending a couple events with "free food." I have to admit that I took advantage of the opportunities, but it prompted a discussion with my (also doing the hunger challenge this week) that people on food stamps probably don't have as many opportunities for such events. Additionally, she brought up the point that if paying for food (the most basic necessity of life) is a challenge, then money for lower priorities (housing, heat/cooling, clothes, transportation, etc.) is also scarce. I began to recognize all of the other things that would also require added effort, planning and sacrifice just to sustain life, never mind contribute to society.
So, what is the "big picture?"... The hunger challenge while difficult at times was only a small piece of the larger reality that a person on food stamps must live within. I did not have the following stressors that a person on food stamps does: sense of permanancy (psychologically I knew the hunger challenge was temporary...I could see the light at the end of the tunnel); isolation (I am part of a social network where sharing of resources is common - i.e. party invites, etc.); instability (I didn't have to worry about money for clothes/laundry, gas, rent, etc.); social embarrassment; etc..
In the end, I gained a new appreciation for the hard work it takes to sustain this lifestyle and the factors that must be overcome to break free from its bonds and become a thriving, contributing member of society.

Social Worker Talks About What Food Outreach Means To Her Clients

The Little Things

Day one of the hunger challenge for me. So far the cutting back on quantity hasn't been too bad, but it's the little things that were the most difficult today...no coffee, only water, generic style foods with no spices, not snacking on items while cooking for the kids and the most anoying of all...watching my kids eat whatever they wanted and still leaving food on their plate!

Enjoying beans and tortilla's

I started my first day of the Hunger challenge yesterday. I was fortunate to pick the 7 days I wanted to do this project, something every day people who go hungry don't have the luxury of doing. This is my first wake up call! I normally shop at Trader Joe's or Schnucks but knew that my 29 dollars wouldn't go very far at these stores. I shopped around prior to starting this and realized Aldi's was my best choice. I am also looking for coupons, something I normally throw away. This shouldn't be a convenience but a necessity. I am taking Josh's advice to purchase oatmeal, peanut butter, beans, pink canned tuna, pasta and then will also use vegetables from my garden. I personally love spicy food and know that it kicks my metabolism up a notch so I will be throwing jalapenos in everything I eat..well maybe not spicy oatmeal! Hmmm..you never know. I feel great empathy towards those who have to eat this way regularly. I already have co-workers asking me if I'm going to be grumpy or less productive. I don't have an answer for them yet but I'm hoping to maintain my positive and energetic attitude....the next 6 days will tell!

Volunteering: One of the many ways you can help.

Impact

I am glad I don't have to "think" so much about my food choices today. I am thankful I can eat when I am hungry and not be concerned with choosing a food that fills me up the most, yet costs the least. I am really happy I can eat out with friends and not envy the fact that I can't participate in the same social food-centered outings.

I know this challenge was only 1 week, but it was a challenge. The experience is still very fresh in my heart and mind, but I hope I don't forget when working with future clients some of the lessons I learned.

This challenged affected not only those who participated and blogged, but it touched everyone that we came into contact with. Many eye opening conversations occurred this week between myself and my family and friends. There were many "wows" when people learned about how little those who use food stamps are allocated.

Thank you to Food Outreach for this great hunger challenge event, and thank you for making me a more resourceful, creative, and sensitive Dietitian.