Choices

I went over the the Ste. Anne Community Garden to help with the fall clean-up today and one of the gardeners had a really interesting perspective on how increasing funding for social assistance would be effective. She said that the more that people have to work with, the better they usually do at budgeting. I have heard many people say, "well you can't give them more money, all you ever see them with is a Tim's in one hand and a cigarette in the other hand." Well, perhaps with more resources people with low-incomes will have more hope, motivation and a brighter outlook. I wouldn't be surprised that with the ability to purchase healthy foods people won't have to make difficult choices such as: it is cheaper to buy a Tim Horton's coffee and a bag of chips than it is to purchase fresh vegetables and whole wheat pasta to prepare a meal?

The other very legitimate thought is why should those with more money get to choose unhealthy lifestyles and begrudge others the same choice? In fact, I thought that everyone in Sudbury had a Tim Horton's cup surgically attached to their hand. I have also been very surprised at the amount of coffee I have been drinking since I'm hungry and can't snack. I have gone from 2 to at least 4 cups of coffee per day.

One of the major differences of opinion in our house these past two days is how much time to invest in our meals. One thing that I definitely have realized is that the food bank, as important as it is, does not provide ingredients but rather food. And most of this food can be eaten with a spoon right out of a can - standing in the kitchen if you want (at least this seems fine to me). It does not hold the promise of a tasty meal prepared and shared with good company, it doesn't encourage sit down dinners with your family or engage the consumer in learning cooking skills. In short, it is everything that is not recommended for a healthy way of eating (even when the abysmal nutritiousness is taken out of the equation). Perhaps the lack of choice leads to a lack of hope and then loss of motivation to make things better. At least that's how I've experienced it - and all I have to do is get to the end of the week. I do have better choices on the horizon.

One last thing: there are solutions. The food bank is a much needed life saver for many people. We can donate - healthy food choices and money are welcome. I was also reminded today of the beautiful community gardens that are cropping up in our city. More than a place to grow healthy food in a sustainable way, they provide outdoor activity with neighbours that are welcoming and a chance to learn how to take more control over what you eat. If you don't have one in your neighbourhood, there are people who can help you start one. Contact the Sudbury Food Connections Network: ahaasdyk.sfc@gmail.com. Or check out the Sudbury Good Food Box or a collective kitchen. These community initiatives are not just for low-income clients but also Sudburians who want to know where their food comes from and take part in bringing it to their table. The more we are all involved, the better it works.