Sunday, March 30, 2014
Friday, October 8, 2010
TODAY'S GONNA BE A GOOD DAY!!!
Well it's finally here, Day 7! I can't believe it took so long to get here! I love Fridays, especially this one! And I am sooooo looking forward to sharing Thanksgiving with my family!
I have to say this journey is one of the hardest I have had to endure. It wasn't easy, in fact it was damn hard! I still can not imagine having to do this day in day out, week after week, year after year.
I could see my energy levels dropping off as the week progressed and not having my usual "zest for life" is really depressing, not only for me but for my family and friends. It was an extreme stuggle to go to that food box and try to design a meal that I could look forward too! I'm so tired of pasta, KD, weiners, fried egsg on toast and oatmeal. That is what my meals were like ALL week. And I am sick of leftovers! Honestly I want to gag just thinking of having to eat like this again for another week.
My heart goes out to those individuals who want to eat better but cannot afford to. It should not be a luxury! I encourage everyone to send out an email or a Facebook message to their friends and family asking them to participate in the survey along with an email to the government asking them to put more money in the food budget.
Congratulations everyone! See you at the luncheon today!
Liz
Thursday, October 7, 2010
This is it
Well, this is it. One more breakfast and the food is gone. I couldn't imagine heading back to the food bank or trying to budget for food with too little money with no end in sight. This preoccupation with food and the constant knowledge that there is not enough really affects one's outlook on life. Thanks to everyone for the insights and I really look forward to meeting again as we work toward a city with no hunger.
Day Seven - Last Post
I was just thinking about how I would feel if I knew that I had to go to the foodbank again tomorrow and start all over again for another week… What a desperate thought. This week has taken its toll on my physical and mental health. I find that it is a vicious circle: I am not taking care of my diet/nutrition, which makes me less interested in and able to exercise, which makes me less creative in my thinking and less able to problem solve (at home and at work), which makes me less positive, which makes me less motivated to take care of myself… Yikes. And to think that a week ago it was all about the nutritional content (or not) of white bread… this issues are obviously so much bigger. What an opportunity this Challenge has been for many of us/you to talk about these issues… and now to the action… Happy THANKSgiving to all.
Départ pour Mtl, nous devons arrêter / Leaving for Mtl, we have to quit
ENGLISH WILL FOLLOW...
Denis et moi nous apprêtons à partir pour Mtl puisque je suis en réunion demain toute la journée. Ce qui veut dire que nous devons malheureusement (ou heureusement) terminer notre défi. Nous savions déjà que cela arriverait et nous nous étions fixé comme objectif de durer au moins jusqu'à jeudi midi - c'est fait! Il nous reste même de la nourriture (4 tranches de pain, 1/4 de boîte de céréale, un peu moins de 1/2L de lait, du gruau et des poires) alors on aurait probablement réussi à se débrouiller pour ce soir et demain matin. Je suis quand même contente que ce soit terminé - mon corps est content. Celui de Denis aussi! J'aurais vraiment voulu être là au dîner demain et pouvoir discuter avec mes collègues du défi. C'est certain que c'est une expérience qui m'a ouvert les yeux.
Bon courage à ceux qui persévèrent encore - lâchez pas! Nous sommes avec vous en pensées.
ENGLISH
Denis and I are about to leave for Montreal because I have meetings all day tomorrow. This means that our journey unfortunetaly (or fortunately) stops here. We already knew that we had to leave town so the objective was Thursday lunch and we made it. We still have a bit of food left (4 slices of bread, 1/4 box of Cheerios, 1/2L of milk, some oatmeal and some pears) so we would of been ok pour supper and breakfast tomorrow but let's just say I am glad I don't have to count every little piece of food I have. My body is also glad this is over! Denis' as well. I would of liked to be there at the luncheon tomorrow to see and exchange with our fellow participants. This experience has certainly opened up my eyes.
I wish good luck to the rest of the guys - only 2 meals to go... Hang on! We are with you in spirit.
Denis et moi nous apprêtons à partir pour Mtl puisque je suis en réunion demain toute la journée. Ce qui veut dire que nous devons malheureusement (ou heureusement) terminer notre défi. Nous savions déjà que cela arriverait et nous nous étions fixé comme objectif de durer au moins jusqu'à jeudi midi - c'est fait! Il nous reste même de la nourriture (4 tranches de pain, 1/4 de boîte de céréale, un peu moins de 1/2L de lait, du gruau et des poires) alors on aurait probablement réussi à se débrouiller pour ce soir et demain matin. Je suis quand même contente que ce soit terminé - mon corps est content. Celui de Denis aussi! J'aurais vraiment voulu être là au dîner demain et pouvoir discuter avec mes collègues du défi. C'est certain que c'est une expérience qui m'a ouvert les yeux.
Bon courage à ceux qui persévèrent encore - lâchez pas! Nous sommes avec vous en pensées.
ENGLISH
Denis and I are about to leave for Montreal because I have meetings all day tomorrow. This means that our journey unfortunetaly (or fortunately) stops here. We already knew that we had to leave town so the objective was Thursday lunch and we made it. We still have a bit of food left (4 slices of bread, 1/4 box of Cheerios, 1/2L of milk, some oatmeal and some pears) so we would of been ok pour supper and breakfast tomorrow but let's just say I am glad I don't have to count every little piece of food I have. My body is also glad this is over! Denis' as well. I would of liked to be there at the luncheon tomorrow to see and exchange with our fellow participants. This experience has certainly opened up my eyes.
I wish good luck to the rest of the guys - only 2 meals to go... Hang on! We are with you in spirit.
Disappointed
I'm a little disappointed in myself because as of Tuesday evening, I had to quit the challenge. Leaving the office at 4 pm Tuesday afternoon with my tomatoe soup and ritz crackes long gone, I proceeded to continue with my scheduled plans for the evening. Close my trailer for the season, get to the hospital to visit Dad before visiting hours were over then getting home. I've accomplished this type of schedule before without eating until I get home, however this time very different. When I got home, my stomach was in knots and making noises that would scare children on Halloween. I couldn't bring myself to eat the month old expired weiners I had boiled the day before which gave me a choice of can of tuna, which at the time would take to long and cereal, very little milk left. With knees shaking I grabbed anything I could get my hands on and hence quitting the challenge. And just so you know, nothing I grabbed was healthy, just food. I certainly see many things in a different light. Good luck with your last evening and see everyone tomorrow.
Final check-in
Before going to the Blue Door Cafe for lunch, I weighed in at Alice's office: I dropped 5 pounds this week.
I gained some back at lunch, though. It was by far the best meal of the week: tomato-vegetable soup with pasta shells and REAL meat (with texture and everything!), a luncheon-meat sandwich, some cookies, and a glass of milk. Delicious and filling.
Like Kathy, I felt guilty being there despite nobody making me feel out of place. In fact, I had polite conversations with a couple of people there, although I did shift the topic of conversation when it veered too close to why I was there, what brought me to Sudbury, etc. I didn't want to expose myself as a hunger-tourist.
I'm looking forward to meeting everyone at the lunch tomorrow. Less than 24 hours to go!
I gained some back at lunch, though. It was by far the best meal of the week: tomato-vegetable soup with pasta shells and REAL meat (with texture and everything!), a luncheon-meat sandwich, some cookies, and a glass of milk. Delicious and filling.
Like Kathy, I felt guilty being there despite nobody making me feel out of place. In fact, I had polite conversations with a couple of people there, although I did shift the topic of conversation when it veered too close to why I was there, what brought me to Sudbury, etc. I didn't want to expose myself as a hunger-tourist.
I'm looking forward to meeting everyone at the lunch tomorrow. Less than 24 hours to go!
ONE MORE DAY!
Just want to say to all the remaining participants - keep going! You've only got one more day! I'm sure knowing your in the home stretch is daunting to your hunger, but the message you are all creating is one that will speak volumes!
This has been an unforgettable experience, and I've enjoyed everyone's blogs...Thanks for sharing, and I'm glad to have experienced this with you all!
Keep it up!
This has been an unforgettable experience, and I've enjoyed everyone's blogs...Thanks for sharing, and I'm glad to have experienced this with you all!
Keep it up!
Fraud or Faithful?
Having just visited the mission two nights ago for dinner, I really appreciated the blog by John Gaudi about 'visiting the locals'. His question is a good one, "Isn't this really just a form of tourism?" it's also a tough one. I felt like a fraud there in some ways because it seemed like the communtiy knew we really didn't need to be there. I hoped no one would ask why we were there because then it would have been hard to explain that even though I am an advocate; we are really just on a 'dare' so to speak. Words like 'consumer' voyeur', 'tourist' all spin around in my mind. It is easy to feel guilty isn't it? Why do I have so much? Why do some have it so hard? All difficult questions for sure, but one thing I have found is that guilt is not a good motivater long term.
If this challenge simply raises awareness about appropriate food bank donations, and the insufficiency of food for those needing assistance then it has been a good thing. If this challenge results in a significant change of view on the social stigmas of those who access support services and who are on ODSP, or OW then this has been a great thing. If this challenge takes those of us who have participated, witnessed, listened and supported; beyond our guilt, then we have stumbled onto something that is absolutely life giving to all of us. When we see each other as equal, more alike than different, we don't need to feel sorry for anyone because we understand we are all in the same boat. I celebrate with those who celebrate, I grieve with those who grieve, we share the same air, we can share our burdens. My guilt will not empower anyone and will only continue to reinforce our differences. When we extend help to someone not because they are poor but simply because they are our neigbour then we offer what cannot be donated, supplied or bought and that is dignity, respect and empowerment. If this challenge could do all that, then it could change the world.
Kathy
If this challenge simply raises awareness about appropriate food bank donations, and the insufficiency of food for those needing assistance then it has been a good thing. If this challenge results in a significant change of view on the social stigmas of those who access support services and who are on ODSP, or OW then this has been a great thing. If this challenge takes those of us who have participated, witnessed, listened and supported; beyond our guilt, then we have stumbled onto something that is absolutely life giving to all of us. When we see each other as equal, more alike than different, we don't need to feel sorry for anyone because we understand we are all in the same boat. I celebrate with those who celebrate, I grieve with those who grieve, we share the same air, we can share our burdens. My guilt will not empower anyone and will only continue to reinforce our differences. When we extend help to someone not because they are poor but simply because they are our neigbour then we offer what cannot be donated, supplied or bought and that is dignity, respect and empowerment. If this challenge could do all that, then it could change the world.
Kathy
Notre meilleur souper de la semaine / Our best meal of the week...
English will follow...
Merci! Merci Merci Merci à la Mission sur Elgin. Denis et moi sommes allé hier soir pour le souper. Un peu tard car j'avais une réunion mais il restait de la bouffe et surtout, des gens très généreux. Nous avons mangé comme des rois. Une bonne soupe maison avec pleins de légumes frais et du poulet. Ensuite, une GROSSE assiette avec des carottes fraîches, des patates pilés (des vrais, pas en poudre), de la dinde, eh oui, trois bons morceaux de dinde avec un peu de gravy, deux tranches de pain et un morceau de gâteau pour dessert. Je mangeais, et je sentais l'énergie lentement revenir en moi. Parce que je peux vous dire que par la fin de la journée hier, j'étais pas mal bobo au bureau. Moi qui n'est pas une énorme fan de gravy, j'ai liché mon assiette avec mon pain! Nous étions bourrés mais nous avons tout mangé car on ne voulait pas laisser rien dans nos assiettes par respect à ses bonnes personnes qui ont préparés ces repas. Il n'y avait pas foule à la Mission car nous sommes arrivés vers 19h (ouvert jusqu'à 20h) donc nous n'avons pas exactement "socialisé" avec des gens puisqu'il n'y avait qu'un homme au bout de notre table - très gentil. Lorsqu'on a ramassé nos assiettes, on nous a demandé si on avait aimé le souper et en toute franchise, j'ai dit que c'était le meilleur repas que nous avions mangé de la semaine et que nous étions très reconnaissant. Aucunes questions, d'une grande gentillesse - j'ai énormément de respect pour ces gens qui donnent de leur temps pour servir ces repas trois fois par jour.
Merci
ENGLISH
Thank you! Thank you thank you thank you to the Mission on Elgin. Denis and I went there for supper last night. We arrived a bit late because I had a meeting past 6pm but there was food left and the greeted us with open arms and a beautiful smile. We ate like kings. A bowl of home made soup with vegetables and chicken and then a HUGE plate with fresh cooked carrots, mashed potatoes (real ones, not powder), some turkey, yes! turkey - 3 nice pieces - and gravy and 2 slices of bread and chocolate cake for desert. As I was eating, I could feel the energy come back to me because by the end of the day yesterday, I was complety capoot! I am not a huge gravy fan - well I dipped my bread in that gravy and cleaned my plate real good! We were full half way (having reduced our portions all week) but we wanted to finish our plates and not leave anything. In respect to the people that cooked this meal and especially for those that use the Mission. There was not a whole lot of people cause we arrived a bit after seven so we did not "socialise" much - there was only one man at the end of our table who was really nice. When they picked up our plates, they asked if we had enjoyed the meal and I answered, very frankly, that this was the best meal that we had all week and that we were greatful for their generosity. No questions asked, everybody was kind and respectful. I have a profound admiration for the generous people that give their time at the Mission to serve these meals 3 times a day.
Thank you
Merci! Merci Merci Merci à la Mission sur Elgin. Denis et moi sommes allé hier soir pour le souper. Un peu tard car j'avais une réunion mais il restait de la bouffe et surtout, des gens très généreux. Nous avons mangé comme des rois. Une bonne soupe maison avec pleins de légumes frais et du poulet. Ensuite, une GROSSE assiette avec des carottes fraîches, des patates pilés (des vrais, pas en poudre), de la dinde, eh oui, trois bons morceaux de dinde avec un peu de gravy, deux tranches de pain et un morceau de gâteau pour dessert. Je mangeais, et je sentais l'énergie lentement revenir en moi. Parce que je peux vous dire que par la fin de la journée hier, j'étais pas mal bobo au bureau. Moi qui n'est pas une énorme fan de gravy, j'ai liché mon assiette avec mon pain! Nous étions bourrés mais nous avons tout mangé car on ne voulait pas laisser rien dans nos assiettes par respect à ses bonnes personnes qui ont préparés ces repas. Il n'y avait pas foule à la Mission car nous sommes arrivés vers 19h (ouvert jusqu'à 20h) donc nous n'avons pas exactement "socialisé" avec des gens puisqu'il n'y avait qu'un homme au bout de notre table - très gentil. Lorsqu'on a ramassé nos assiettes, on nous a demandé si on avait aimé le souper et en toute franchise, j'ai dit que c'était le meilleur repas que nous avions mangé de la semaine et que nous étions très reconnaissant. Aucunes questions, d'une grande gentillesse - j'ai énormément de respect pour ces gens qui donnent de leur temps pour servir ces repas trois fois par jour.
Merci
ENGLISH
Thank you! Thank you thank you thank you to the Mission on Elgin. Denis and I went there for supper last night. We arrived a bit late because I had a meeting past 6pm but there was food left and the greeted us with open arms and a beautiful smile. We ate like kings. A bowl of home made soup with vegetables and chicken and then a HUGE plate with fresh cooked carrots, mashed potatoes (real ones, not powder), some turkey, yes! turkey - 3 nice pieces - and gravy and 2 slices of bread and chocolate cake for desert. As I was eating, I could feel the energy come back to me because by the end of the day yesterday, I was complety capoot! I am not a huge gravy fan - well I dipped my bread in that gravy and cleaned my plate real good! We were full half way (having reduced our portions all week) but we wanted to finish our plates and not leave anything. In respect to the people that cooked this meal and especially for those that use the Mission. There was not a whole lot of people cause we arrived a bit after seven so we did not "socialise" much - there was only one man at the end of our table who was really nice. When they picked up our plates, they asked if we had enjoyed the meal and I answered, very frankly, that this was the best meal that we had all week and that we were greatful for their generosity. No questions asked, everybody was kind and respectful. I have a profound admiration for the generous people that give their time at the Mission to serve these meals 3 times a day.
Thank you
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