We are such a wasteful society when it comes to food. I noticed in my own family, that leftovers were always getting tossed out. I had to teach myself how to \u201ccut back\u201d on what I make. Sadly there is still food that gets thrown away. As a child I recall someone saying, \u201cThere\u2019s a child in China who would love to have what you have,\u201d or something like that. As I became a cocky teenager, I remember thinking, \u201cso send it to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Okay realistically we cannot send our left-overs to less developed countries; after all it would most likely spoil. But think about it for a moment. Wal-Mart, Jewel, Hy-Vee, and any other food store that is offering \u201cpre-cooked\u201d meals, have an abundance of meals left at the end of the day. The store shelves are stocked with many different canned or boxed foods, and the produce isles are lined with produce, much of which will spoil before it is sold. That\u2019s not to mention the frozen section with all the frozen foods. Eventually, those will become freezer burned and pulled from the shelf.
\nWhen you go through to the grocery store, do you look at expiration dates? I do. Do you see a damaged box\/can and think; I\u2019ll grab one behind it? I do. When we see frozen food, we look to see if it\u2019s not freezer burned. Why do we do that?<\/p>\n
Expiration dates or sell by dates can indicate the food will spoil or not taste as good. So the stores will have to toss the food that is spoiled. However, what happens to the food that may not taste as good or look as pretty in the box? Stores will donate those items to local food pantries. This is okay; at least it\u2019s not being wasted. But why do those who need to use the food pantry have to eat expired\/damaged food, if you yourself wouldn\u2019t? People make a conscious effort to clean out their cabinets, and \u201cdonate\u201d what they do not like, is expired or no longer want and, then is tossed in the trash or is given to different food pantries.<\/p>\n
Food pantries are very dependent on donations. They cannot keep the same items on the shelves, since it\u2019s based on availability. They cannot purchase a lot, as they can only purchase items they can afford with their funding. Most of that food that is donated is expired\/damaged\/freezer burned. This is very concerning.<\/p>\n
We are able to feed our pets better than a food pantry can supply people. Do you have any idea who actually uses the food pantry? Do you think they are all homeless, lazy or on state aide? Some of that may be true. Did you know they are also single parents who make too much money to qualify for food stamps or state aide. However, they make just enough to cover their housing expense and gas to get to and from work. Did you know they could be students who cannot afford housing, but live out their cars while they attend school, or sleep on a friend\u2019s dorm room floor? There are many other scenarios that I could produce, but you get the idea.<\/p>\n
Using the food pantry can be very humbling. The food available is on a first come first serve basis so to speak. After all, items are limited and certainly not guaranteed.
\nI am a recipient of the food pantry. I make too much to qualify for food stamps and Doug\u2019s work study doesn\u2019t actually pay the \u201cbig\u201d bucks. We still have to pay health insurance, life insurance, car insurance, gas, utilities and more. So we do supplement our grocery shopping with the food pantry on campus. We do eat expired, damaged, freezer burnt food. It is often tasteless, flat and stale. I\u2019m not complaining really, I\u2019m just pointing out some information so that maybe you can help your local food pantry.<\/p>\n
\u201cExtreme\u201d couponers, rather than hoard their goods, could in fact help the food pantry out, who desperately need it. This not to say they all hoard. Some do give to the food pantry too. The food pantry will also take paper goods, toiletries, feminine products, and laundry soap. Trust me when I say, when you struggle to eat, you also struggle for the basic necessities too.<\/p>\n
So I ask you, the next time you shop, think about your local food pantry. Your buy one get one free can be shared. Or if you are an \u201cextreme\u201d couponer who stocks up with great deals, maybe you can share your \u201cwealth\u201d with your local food pantry or church food pantry. Maybe you have a neighbor who can use a little help. I know this seminary journey has changed me in many ways. My goal is to try and figure out how to be an \u201cextreme\u201d couponer and share my \u201cextra\u201d items. I would also like to learn how to get the word out to others about the needs of the food pantry.<\/p>\n
Luke 3:11 ESV
\nAnd he answered them, \u201cWhoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We are such a wasteful society when it comes to food. I noticed in my own family, that leftovers were always getting tossed out. I had to teach myself how to \u201ccut back\u201d on what I make. Sadly there is … Continue reading