Michael Staples’ article of several weeks ago, “Salvation Army’s Food Store allows clients to go ‘shopping’”, provides valuable insight into the lives of those who avail themselves of the services of the Salvation Army and other such agencies of care and support.
Adding a level of dignity, the food insecure are able to prepare their own food boxes, eliminating a lot of waste while saving money in the long term. ‘One-size fits all’ doesn’t work when delivering ‘social services’ like food/nutritional support to the at risk who are not always able to afford to eat as well as they should to stay healthy.
Whenever I read about various agencies that provide social services supports to those who are disadvantaged by life circumstances, I find myself thinking of ways that we and they could be even more helpful. One thing that struck me from the outset was the notion that having clients choose their own food from a grocery store like environment would ensure they select what they like, which would eliminate waste, concurrently saving money. Turns out that is what motiviated the Salvation Army to go that route.
Research shows that people who visit food banks have high rates of food-related health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. Therefore, it is critical that the "charitable" food provided should be of high nutritional quality.
The person first approach reduces cost and waste as food bank dollars are spent on items that will be eaten and not thrown away. The ‘sameness’ factor is eliminated; one size fits all food boxes is not effective use of time and money if client doesn’t want or need the item. Given that, labour costs at food banks are reduced as volunteer resources get acquainted with clients and get a better handle on just what their needs are and how shelves cans be stocked with items that focus on health and wellness. As food banks revamp communication style with clients they can then take that process into consultation with suppliers who will then know what is needed and how they can procur it at the least possible cost. Communication with donation providers allows a seamless transition from ‘one for all’ to ‘variety is the spice of life’.
Local farmers routinely contribute to food banks. Milk and meat are not cheap so food banks aren’t able to purchase a lot of it. Protein rich foods are critical to health and in partnering with local farms, client choice food banks will appreciate over time, that clients are getting healthier as nutrition improves. It’s a win-win in the the final analysis.
A surprising number of people simply don’t know how to cook, to plan a menu, prepare a budget or choose wisely at the grocery store. Those are skills that have been under-utilized, which is a tragedy, particularly in these currently economically stressed times. Living well skill sets could be enhanced with something as simple as recipe cards slipped into food boxes. Or, go big and bold — organize recipe books. Years ago, churches had cookbooks available to raise funds for various projects. Perhaps the time has come to revisit that scheme to improve the quality of life for those who need a little bit of help and encouragement.
The old adage ‘you don’t get if you don’t ask’ is a truism. Those of us who’ve spent decades honing our domestic goddess/god skills have much to offer with regard to the ‘how to’ of meal prep, particularly on a budget.
At the local level, to expand community services, perhaps vacant buildings could be donated and converted to accommodate services of food distribution to more people and reduce the stress on existing food banks.
It’s vital that we don’t insult the food insecure by scrutinizing their choices at food banks and other such venues that provide nutritional bumping up to families who struggle. Client choice food banks is a way for those very recipients to improve their own lot in life, over time, and ultimately become a contributor to the process of giving back. The whole exercise becomes a self-esteem building mechanism.
Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with Miss Lexie, a rambunctious Maltese and Mr. Malcolm, the boisterous Havanese. She can be reached via email at carmacrockwell@xplornet.ca
This is a great idea and the one we use here in Saint Andrews for our food insecure.
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