Jewish Labor Committee leader reflects on the food stamp challenge
I approached the Food Stamp Challenge in much the same way I approach any kind of food regimen, which is to figure how I will cheat. Now, in this case everything I had ever seen in a packet -- from sweetener to lemon juice - immediately qualified as a condiment. I confess to having a handful of Doritos one night at a cook-out and the leftover chocolate chips from some cookies I made for Rosh Hashanah. Beyond that (and my condiments) I have stuck to the Challenge. I feel beholden to a very large group, not just the JCPA and the people I have told, but to all the people who have to subsist on one dollar a day. To all the people that have to choose between eating and health care or something else. As a single mom, I feel a particular empathy with the single mothers who have to contend with providing their children nutritious and filling food on this budget. As I wind down the challenge I am now very tired of eating the beans (should have gotten the dried ones), pasta and sauce, tuna, bread, peanut butter, applesauce, eggs, milk, soup, white rice (ick) and canned vegetables (ick). Not being a great cook to begin with, I had the bright idea of cooking the rice with the tomato soup. It was OK until I noticed it had a rather unfortunate similar consistency to dog food. Well, I had no choice but to eat it for the next couple of days, just like anyone on that budget would.
It is monotonous, but beyond that there is no way anyone could meet their nutritional needs. I'm certainly eating the calories, but I'm not eating the proteins, vitamins, and minerals. If I had to eat like this all the time I would surely get sick this winter. Heading into Yom Kippur, I am deeply aware of the experience of hardship others face and my own privilege. I am more aware of how important it is for me -- and my community -- to be an active ally to those do not have the access to jobs, services, and opportunities I -- and we -- enjoy.
Rosalind Spigel, MSOD
Area Director
Philadelphia Jewish Labor Committee
It is monotonous, but beyond that there is no way anyone could meet their nutritional needs. I'm certainly eating the calories, but I'm not eating the proteins, vitamins, and minerals. If I had to eat like this all the time I would surely get sick this winter. Heading into Yom Kippur, I am deeply aware of the experience of hardship others face and my own privilege. I am more aware of how important it is for me -- and my community -- to be an active ally to those do not have the access to jobs, services, and opportunities I -- and we -- enjoy.
Rosalind Spigel, MSOD
Area Director
Philadelphia Jewish Labor Committee
