Day 5 reflections from Jan Leaf, director of the Lord's Pantry

I was so inspired by all of you last Sunday that I felt I needed to do the challenge as well.  I realized that in my entire life I can only remember going to bed somewhat hungry once.  Considering that one time was close to 60 years ago, you can see what an impact it had on my memory.  So on my way in to the Pantry Monday morning I made a mad dash through Wegman’s to buy my week’s supply of food.  A decision I would regret, as I made some poor choices.  I purchased mostly carbs – no fruits or vegetables!  I still had $2.60 left which I used for broccoli later in the week.

As I opened the back of my car to load these groceries, there sat the club size bag of apples ($6.99) that I had purchased the day before to feed the deer!  Monday evening I made my spaghetti dinner – using a generic brand of sauce – no salad or garlic bread.  As I was cooking my dinner I decided to feed my dog – her rotisserie chicken never smelled so good.  I was reminded that prepared foods are not allowed on food stamps!  One of the hardest decisions was choosing a mayo for my egg salad and tuna.  The small jar was $2.29 and the large one was on sale for $3.49 – there was no comparison so I bought the large one.  I have a new appreciation for the requests from  our clients for condiments.  They are costly but make a world of difference.  I use a sugar substitute in my tea and I couldn’t afford that so I drank coffee all week because I do not use sugar in coffee. 

This was really a challenge, as every time I walked out of my office I was greeted with the scent of baked goods and I had to pass the volunteer’s basket of candy several times a day.  Not to mention that I park in McDonald’s parking lot! While I did not go hungry, I quickly came to realize that food not only feeds your physical hunger, it plays a large role in your emotional well being.  It was like going to your favorite restaurant thinking about ordering your favorite meal and when you arrive you find out they are out of it!  You don’t go home hungry but you are not emotionally fulfilled.

I also decided to figure out what I would of spent for the week on food and donate it. 

I wish you all a very blessed Easter.

~ Jan

Day 3 - The spice of life

Long before wars were fought over oil, European tribal overreach, before even war over slavery, there were the Spice wars in the 1500's. The search for spices (and later sugar cane) was a significant factor in world exploration, expansion, enslavement and war. I had forgotten much of this until this SNAP Challenge. So far after three days I am not hungry and I am getting my nutrients. Based on our challenge, the only flavoring I am using that I did not purchase is salt and pepper.

So, I find myself realizing that while I am not hungry, the variety and flavor of my meals filly my belly and frustrates me how unsatisfying my meals are. I am not a "foodie", but I never gave much thought to oregano, rosemary, garlic, nutmeg, cumin, etc. Couple that with the fact that all nine meals have been solitary and I am struck with how much I have taken for granted.

- The social aspect of sharing a meal is a common theme in scripture. Tomorrow we celebrate Maundy Thursday in remembrance of the Last Supper with holy communion.

- Preparing a meal takes more time than I am used to. With a commute and a couple of long days, I no longer order out or pick up breakfast on the way to work. I am compelled to live this experience for only one week. I can't stop thinking about how much time that takes a family to do after a long day of work....all the time.

- Spices- I am sure that there are likely different choices I could have made at the grocery store, but I do recall learning from Jan Leaf, the Director of The Lord's Pantry in Downingtown that spices, drinks and cooking oil fly off their shelves. So, maybe it is not just my oversight at the store!

- chocolate!! I don't have a sweet tooth, but I did not realize I missed even just a taste until the option was taken away.

- Beverages! My milk for the week is gone. I am very glad I hate coffee and tea, but while tap water quenches my thirst, I miss my orange and grape juice and especially my diet Pepsi (and the caffeine!). Honestly, I cannot remember the last time I went two days with water as my only beverage.

So, I am not hungry, malnourished or thirsty. But now, food has become nothing but fuel. Bland and functional but not at all satisfying. For me, I think that can represent what life without Jesus Christ is like. Imagine how hard it would be to miss orange juice if you have never had anything to drink besides water? I keep thinking of what Christ has done for me and my life. I imagine I might be alive and that I might have a job. I cannot even fathom a life without Christ and the bounty and grace available to me. 

I know this. Being hungry is both a physical and spiritual condition. God does not wish us merely to survive! For the last two days as I whine to myself about the soda or juice or spice I miss, this scripture resonates in me:

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10.

Do not let the Deceiver steal, kill or destroy your life with lies or false comfort. Jesus came for you and for me so that we, "may have life and have it abundantly."

Peace and grace to all this holy week.

Pat

Day 2 Devotion

Scripture:  Hosea 9:4 They shall not pour drink offerings of wine to the Lord, and their sacrifices shall not please him. Such sacrifices shall be like mourners’ bread; all who eat of it shall be defiled; for their bread shall be for their hunger only; it shall not come to the house of the Lord.

Reflection:  Consider the bounty that God has provided to you and your family.

·         Are the sacrifices you make for work, school, family or friends honoring God?

·         Is it possible that the actions you take to achieve additional abundance is interfering with your relationships with God or your loved ones? 

Thoughts on Day 1 from Cathy

Monday morning -  I’m starting the SNAP challenge today.  I’m heading out on my first shopping trip.  Since I’m usually a convenience shopper, I plan to do some research before I buy. (I remember when we were first married and I comparison shopped in three stores with my list in hand before I bought anything.  I was followed in one store and accused of being a spy for a competitorJ.  I’ll be careful today!)

Overall, I think it will be easier (by no means easy) for me than for many.  I am not a big eater and have few foods or meals that I “love”. 

I’ve thought a lot about my eating habits.  I know I will have to compromise in a lot of ways.  I’m a vegetarian, so I am already used to getting my protein from sources other than meat, poultry, fish, or seafood.  So I don’t think protein will be challenge for me.

One big challenge will be produce.  I eat organic produce as much as possible.  I’m sure this will not be possible.  I will probably end up peeling all my produce instead of just washing it.  Not a great sacrifice, but still a change in my normal habits.

Another big challenge I anticipate is coffee.  While I’m not passionate about too many foods, coffee is one of them.  I made a pledge to myself years ago, that I will not drink coffee that is not fairly traded.  (Hooray that Hopewell is now serving “Cave Bird Coffee!!)  I’m not sure I can go a week without coffee because I’ll get headaches, so I’m hopeful I’ll figure something out.

Well, off I go.  I’ll let you know what happens.

Monday afternoon –  I just got back from my shopping excursion.  I found that Schwan’s was by far the cheapest for many of the things on my list.  Wegmans and Giant were about the same for the other things.  I ended up getting a few things in each store,

I was able to get fairly traded coffee at Wegmans.  Two of their specialty coffees that you can buy by the pound are fairly traded.  So I was able to fit 2 ounces into my budget.  I believe that Giant carried Equal Exchange coffee by the bag, which would be my choice if I found myself on a limited budget long term.

I got organic apples, but nothing else I got was organic.

The only thing I had planned to get but didn’t was hummus.  Fortunately, I remembered while I was shopping that I had committed to bring fruit to a women’s group meeting on Wednesday.  So I skipped the hummus and will try to get some grapes on Wednesday morning.   

Day 1 Devotion

Scripture:  Deuteronomy 8:3: He humbled you by letting you hunger, then by feeding you with manna, with which neither you nor your ancestors were acquainted, in order to make you understand that one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Reflection:  As you plan your meals for the upcoming week, consider how much you take for granted at your dinner table.

·         How does it make you feel if you buy generic store brand cereal or day old bread?

·         Do we have any personal pride or prejudice to consider when we make our choices at the grocery store?

·         Prayerfully consider not only hunger, but the social impact of eating and sharing a meal.

May this week of limiting your food choices bring your mind to the bounty that God provides to you and the challenges that many of our brothers and sisters in the community face every day.


One Hopewell participant's groceries for the week - $5/person/day:

Sample Menus for your challenge

Here are some real menus from an individual who tried the SNAP challenge for three weeks:
Can you do better??

Will you take the challenge?