While this does not relate to our readings, I feel the need to record an important experience I had while volunteering that the Foodshelf program at the Northfield Community Action Center.
I recently began volunteering for the Foodshelf program, and will continue the Tuesday following Thanksgiving Break. While there, I was occupied with helping patrons collect the amount of food they were entitled to. This was determined by "household size", or the size of a family. I was specifically instructed to say no to requests that exceeded a person's allotment. While there was ample food, and I'm positive that no patrons are going hungry as a result, I reflected on the opposite situation we have here on the hill.
In the Caf, every meal is all-you-can eat. If it's there, you can take as much as you wish, and no one is going to say no. Also, I'm sure the Caf produces a fair amount of waste. I myself am guilty of throwing away food.
One of the freedoms we've discussed in class was FDR's "freedom from want". While at this hill, this need is satiated, more than necessary. While at the Northfield foodshelf, there are more wants than can possibly be met.
I'd like to explore this difference in greater detail.
Paige,
ReplyDeleteWhen Sara Miles, of the food pantry (St. Gregory of Nyssa, SanFrancisco)was at St. Olaf earlier in the term she observed that no matter what the rules are and how closely they are or are not enforced, about 3 % of people will try to cheat. I wonder if the same is somehow true in the Caf?
DeAne