And so we have crossed the finish line ... and boy did we do it in style! We ate our final meal at The Table Community Food Centre and the smell and taste of food made with flavour (herbs, spices ... oh how I've missed you!), nearly brought me to tears. I was expecting a buffet style meal tonight, but when we arrived, we were told to pick a table, and a volunteer came to take our names and our order, asking about food allergies and if we were vegetarian. In other words, there is no "beggars can't be choosers" mentality here. We were then brought homemade burgers with a herbed mayo and thick slice of tomato, potato wedges and coleslaw full of fresh herbs, purple cabbage and mango. A slice of watermelon was our dessert. It was amazing, and an almost decadent way to end our week. For the first time in 5 days I am actually full. I ate my own portion, not shortchanging myself so that the kids could have more and it was really nice. As I looked around, I saw families, grandparents, a group of young guys ... all enjoying a fresh, satisfying meal.
As we sat enjoying our meal, we talked about what we had learned this week. Wynne told us that she learned that you can survive off of less food, but that it is a lot harder to do and it's not as much fun. Sam noted that he has been eating more slowly this week in an attempt to make the food last. I've learned that we waste far too much in this house, and that we need to take a more thoughtful approach to our food purchases and consumption.
I've always known that food is never just food. It's social connection and cultural touchstone. It's key to a person's emotional well being. This week was hard, but it wasn't impossible. It was a glimpse at the struggle faced by those living with poverty, but it was maybe also a glimpse into what it will take to find a solution. Learn how to cook. Teach your children how to cook. Take them shopping and include them in the decisions. Take a minute to look at your grocery bill so that you have at least some idea of what it costs us all to eat well. Donate your time or skill to your local community food centre. Don't donate things to the food bank that you wouldn't eat yourself.
I'm off to have a glass of wine. It will taste all the better knowing what a privilege it really is.
As we sat enjoying our meal, we talked about what we had learned this week. Wynne told us that she learned that you can survive off of less food, but that it is a lot harder to do and it's not as much fun. Sam noted that he has been eating more slowly this week in an attempt to make the food last. I've learned that we waste far too much in this house, and that we need to take a more thoughtful approach to our food purchases and consumption.
I've always known that food is never just food. It's social connection and cultural touchstone. It's key to a person's emotional well being. This week was hard, but it wasn't impossible. It was a glimpse at the struggle faced by those living with poverty, but it was maybe also a glimpse into what it will take to find a solution. Learn how to cook. Teach your children how to cook. Take them shopping and include them in the decisions. Take a minute to look at your grocery bill so that you have at least some idea of what it costs us all to eat well. Donate your time or skill to your local community food centre. Don't donate things to the food bank that you wouldn't eat yourself.
I'm off to have a glass of wine. It will taste all the better knowing what a privilege it really is.