Insight from a fellow non-profit worker

Today I was on the phone with a contact from one of our partner sites. He was asking about my health and I laughed a bit and then launched into this undertaking with him. He was able to give me some good insight that is helping me maintain touch with reality, and I wanted to pass it along.

He was saying that my experience won't be true-to-life for numerous reasons. The first being that I have my own transportation, allowing me to procure food easily. Very good point. The second reason was one that had not occurred to me. All of my experience with food resourcing, nutrition, budgeting and creative cooking puts me a step above the rest. I have more insight and knowledge than many people on food stamps. This knowledge allows me to make smarter choices, get more out of my limited resources and know the options available to me. I whole-heartedly agree. I was very happy with my shopping trip and felt that I had gotten a lot for my money.

I could eat for free for most of this week, if I so chose, knowing the places that could give me free meals. I have had to turn down many free food events this week. First it was the free meal at Bethany Calvary on Monday, next it was dinner at my aunt and uncle's, the free keg party my friend is having this weekend at my favorite pub, finally it was a friendly invite for wine and cheese in a former job trainees garden. The last invite pangs me the most. Turning down this food has not been easy for other reasons.

"Seeing the tasty things that others eat, is just a temptation that makes my mouth water."

On day two, I am already so very bored with the food I have available. Seeing the tasty things that others eat, is just a temptation that makes my mouth water. This is having a noticeable impact on me at day two, and this makes me curious to see what day six and seven will be like. It also makes me realize how limited I am in satisfying my hunger. Before I could run out and grab something from a vending machine if it got bad, now, I just can't afford to.