Rioting in Haiti sparked by increases in food prices and hunger has forced the postponement of the Partners in Mission Haiti trip originally scheduled for April 19th - 26th, 2008. One of the activities for this trip was for St James to participate in the Loaves and Fishes program of St Paul's Episcopal Church, Torbeck. This program takes rice weekly to some of the poorest families in the Torbeck area. It is one way the church can help prevent hunger, but does not even begin to address nutrition. In addition, micro loans from the Episcopal Church and other agencies are used in this area to set up small food stores in the market place. The women that run these stores sell both locally produced and imported goods in order to be able to feed their own families.
The riots in Haiti follow those in Egypt and other areas of the world, and appear to be a result in part of rising food prices. A provoking blog on the subject can be found here: http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2008/04/let-them-eat-ethanol/
The blog talks not only about developing countries but highlights the growing problem of hunger and increasing reliance on food stamps in the US.
Helen
Friday, April 11, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
After the Fast - Gayley
Friday: the day after the fast ended. My fast experience was different from that of many other participants because I was visiting my twin and older sister in the Bay Area for most of the week. With no shopping trip and less control over when and how I ate, I experienced unique difficulties. As a plus, Palo Alto and San Francisco do provide some advantages, mainly with fruit trees and cheap, fresh produce.
My sister is eight months pregnant, and much of the five day visit consisted of discussions about babies and children, which made me ponder about the millions of children who must get through the day malnourished or uncertain if dinner will be provided that night. Having volunteered in the New Haven public school system during high school and college, I saw many students who lacked energy, acted out, or experienced difficulty concentrating. After eating on a low budget for a few days, I can start to better comprehend why school would be such a challenge and why scoring well on tests or completing homework on an empty stomach would be so hard. Working without consistent, nutritious food was certainly more difficult more me.
This week has really underscored the importance of how hard it is to get through the day and perform well without the proper nutrition, something I have taken for granted all my life. I think a really important step of action is to investigate ideas to expand more nutritious options for children and Americans at large-as having a sticky bun for breakfast and hot dog and fries for lunch does not offer the complete nutrients to growing children who need to concentrate and learn. While a huge undertaking, involving federal lunch programs, placement of grocery stores, food prices, and even overhauling food stamp programs, this affects millions of Americans' health and lives. We should certainly be willing to donate our time, talent, and treasure to hunger and malnutrition.
My sister is eight months pregnant, and much of the five day visit consisted of discussions about babies and children, which made me ponder about the millions of children who must get through the day malnourished or uncertain if dinner will be provided that night. Having volunteered in the New Haven public school system during high school and college, I saw many students who lacked energy, acted out, or experienced difficulty concentrating. After eating on a low budget for a few days, I can start to better comprehend why school would be such a challenge and why scoring well on tests or completing homework on an empty stomach would be so hard. Working without consistent, nutritious food was certainly more difficult more me.
This week has really underscored the importance of how hard it is to get through the day and perform well without the proper nutrition, something I have taken for granted all my life. I think a really important step of action is to investigate ideas to expand more nutritious options for children and Americans at large-as having a sticky bun for breakfast and hot dog and fries for lunch does not offer the complete nutrients to growing children who need to concentrate and learn. While a huge undertaking, involving federal lunch programs, placement of grocery stores, food prices, and even overhauling food stamp programs, this affects millions of Americans' health and lives. We should certainly be willing to donate our time, talent, and treasure to hunger and malnutrition.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Whoops!
Hi, the last post was from me. This was my first attempt at blogging and I pushed the button without signing my name. I didn't mean to post it anonymously! Leeanna
Reflections of a non-faster
When I first heard about this project, I thought it was a fantastic idea. I wanted to participate -- to see if I could make it for a week on $4 /day, and to see what I'd learn from the experience. After the first group meeting I began thinking about what I would buy and where I would shop. I already had a copy of Nickled and Dimed, and the next weekend I read it cover to cover.
Then two things happened: A friend offered to take me on a shopping trip for Indian food, teach me to cook it, and co-host a dinner party -- on the first two days of the fast. I've always wanted to learn to cook Indian food. Plus hosting dinner parties is one of my favorite pastimes, and this was my first opportunity since moving to NYC. I just couldn't pass it up. And then I learned my mother would come from Pennslyvania to visit at the end of the week. My mother doesn't visit very often, so on those days, it felt like we should feast and not fast.
The truth is, I could have fasted on the three (okay, three and a half) intervening days between the dinner party and my mother's arrival. But somehow when push came to shove, I couldn't summon the energy. I needed that energy to get through a busy week at work, and to get ready for my mom's visit. (As I said, she doesn't come very often and I had to clean my apartment!) So, even though I did not meet my fasting goal, I would say I met my learning goal: I learned that if I were to live on a tiny budget, I would need great deal of mental energy just to make it through the day. Even contemplating the prospect, I realized there wouldn't be enough left for everything I had to do. At least not this year.
I have just read the posts on this blog, and have so much admiration for all who have carried on this fast, and for those who have walked alongside them! For those who ate lentils and rice. For those who divided their hamburger patties. For those who cut coupons. for those who prayed. For those who researched organizations that fight hunger and shared the information. Who chose to eat in and not out. Who ate off the McDonald's dollar menu. Who gave up coffee. Who learned to boil eggs. Who kept track of their spending. Who hosted a delicious holiday dinner for less than my mom and I just spent for a single restaurant meal. Very inspiring.
I look forward to talking with all of you about your experiences, and about Nickled and Dimed (which I found riveting). And I also offer encouragement to anyone else, like me, who thought about fasting and decided NOT to do it. There's always next year!
Then two things happened: A friend offered to take me on a shopping trip for Indian food, teach me to cook it, and co-host a dinner party -- on the first two days of the fast. I've always wanted to learn to cook Indian food. Plus hosting dinner parties is one of my favorite pastimes, and this was my first opportunity since moving to NYC. I just couldn't pass it up. And then I learned my mother would come from Pennslyvania to visit at the end of the week. My mother doesn't visit very often, so on those days, it felt like we should feast and not fast.
The truth is, I could have fasted on the three (okay, three and a half) intervening days between the dinner party and my mother's arrival. But somehow when push came to shove, I couldn't summon the energy. I needed that energy to get through a busy week at work, and to get ready for my mom's visit. (As I said, she doesn't come very often and I had to clean my apartment!) So, even though I did not meet my fasting goal, I would say I met my learning goal: I learned that if I were to live on a tiny budget, I would need great deal of mental energy just to make it through the day. Even contemplating the prospect, I realized there wouldn't be enough left for everything I had to do. At least not this year.
I have just read the posts on this blog, and have so much admiration for all who have carried on this fast, and for those who have walked alongside them! For those who ate lentils and rice. For those who divided their hamburger patties. For those who cut coupons. for those who prayed. For those who researched organizations that fight hunger and shared the information. Who chose to eat in and not out. Who ate off the McDonald's dollar menu. Who gave up coffee. Who learned to boil eggs. Who kept track of their spending. Who hosted a delicious holiday dinner for less than my mom and I just spent for a single restaurant meal. Very inspiring.
I look forward to talking with all of you about your experiences, and about Nickled and Dimed (which I found riveting). And I also offer encouragement to anyone else, like me, who thought about fasting and decided NOT to do it. There's always next year!
The Society of St. Andrew: Working to End Hunger in America
When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be left for the alien, the orphan, and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all your undertakings.
Deuteronomy 24:19 (NRSV)
Gleaning is the traditional Biblical practice of gathering crops that would otherwise be left in the fields to rot or be plowed under after harvest: Because the food is unmarketable, some growers allow crews of gleaners to pick what is left after harvest to donate to those who are needy.
www.endhunger.org
Some of you have heard me mention the Society of St. Andrew, which was formed by my uncle, The Rev. Ken Horne, as a practical, common-sense response to the problem of hunger in the United States.
"People who live in poverty are constantly at risk of hunger. Those who live in a constant state of hunger find it difficult, if not impossible, to pull themselves out of poverty. It’s a self-perpetuating cycle. Rev. Ken Horne, Executive Director of the Society of St. Andrew, understands this debilitating dynamic. For the past quarter century he has been working to feed the hungry people of America and to help put them on an equal footing with their fellow citizens.Ken’s vision is that of a world without hunger. “Mercy and justice. Feeding the hungry and providing them a fighting chance to escape poverty. This is what Jesus calls his followers to do,” says Horne. “Things ought to be better. Over twenty-seven years ago I found myself called to help find a way to make them better.” That was the start of the Society of St. Andrew, today a national Christian, ecumenical hunger-relief ministry salvaging fresh food that will go to waste, and using it instead to feed hungry people."
The Potato Project was the Society's first project:
"Tractor-trailer loads of potatoes and other produce are often rejected by commercial markets or potato chip factories due to slight imperfections in size, shape, sugar content, or surface blemishes. Usually, these rejected loads end up at local land fills. Through the Potato Project, however, the Society of St. Andrew is able to redirect these 45,000-pound loads of fresh, nutritious produce to soup kitchens, Native American reservations, food pantries, low income housing areas, local churches, and other hunger agencies for distribution to the poor."
As the Society grew, the Gleaning Network was developed:
"The Gleaning Network is a project of the Society of St. Andrew that coordinates volunteers, growers, and distribution agencies to salvage food for the needy. Tens of thousands of volunteers from churches, synagogues, scout troops, senior citizen groups, and other organizations participate each year in Society of St. Andrew gleaning activities. Each year some 30,000 people go gleaning with us to pick up over 15 million pounds of fresh, nutritious food for their hungry neighbors."
"The Harvest of Hope is the ecumenical study, worship, and action mission trip program of the Society of St. Andrew. It is designed to educate youth and adults about the problem of hunger. At Harvest of Hope, you will work in fields gleaning food for the hungry, study hunger issues, participate in Christian worship, and have fun!"
Results:
Potato Project (2006)
We salvaged and distributed to America's hungry over 11.1 million pounds of potatoes and other produce through our Potato Project.
Gleaning Network (2005)
Number of events: 2,761
Number of volunteers: 30,744
Pounds gleaned: 15,125,918
Produce sources: 1,015
Distribution agencies: 5,725
The average cost per gleaned pound of food was about a nickel. The average cost per serving of gleaned food was less about two cents.
Harvest of Hope (2007)
11 Harvest of Hope events
595 Participants
201,965 Pounds gleaned
Let us love not only in words, but in deed and in truth.
I John 3:18
www.endhunger.org
-Annie
Deuteronomy 24:19 (NRSV)
Gleaning is the traditional Biblical practice of gathering crops that would otherwise be left in the fields to rot or be plowed under after harvest: Because the food is unmarketable, some growers allow crews of gleaners to pick what is left after harvest to donate to those who are needy.
www.endhunger.org
Some of you have heard me mention the Society of St. Andrew, which was formed by my uncle, The Rev. Ken Horne, as a practical, common-sense response to the problem of hunger in the United States.
"People who live in poverty are constantly at risk of hunger. Those who live in a constant state of hunger find it difficult, if not impossible, to pull themselves out of poverty. It’s a self-perpetuating cycle. Rev. Ken Horne, Executive Director of the Society of St. Andrew, understands this debilitating dynamic. For the past quarter century he has been working to feed the hungry people of America and to help put them on an equal footing with their fellow citizens.Ken’s vision is that of a world without hunger. “Mercy and justice. Feeding the hungry and providing them a fighting chance to escape poverty. This is what Jesus calls his followers to do,” says Horne. “Things ought to be better. Over twenty-seven years ago I found myself called to help find a way to make them better.” That was the start of the Society of St. Andrew, today a national Christian, ecumenical hunger-relief ministry salvaging fresh food that will go to waste, and using it instead to feed hungry people."
The Potato Project was the Society's first project:
"Tractor-trailer loads of potatoes and other produce are often rejected by commercial markets or potato chip factories due to slight imperfections in size, shape, sugar content, or surface blemishes. Usually, these rejected loads end up at local land fills. Through the Potato Project, however, the Society of St. Andrew is able to redirect these 45,000-pound loads of fresh, nutritious produce to soup kitchens, Native American reservations, food pantries, low income housing areas, local churches, and other hunger agencies for distribution to the poor."
As the Society grew, the Gleaning Network was developed:
"The Gleaning Network is a project of the Society of St. Andrew that coordinates volunteers, growers, and distribution agencies to salvage food for the needy. Tens of thousands of volunteers from churches, synagogues, scout troops, senior citizen groups, and other organizations participate each year in Society of St. Andrew gleaning activities. Each year some 30,000 people go gleaning with us to pick up over 15 million pounds of fresh, nutritious food for their hungry neighbors."
"The Harvest of Hope is the ecumenical study, worship, and action mission trip program of the Society of St. Andrew. It is designed to educate youth and adults about the problem of hunger. At Harvest of Hope, you will work in fields gleaning food for the hungry, study hunger issues, participate in Christian worship, and have fun!"
Results:
Potato Project (2006)
We salvaged and distributed to America's hungry over 11.1 million pounds of potatoes and other produce through our Potato Project.
Gleaning Network (2005)
Number of events: 2,761
Number of volunteers: 30,744
Pounds gleaned: 15,125,918
Produce sources: 1,015
Distribution agencies: 5,725
The average cost per gleaned pound of food was about a nickel. The average cost per serving of gleaned food was less about two cents.
Harvest of Hope (2007)
11 Harvest of Hope events
595 Participants
201,965 Pounds gleaned
Let us love not only in words, but in deed and in truth.
I John 3:18
www.endhunger.org
-Annie
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Saint Patrick's - Jonathan
On Monday night, about half of the participants met at Kate and Ian's for a home-cooked St. Patrick's Day dinner and a chance to reflect at the halfway point of our week. For $1.50 a plate (or more like 75 cents if you count seconds), we had easily one of our best meals of the week - roast pork shoulder, braised cabbage, and mashed potatoes.
During and after dinner, we talked about two things: our experiences of the fast so far (or our goals for the rest of it), and Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel & Dimed, which has been our companion to the week. From my point of view, there are a few themes that have come through:
1) I'm less sure that this is a "fast", because (especially with very careful shopping) it seems possible to find enough calories to get through the week. But the exercise of eating gains a lot in effort and loses in variety, which changes its character quite a bit - something that might otherwise be entertainment or barely noticed is not really either now.
2) Despite the (very) temporary nature of the situation, I think it's had some pretty clear lessons - tradeoffs in cost and nutrition, the higher unit prices of shopping alone on a restricted budget, the share of mind and time that this can consume. When you consider the sources that say that around a third of eligible households aren't even claiming food stamps, then the problem feels even worse.
3) Before we started, I thought about the project mostly as an educational one, but it surprises me how much it's had to say about fellowship as well. Everything we've done together - shopping, the dinner program, the blog, or Monday night - has made our resources (money, food, commitment) go further than they might by ourselves. Seems like both a little point and an old one, but maybe worth picking out for a moment, too.
With two meals to go, my original $28 is down to several cups of oatmeal, half a small jar of peanut butter, and three slices of bread - enough to get across the line, but it would be sobering to have to start from scratch again tomorrow night. The bigger challenge will be to ask ourselves what we can do next.
Last night on the fast - Ian
I just ate dinner – lentil soup Kate made last night, and bread, which we buy, three good-sized sandwich loaves for a dollar at our local bodega. We have an advantage over the other fasters. Since there are two of us, we can buy in quantity: rice, pasta, and more lentils than one person could possibly eat. Most nights Kate has made one of these staples into some sort of casserole, which we each take to work for lunch the next day.
This strategy has worked well, although it requires a lot of planning ahead. Last night we sat around the dinner table discussing which of our remaining food we would eat when. The last time I can remember doing that is on a camping trip, which I suppose this resembles in a way.
From Amy
"You can be so cold that you can't get colder, so wet you can't become wetter. You can feel so deeply that you are saturated, numb but still intensely alert--beyond fear--as if living a memory. Beyond living, he thinks. Surviving".
(Excerpt from Jennifer Toth's, The Mole People: Life in the Tunnels Beneath New York City)
Sometimes, I miss silence. I often feel that the city creates a kind of pressure to keep moving. The lack of benches and public resting space reinforces this. Everyone is in a hurry. At the same time, the noise of the city is also comforting. Horns, sirens, radios, people, and even the sounds of a thousand different ring-tones remind us that we are not alone. The longer I am here, the more I seem to prefer the unpredictable sounds of the city. I can honestly admit that regardless of the length of my stay here in Manhattan, I don't think I will ever fully adjust to the signs of poverty. Almost everyday, I encounter someone that is obviously going through a hard time. I do not regret the fact that I see this. It would scare me if I didn't. I never want to become detached or numb to the pain of others. Of course, I have many moments of distraction just like everyone else. I also feel overwhelmed sometimes by the people I see begging for money or for help.
Following the participants of the Food-Stamp Fast has been an interesting experience. I've tried to count the number of times that I have experienced hunger. I can only remember a few times in my life when I was so hungry (physically) that I could not continue to bear it. I have never experienced intense hunger when eating, at some point, was not an option. Those of you on the Food-Stamp Fast have given up something important. I'm sure that you will appreciate a new sense of pleasure when you consider your food options after this journey. When I think about people in need, I often think about the things that I observe. I might see someone in the winter and wish that they had better shoes to protect their feet or maybe a warmer coat. I often think about the chilly weather here and wonder what it feels like to sleep in the doorway of a building, with only cardboard for protection.
Thinking about those of you that are fasting has made me more aware of hunger, which is often something that I don't "see" when I observe people in need. Maybe part of my avoidance is because it is painful. I cannot imagine the frustration of constantly being aware of food restrictions and limitations. No one wants to think about going to bed hungry but for many people it is a frequent concern. When I consider what it means to survive, having a reliable source of food seems essential.
I've been paying attention to my body and also thinking about my eating habits. Monday, I ate lunch because it was the time of day when everyone takes a lunch break. Several hours later, I realized that I had not really been hungry at all. I'm trying to make time to eat slowly so that I will actually enjoy and appreciate my food. Having choices when I shop for food and when I eat is something that I take for granted.
Thank you to each one of you for making a commitment to this journey. I'm proud of you and I hope you know that your efforts DO make a difference. Even though I could not participate along with you, I am with you in spirit. Keep up the good work and I will continue praying and sending positive thoughts your way. -Amy
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
On the Fast Since Friday - Nancy Peters
Hi Everyone,
Thanks to Kate for posting this for me. I just wanted to let you know that I’m with you on the fast. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to walk in the shoes of our many neighbors who are trying to survive on precious little.
My husband (who’s not doing the fast) and I don't eat much meat so that helps but we try to eat all organic food. I wanted to see if I could eat the same food and stay within the guidelines. The only way I've managed is by eating very small portions with no snacking in-between meals. (I normally snack a lot - yogurt, nuts, juice.) Sunday and Monday were the worst days for me – I felt tired with a little headache but I feel much peppier today.
I opened a can of Trader Joe’s organic baked beans ($1.29) last evening, ate half the can and felt very satisfied. (Unfortunately, that was my last can and I can’t justify taking the subway to Union Square to buy more this week.) Eggs, pasta, cereal, whole grain bread with nut butter, bananas and occasional spoonfuls of vegetables have been my staples. I hadn't gone shopping until last evening. I wandered around the store looking at all the things that weren’t in my budget and ended up buying 2 bananas and a can of tuna.
I loved hearing about your shopping experiences and admire all the creative ways people are making do. It’s a unique feeling to walk around the city surrounded by purveyors of every type of food and know that if I want anything to eat, I have to go home!
I look forward to seeing you all at dinner on Thursday!
Thanks to Kate for posting this for me. I just wanted to let you know that I’m with you on the fast. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to walk in the shoes of our many neighbors who are trying to survive on precious little.
My husband (who’s not doing the fast) and I don't eat much meat so that helps but we try to eat all organic food. I wanted to see if I could eat the same food and stay within the guidelines. The only way I've managed is by eating very small portions with no snacking in-between meals. (I normally snack a lot - yogurt, nuts, juice.) Sunday and Monday were the worst days for me – I felt tired with a little headache but I feel much peppier today.
I opened a can of Trader Joe’s organic baked beans ($1.29) last evening, ate half the can and felt very satisfied. (Unfortunately, that was my last can and I can’t justify taking the subway to Union Square to buy more this week.) Eggs, pasta, cereal, whole grain bread with nut butter, bananas and occasional spoonfuls of vegetables have been my staples. I hadn't gone shopping until last evening. I wandered around the store looking at all the things that weren’t in my budget and ended up buying 2 bananas and a can of tuna.
I loved hearing about your shopping experiences and admire all the creative ways people are making do. It’s a unique feeling to walk around the city surrounded by purveyors of every type of food and know that if I want anything to eat, I have to go home!
I look forward to seeing you all at dinner on Thursday!
Helen and Dan on the high life vs. food stamps
I feel rather guilty posting this in light of the other posts. But I suppose increasing our own awareness is part of this effort.....you guys rock for doing this!
Friday:
Breakfast:
Shredded wheat ($5 box lasts us both around a week) with milk ($3 carton last us around a week), tea (helen) coffee (dan - zabar’s coffee - 6.99 lb so probably the first impossible thing on the food stamps budget), Orange or grapefruit juice (we get through about 2 cartons a week at approx 5 dollars each) – total: about 3 dollars a day each – this would eat a lot of our budget! I guess the juice and coffee would have to go or be limited. Dan points out a donut is cheaper….
Lunch:
Dan- chocolates from lab mate who went to Aruba (free), pizza (free as part of a meeting but probably about $8 worth)
Helen store bought sandwich and drink $6.30
Dan – 2 cans diet coke $1.50
There goes another days budget….we try to save money by making our own lunch or having leftovers but this was one of those days….
(OK we are already overspent compared to the others)Dan’s father is visiting – it has been months since we saw him so great to spend time together. He arrives on Saturday night and Dan decides to make some pasta. I run to the supermarket and spend $24 on final ingredients for dinner and some eggs etc. for breakfast.
Dinner:
Ravioli – pasta flour, eggs, spinach, ricotta, garlic, sage (approx 24 dollars total but we have eggs and ricotta left over and some ravioli in the freezer for another meal) – could only get a large jar of ricotta in our supermarket – enough for about 6 meals but useless on food stamps. This would likely be do-able on the budget. However, we also used olive oil which costs nearly $10 a bottle – would be hard to buy with stamps and drink a $20 bottle of wine and 2 $3 bottles of Perrier water so the budget is fully out of the window. Oh and a glass of whisky.
Total for day: Around $70 including drinks e.g. 35 dollars each and we have blown our whole weeks budget. Though we did feed Dan’s dad too.
Saturday:
Breakfast: Dan’s dad wants bacon and eggs. With juice (half a 5 dollar carton), tea and coffee. Bread on the side was $3 a loaf. Oh and a bit of marmalade - $4 a jar! Probably $6 per person.
No lunch but tired by hours of shopping finally stopped mid-afternoon at Vintage wine place in Soho to have a glass and had a plate of Artisanale cheese as a snack ($18 for 3, 8 dollars per glass of wine – basically more than a days food stamp budget right there!!!). also bought a bottle of water and cranberry juice on the street as we are thirsty – another $3 gone!Saturday night – Dan’s dad treats us to dinner at Gilt – in the Palace Hotel. We have the tasting menu. I don’t want to upset anyone but it went as follows: chef’s appetizer (parma ham with pea puree and asparagus), tuna tartare, grilled prawn appetizer, grilled sea bass, sirloin steak with vegetables, chocolate dessert and a chocolate to finish. This is $110 per person, not including wine. Of which we have 2 bottles pushing up the tab to around $180 per person including tax and tip. This is Dan’s dad’s treat however by now feeling horribly excessive in view of what the others are experiencing this week. We just blew 5 or 6 weeks food stamp budget on one meal. It was fabulous though….I suppose we justify it by experience as much as nutrition.Total for the day: About $210 per person. OK this is not ‘average’ for us by any means but still quite sobering.
Dan and his dad have a glass of whiskey when we get home. Probably another ½ days budget equivalent. It was a lovely day. Am now going to stop blogging but am scrutinizing much more carefully what we do spend on food and I now plan to donate at least the cost of my Gilt meal in food to the Yorkville Common Pantry this month. Gilt indeed!!!Reading Ian’s blog re. an Irish meal for St Patrick’s made me think about how food stamps must affect plans for special or family occasions. We are lucky that when it comes to special occasions, money is really not much of an obstacle. However, I am sure we would have had a wonderful with Dan’s father even without the banquets and wine.
Friday:
Breakfast:
Shredded wheat ($5 box lasts us both around a week) with milk ($3 carton last us around a week), tea (helen) coffee (dan - zabar’s coffee - 6.99 lb so probably the first impossible thing on the food stamps budget), Orange or grapefruit juice (we get through about 2 cartons a week at approx 5 dollars each) – total: about 3 dollars a day each – this would eat a lot of our budget! I guess the juice and coffee would have to go or be limited. Dan points out a donut is cheaper….
Lunch:
Dan- chocolates from lab mate who went to Aruba (free), pizza (free as part of a meeting but probably about $8 worth)
Helen store bought sandwich and drink $6.30
Dan – 2 cans diet coke $1.50
There goes another days budget….we try to save money by making our own lunch or having leftovers but this was one of those days….
(OK we are already overspent compared to the others)Dan’s father is visiting – it has been months since we saw him so great to spend time together. He arrives on Saturday night and Dan decides to make some pasta. I run to the supermarket and spend $24 on final ingredients for dinner and some eggs etc. for breakfast.
Dinner:
Ravioli – pasta flour, eggs, spinach, ricotta, garlic, sage (approx 24 dollars total but we have eggs and ricotta left over and some ravioli in the freezer for another meal) – could only get a large jar of ricotta in our supermarket – enough for about 6 meals but useless on food stamps. This would likely be do-able on the budget. However, we also used olive oil which costs nearly $10 a bottle – would be hard to buy with stamps and drink a $20 bottle of wine and 2 $3 bottles of Perrier water so the budget is fully out of the window. Oh and a glass of whisky.
Total for day: Around $70 including drinks e.g. 35 dollars each and we have blown our whole weeks budget. Though we did feed Dan’s dad too.
Saturday:
Breakfast: Dan’s dad wants bacon and eggs. With juice (half a 5 dollar carton), tea and coffee. Bread on the side was $3 a loaf. Oh and a bit of marmalade - $4 a jar! Probably $6 per person.
No lunch but tired by hours of shopping finally stopped mid-afternoon at Vintage wine place in Soho to have a glass and had a plate of Artisanale cheese as a snack ($18 for 3, 8 dollars per glass of wine – basically more than a days food stamp budget right there!!!). also bought a bottle of water and cranberry juice on the street as we are thirsty – another $3 gone!Saturday night – Dan’s dad treats us to dinner at Gilt – in the Palace Hotel. We have the tasting menu. I don’t want to upset anyone but it went as follows: chef’s appetizer (parma ham with pea puree and asparagus), tuna tartare, grilled prawn appetizer, grilled sea bass, sirloin steak with vegetables, chocolate dessert and a chocolate to finish. This is $110 per person, not including wine. Of which we have 2 bottles pushing up the tab to around $180 per person including tax and tip. This is Dan’s dad’s treat however by now feeling horribly excessive in view of what the others are experiencing this week. We just blew 5 or 6 weeks food stamp budget on one meal. It was fabulous though….I suppose we justify it by experience as much as nutrition.Total for the day: About $210 per person. OK this is not ‘average’ for us by any means but still quite sobering.
Dan and his dad have a glass of whiskey when we get home. Probably another ½ days budget equivalent. It was a lovely day. Am now going to stop blogging but am scrutinizing much more carefully what we do spend on food and I now plan to donate at least the cost of my Gilt meal in food to the Yorkville Common Pantry this month. Gilt indeed!!!Reading Ian’s blog re. an Irish meal for St Patrick’s made me think about how food stamps must affect plans for special or family occasions. We are lucky that when it comes to special occasions, money is really not much of an obstacle. However, I am sure we would have had a wonderful with Dan’s father even without the banquets and wine.
Added Perspective - Karla
It is Tuesday and I am doing quite well. I still have $5 to get me through the next two days, as well as plenty of food back home. Of course, I will confess to having helped myself to bread scraps at Così today (hardly classy, I know … but it made for free lunch), which will allow me some extra flexibility for dinner tonight. I very nearly gave in to the temptation to buy a fruit ‘n yogurt parfait off the McDonalds Dollar Menu instead, but again, I wanted to save for dinner.
I have found that living off of $4 a day is not an impossible feat, but it is psychologically destabilizing. On my pre-fast shopping trip, I spent just over $16, which bought me a box of Pop-Tarts ($2.99), a large container of plain yogurt ($3.99), a box of Lipton Cup-o’-Soup packets ($1.99), a bag of linguine (on sale for $0.67), a jar of tomato sauce (on sale for $2.99), and a bottle of cranberry juice cocktail (kind of gross, but I need my vitamin C, and it was on sale for $3.49). In reality, this does not differ much from what I would normally consume during the week (my weekend diet is a different matter…). But I have noticed a real tendency to binge whenever I come across *real* food, both because it is exciting to encounter any variety, and because my reflex is to eat for future days. This occurred at last week’s Friday Night Dinner Program, and again last night when Kate and Ian had us over for a group St. Patrick’s Day feast of pork shoulder, cabbage, and potatoes—they spent hardly anything, and it was delicious! But my behavior at the Dinner Program did surprise me, because last Friday was the very first day of the fast.
Usually, I do not eat much of anything when I help out at the Dinner Program, but last week I ate with gusto. I had not yet had time to get hungry, and the previous night’s shopping trip had left me feeling optimistic and confident about the project. Still, I knew how unexciting my week’s foodstuffs were, and was looking up against a weekend with no brunches, lunches, or dinners to divert/console me after a particularly difficult week. So imagine my excitement (and relief) at the opportunity to eat bread AND salad AND meat AND rice AND vegetables AND DESSERT—CHOCOLATE DESSERT!—in one go. What a treat! I was so excited by what we were preparing and serving—all the while knowing that I could devour what was left over—that it made for a particularly fun Friday night. This I could never have predicted; happy though I always am to volunteer my time, it was certainly not the first Friday I found myself in St. James’ kitchen. I will probably never experience the Dinner Program in quite this way again, but I feel so lucky to have gained a new understanding and appreciation—and pride!—for what we do.
So back to today (Tuesday). Again, it is amazing how quickly one’s perspective changes. Jonathan and I are going to the theater tonight, and I just sent him an email to touch base since we never discussed how we were going to negotiate feeding ourselves beforehand. Well, as it turns out, he still has $4.50, which means that between us, we have $9.50. He suggests that this would be enough for edamame and a bowl of ramen to share in the East Village. How exciting! A week ago spending $5 on a meal at a restaurant would have been remarkable for being cheap. Today, spending the same amount on a single meal not only feels like a tremendous splurge, the very thought of being able to eat it in a restaurant leaves me feeling somewhat giddy!
I have found that living off of $4 a day is not an impossible feat, but it is psychologically destabilizing. On my pre-fast shopping trip, I spent just over $16, which bought me a box of Pop-Tarts ($2.99), a large container of plain yogurt ($3.99), a box of Lipton Cup-o’-Soup packets ($1.99), a bag of linguine (on sale for $0.67), a jar of tomato sauce (on sale for $2.99), and a bottle of cranberry juice cocktail (kind of gross, but I need my vitamin C, and it was on sale for $3.49). In reality, this does not differ much from what I would normally consume during the week (my weekend diet is a different matter…). But I have noticed a real tendency to binge whenever I come across *real* food, both because it is exciting to encounter any variety, and because my reflex is to eat for future days. This occurred at last week’s Friday Night Dinner Program, and again last night when Kate and Ian had us over for a group St. Patrick’s Day feast of pork shoulder, cabbage, and potatoes—they spent hardly anything, and it was delicious! But my behavior at the Dinner Program did surprise me, because last Friday was the very first day of the fast.
Usually, I do not eat much of anything when I help out at the Dinner Program, but last week I ate with gusto. I had not yet had time to get hungry, and the previous night’s shopping trip had left me feeling optimistic and confident about the project. Still, I knew how unexciting my week’s foodstuffs were, and was looking up against a weekend with no brunches, lunches, or dinners to divert/console me after a particularly difficult week. So imagine my excitement (and relief) at the opportunity to eat bread AND salad AND meat AND rice AND vegetables AND DESSERT—CHOCOLATE DESSERT!—in one go. What a treat! I was so excited by what we were preparing and serving—all the while knowing that I could devour what was left over—that it made for a particularly fun Friday night. This I could never have predicted; happy though I always am to volunteer my time, it was certainly not the first Friday I found myself in St. James’ kitchen. I will probably never experience the Dinner Program in quite this way again, but I feel so lucky to have gained a new understanding and appreciation—and pride!—for what we do.
So back to today (Tuesday). Again, it is amazing how quickly one’s perspective changes. Jonathan and I are going to the theater tonight, and I just sent him an email to touch base since we never discussed how we were going to negotiate feeding ourselves beforehand. Well, as it turns out, he still has $4.50, which means that between us, we have $9.50. He suggests that this would be enough for edamame and a bowl of ramen to share in the East Village. How exciting! A week ago spending $5 on a meal at a restaurant would have been remarkable for being cheap. Today, spending the same amount on a single meal not only feels like a tremendous splurge, the very thought of being able to eat it in a restaurant leaves me feeling somewhat giddy!
Yorkville Common Pantry
St. James' makes regular food donations to the Yorkville Common Pantry. The following excerpt from their website describes YCP's mission and impact on our community:
The Yorkville Common Pantry (YCP) is dedicated to reducing hunger while promoting dignity and self-sufficiency. YCP champions the cause of the hungry through food pantry and meal distribution programs, nutrition education, basic hygiene services, homeless support, and related services. YCP’s community based programs focus on East Harlem and other under-served communities throughout New York City.
As the largest, nonsectarian, neighborhood-based provider of emergency food in New York City, YCP provides 1,250,000 meals annually to all who come seeking relief from hunger. The Pantry was founded in 1981 by a coalition of East Side churches and synagogues and receives strong support from its forty-five member Board of Directors.
Please visit the Yorkville Common Pantry's website: www.ycp.org to learn more!
-Annie
The Yorkville Common Pantry (YCP) is dedicated to reducing hunger while promoting dignity and self-sufficiency. YCP champions the cause of the hungry through food pantry and meal distribution programs, nutrition education, basic hygiene services, homeless support, and related services. YCP’s community based programs focus on East Harlem and other under-served communities throughout New York City.
As the largest, nonsectarian, neighborhood-based provider of emergency food in New York City, YCP provides 1,250,000 meals annually to all who come seeking relief from hunger. The Pantry was founded in 1981 by a coalition of East Side churches and synagogues and receives strong support from its forty-five member Board of Directors.
Every week, YCP:
-Provides hundreds of emergency food packages through its 24/7 program, the city’s only emergency food pantry that never closes.
-Serves 1,600 hot meals to hungry individuals.
-Distributes nutritious grocery packages containing over 23,000 meals to 900 low-income families, representing 3,000 individuals.
-Provides homeless men and women with on-site showers and laundry facilities, psychiatric assessments, emergency shelter, and help in obtaining jobs and housing.
-Aids clients in obtaining needed services and entitlements.
-Yorkville Common Pantry’s programs are efficient as well as effective. Nearly 83% of the agency’s expenditures are allocated directly to program activities.
Please visit the Yorkville Common Pantry's website: www.ycp.org to learn more!
-Annie
St. James' Efforts to Feed the Hungry
To all the fast-ers: Keep up the good work!! I am so proud of you.
I am amazed at the organization and pre-planning necessary. I can't help but think about families with children; how do they manage to stay within budget and still plan nutritious meals? I think the unfortunate answer is that most of the time they can't.
I spoke with Leeanna Varga, our Associate for Mission, on Friday about the Fast. I wanted to find out more about how St. James' helps fight hunger in our local community. Our church makes regular food donations to the Yorkville Common Pantry (more about this organization in a separate post), hosts a weekly Tuesday Lunch Program (serving approximately 70 guests) and a Friday Dinner Program, (serving approximately 80 guests). There are always opportunities to be involved - volunteers are always needed to help cook, serve and clean...and no experience is necessary!
One of the easiest ways to get involved is to consider donating food to the Yorkville Common Pantry. St. James' makes it easy: just bring your non-perishable food items anytime to the baskets located in the church nave. In addition, a food item offering is taken during the services on the first Sunday of each month. I learned from Leeanna that Vicki Hall, our Director of Children's and Family Ministries, has asked the children of our congregation to be involved by helping collect food and canned goods from members of the congregation. What a great way to help our children learn about helping others!
An interesting note: the basket used to collect food items during Sunday worship is a gift from our mission partners in Malawi. I love the idea of our friends around the world helping to fight hunger here in New York.
-Annie
I am amazed at the organization and pre-planning necessary. I can't help but think about families with children; how do they manage to stay within budget and still plan nutritious meals? I think the unfortunate answer is that most of the time they can't.
I spoke with Leeanna Varga, our Associate for Mission, on Friday about the Fast. I wanted to find out more about how St. James' helps fight hunger in our local community. Our church makes regular food donations to the Yorkville Common Pantry (more about this organization in a separate post), hosts a weekly Tuesday Lunch Program (serving approximately 70 guests) and a Friday Dinner Program, (serving approximately 80 guests). There are always opportunities to be involved - volunteers are always needed to help cook, serve and clean...and no experience is necessary!
One of the easiest ways to get involved is to consider donating food to the Yorkville Common Pantry. St. James' makes it easy: just bring your non-perishable food items anytime to the baskets located in the church nave. In addition, a food item offering is taken during the services on the first Sunday of each month. I learned from Leeanna that Vicki Hall, our Director of Children's and Family Ministries, has asked the children of our congregation to be involved by helping collect food and canned goods from members of the congregation. What a great way to help our children learn about helping others!
An interesting note: the basket used to collect food items during Sunday worship is a gift from our mission partners in Malawi. I love the idea of our friends around the world helping to fight hunger here in New York.
-Annie
Sending Encouragement
Apologies for not being able to participate, but I wanted to let you know I'm really impressed by your efforts. Today, I did a bit of research into Chicago's food stamp $$ allowance (it's typically $3 a day). A couple of people in the state and city government have actually done the fast. There stories are linked here and here.
Your efforts have really inspired me. I may try the fast at some point later this year or during Lent next year.
Keep up the good work!
-Gillian
News Articles
I wanted to include this article from the NYT about Oregon Governor Theodore R. Kulongoski's "food stamp challenge". In our first meeting, Kate mentioned the governor's experiment. I thought you all might enjoy learning more:
The New York Times
May 1, 2007
A Governor Truly Tightens His Belt
www.nytimes.com/2007/05/01/us/01stamps.html?scp=1&sq=governor+truly+tightens&st=nyt
————————————————————————————————————————————————
This second article discusses students' perception of the stigma associated with needing free or low-cost meals.
The New York Times
March 1, 2008
Free Lunch Isn’t Cool, So Some Students Go Hungry www.nytimes.com/2008/03/01/education/01lunch.html?scp=2&sq=free+lunch&st=nyt
-Annie
The New York Times
May 1, 2007
A Governor Truly Tightens His Belt
www.nytimes.com/2007/05/01/us/01stamps.html?scp=1&sq=governor+truly+tightens&st=nyt
————————————————————————————————————————————————
This second article discusses students' perception of the stigma associated with needing free or low-cost meals.
The New York Times
March 1, 2008
Free Lunch Isn’t Cool, So Some Students Go Hungry www.nytimes.com/2008/03/01/education/01lunch.html?scp=2&sq=free+lunch&st=nyt
-Annie
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Cooking at home on Sunday - Abigail
I am getting ready for the work week by cooking ahead. My goals during this fast was 1) to stay within budget and 2) to eat healthfully. So far so good but with no condiments (such as cinnamon for coffee, basil etc. for the chicken legs in the oven), things already seem a bit dull. I finally let myself use some mustard on the chicken rationalizing that if I were really living this way, I'd be saving condiment packages from fast food places (assuming that I could afford them now and then.)
So what did I purchase at Key Foods? I bought eggs, chicken legs, ground beef (a small amount divided into 5 patties), brown rice, dried beans, dried lentils, butter (which can also substitute for oil), coffee, and two packages of frozen veggies which can be a side dish or go into an omelette. Also purchased was a small bar of cheese, for eggs, burgers, topping etc. I did reasonably well for $21.36 by reading the circular, comparing prices, buying the store brand. If I had been a bit more proactive and gotten the store shopping card, my savings would have been greater. It was quite a wake up call to hear neighboring shoppers complain about how expensive everything was.
I plan to pack lunches for the next four days including a thermos of coffee. So far I feel that I have enough food but nevertheless, worry about it! Also, although I have about $5 dollars in reserve, I do not want to spend it unless particularly tempting fresh fruit appears on my path. Last night I really craved a beer but it was not in the budget!
Can a person live on $4 a day in New York? Only by being very careful to seek out bargains, cooking in quantity, and avoiding any impulse buys. Planning and eating at home (or bringing food with you) are key. Also, anything "extra" such as spices, condiments, wine/beer, probably require saving. I wonder, though, about bigger appetites -teenagers, grown men. It has got to be hard.
Thanks for reading my post. Abigail
So what did I purchase at Key Foods? I bought eggs, chicken legs, ground beef (a small amount divided into 5 patties), brown rice, dried beans, dried lentils, butter (which can also substitute for oil), coffee, and two packages of frozen veggies which can be a side dish or go into an omelette. Also purchased was a small bar of cheese, for eggs, burgers, topping etc. I did reasonably well for $21.36 by reading the circular, comparing prices, buying the store brand. If I had been a bit more proactive and gotten the store shopping card, my savings would have been greater. It was quite a wake up call to hear neighboring shoppers complain about how expensive everything was.
I plan to pack lunches for the next four days including a thermos of coffee. So far I feel that I have enough food but nevertheless, worry about it! Also, although I have about $5 dollars in reserve, I do not want to spend it unless particularly tempting fresh fruit appears on my path. Last night I really craved a beer but it was not in the budget!
Can a person live on $4 a day in New York? Only by being very careful to seek out bargains, cooking in quantity, and avoiding any impulse buys. Planning and eating at home (or bringing food with you) are key. Also, anything "extra" such as spices, condiments, wine/beer, probably require saving. I wonder, though, about bigger appetites -teenagers, grown men. It has got to be hard.
Thanks for reading my post. Abigail
Sunday Morning-Lelia
(My computer was acting up so I wasn't able to post on Sat.). I've been trying to do school work but have been tired a lot due to the limited diet. I am now working on helping my pasta last another three days but with only one bag, it is difficult. Today I am going to try the store-brand canned veggies. They can be the side to my pasta.
I hope I don't run out of bread since I've been eating a lot of it! I'm also going to hard-boil some eggs (with my boyfriend's help since I'm not sure how to do it and I can't afford to waste the eggs).
It is hard seeing the other food in the house and not be able to eat it. I tried to clean the pantry beforehand but couldn't get it all.
I hope I don't run out of bread since I've been eating a lot of it! I'm also going to hard-boil some eggs (with my boyfriend's help since I'm not sure how to do it and I can't afford to waste the eggs).
It is hard seeing the other food in the house and not be able to eat it. I tried to clean the pantry beforehand but couldn't get it all.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Saturday Night Supper - Ian
Cabbage, potatoes, and...Italian sausage?
It's Saturday night, and our usual entertainment, going out to dinner, is not an option. Planning to take advantage of Key Food's St. Patrick's day sale, we decide on cabbage, potatoes and corned beef. The cabbage is especially enticing because few vegetables are within our budget. At 19c/lb., it poses no problem.
There is one hitch, however. Advertised at $1.49/lb. the corned beef looks like a steal. The problem? The poor need to shop retail. All the packages of corned beef we find are two to three pounds or more. The smallest, which holds about 1 3/4 pounds costs $2.75. While that might last for more than one meal, it's about a third of our combined $8 daily budget.
It turns out, the cheapest thing we see in the meat aisle (besides chicken necks and liver) are four Italian sausages for $1.10. Priced at $2.19/lb., the sausages are about 30% more expensive than the corned beef. But you can buy just half a pound. While we are tempted to tell ourselves we can trim tomorrow's budget by eating corned beef for leftovers, we decide the best way to save money is to not spend it in the first place.
I am a little disappointed our Irish feast will not come to pass. But since our main condiment was going to be the Trappey's Indi-Pep West Indian-Style Pepper Sauce I bought today -- $1.29 for a 6 oz. bottle -- it probably isn't too much of a loss.
It's Saturday night, and our usual entertainment, going out to dinner, is not an option. Planning to take advantage of Key Food's St. Patrick's day sale, we decide on cabbage, potatoes and corned beef. The cabbage is especially enticing because few vegetables are within our budget. At 19c/lb., it poses no problem.
There is one hitch, however. Advertised at $1.49/lb. the corned beef looks like a steal. The problem? The poor need to shop retail. All the packages of corned beef we find are two to three pounds or more. The smallest, which holds about 1 3/4 pounds costs $2.75. While that might last for more than one meal, it's about a third of our combined $8 daily budget.
It turns out, the cheapest thing we see in the meat aisle (besides chicken necks and liver) are four Italian sausages for $1.10. Priced at $2.19/lb., the sausages are about 30% more expensive than the corned beef. But you can buy just half a pound. While we are tempted to tell ourselves we can trim tomorrow's budget by eating corned beef for leftovers, we decide the best way to save money is to not spend it in the first place.
I am a little disappointed our Irish feast will not come to pass. But since our main condiment was going to be the Trappey's Indi-Pep West Indian-Style Pepper Sauce I bought today -- $1.29 for a 6 oz. bottle -- it probably isn't too much of a loss.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Lelia-Friday Night
Shopping was an experience, as Kate put it. I too felt like a stranger in a strange land. I fought a headache today, no doubt brought on my cut down on caffeine. I was invited to dinner by an old friend (turned it down) and did not join my boyfriend at the local pub.
He nicely offer to share his chips and bottled water, especially after seeing the pasta I had to cook and saw that I was drinking tap water. PB&J was my lunch so at least I'm getting my protein but I'm going to have to get more creative with my canned veggies. Even the Food Channel was appealing and I definatly not a foodie! I was home from work today and have Monday off too. That does help but it's still hard.
He nicely offer to share his chips and bottled water, especially after seeing the pasta I had to cook and saw that I was drinking tap water. PB&J was my lunch so at least I'm getting my protein but I'm going to have to get more creative with my canned veggies. Even the Food Channel was appealing and I definatly not a foodie! I was home from work today and have Monday off too. That does help but it's still hard.
Day One - Kate
Ian, Lelia and I opted for group shopping last night. I’d pored over the Weekly Circular and tweaked my shopping list for weeks during my commute. We crawled down the aisles, hunched in concentration, Lelia faithfully applying post-its with prices to each item that she placed in her cart and punching numbers into her calculator. Ian and I went through our list, making a few carefully weighed substitutions. We stopped for 10 minutes in front of the peanut butter, longer in the pasta aisle. There were some thrills along the way - $1 bags of potatoes and cabbage at 19 cents a pound - but, mostly, it was the minute tradeoffs and calculations that kept things interesting. That’s right, an hour in Key Foods was interesting. This is where you know something is not right! At this point, I do still feel like a tourist. I wonder how long it will take for the novelty to wear off, and if a week is enough time. I relished my home-brewed coffee and hot roll with peanut butter this morning, and tasty beans/rice/hot dog combo for lunch. But I feel that I am in the honeymoon phase. Lelia left Key Foods significantly less alive to the thrill of the hunt than I did, and, I think, more in touch with reality.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Weekly Specials at Key Foods
Group shopping trip tonight, 6:30 p.m., at Key Foods. Check out prices by clicking on the Weekly Circular at http://www.keyfoods.com/
PARTICIPANTS
Fasting Participants: Laura Barnao, Jonathan Bays, Katey Chapman, Lelia Kelleher-Heinricks, Abigail Huffman, Kate & Ian Salisbury, Karla Taylor, Campbell Wharton, Gayley Woolston
Remote Fasting Partipcant (from Chicago!): Gillian Rosheuvel
Coaches/Researchers: Tristan Bultman, the Rev. Jon Eden, Helen & Dan Nickerson, Amy Skinner, Annie Short, Leeanna Varga
Remote Fasting Partipcant (from Chicago!): Gillian Rosheuvel
Coaches/Researchers: Tristan Bultman, the Rev. Jon Eden, Helen & Dan Nickerson, Amy Skinner, Annie Short, Leeanna Varga
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Share Your Recipes and Shopping Lists
Add comments to this Post to share recipes, shopping strategies and prices on common items
Fasting Participants & Coaches - The Roles
You can participate in the fast as a fasting participant or as a coach
Fasting Participants will:
1. Walk in the shoes of more than 1,000,000 New Yorkers (half of them children) who depend on food stamps to buy groceries
2. Stick to the $4 per person/per day budget for one week, 3/14 -3/20
3. Meet for a group shopping trip on 3/13
4. Pool resources for a St. Patrick’s Day dinner on 3/17 ($2 each)
5. Contribute to this blog
6. Read Nickel and Dimed
7. Break the fast at St. James' Agape Supper on 3/20
Coaches will :
1. Research hunger, food stamps and other related topics, sharing information on this blog
2. Provide encouragement to the fasting participants
3. Read Nickel and Dimed
4. Attend St. James’ Agape Supper on 3/20 to celebrate the end of the fast
Fasting Participants will:
1. Walk in the shoes of more than 1,000,000 New Yorkers (half of them children) who depend on food stamps to buy groceries
2. Stick to the $4 per person/per day budget for one week, 3/14 -3/20
3. Meet for a group shopping trip on 3/13
4. Pool resources for a St. Patrick’s Day dinner on 3/17 ($2 each)
5. Contribute to this blog
6. Read Nickel and Dimed
7. Break the fast at St. James' Agape Supper on 3/20
Coaches will :
1. Research hunger, food stamps and other related topics, sharing information on this blog
2. Provide encouragement to the fasting participants
3. Read Nickel and Dimed
4. Attend St. James’ Agape Supper on 3/20 to celebrate the end of the fast
FAST CALENDAR
Important Dates for the St. Jamesians Food Stamp Fast:
Thursday, March 13, 6:30 p.m.
Group shopping trip
Friday, March 14
Fast begins with breakfast
Monday, March 17, 6:30 p.m.
St. Patrick’s group dinner, at Ian & Kate’s ($2)
Thursday, March 20, 6:30 p.m.
Agape Supper to break the fast, at St. James’
Friday, February 1, 2008
St. Jamesians Lenten Fast
Friday, March 14-Thursday, March 20
For one week this Lent, join parishioners in their 20s and 30s as we walk in the shoes of more than one million New Yorkers who depend on food stamps. The average food budget for a NY food stamp recipient is less than $4.00 per person, per day. For one week, we will stick to this budget. The project includes a group shopping trip, mid-week group dinner, and this interactive blog of our expereinces, which will be linked to the parish website, http://www.stjames.org/, beginning in Lent. If you are interessted in hunger issues (and group bonding) give it a try! Contact Kate Salisbury, ksalisbury@stjames.org.
For one week this Lent, join parishioners in their 20s and 30s as we walk in the shoes of more than one million New Yorkers who depend on food stamps. The average food budget for a NY food stamp recipient is less than $4.00 per person, per day. For one week, we will stick to this budget. The project includes a group shopping trip, mid-week group dinner, and this interactive blog of our expereinces, which will be linked to the parish website, http://www.stjames.org/, beginning in Lent. If you are interessted in hunger issues (and group bonding) give it a try! Contact Kate Salisbury, ksalisbury@stjames.org.
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