It was with great nervousness and a bit of excitement that I picked up my food basket tonight. It felt really odd to go to the reception window and apply for my food basket and be told that my form would be on file for next time I need to access the food bank. What if this was the highlight of my two week diet?
I have to admit I am rather relieved now that I have the basket. I can definitely work with what I was given and I am hoping that I make out alright. I think the first few days will be okay. There are some fresh fruit and veggies, but, I think it will get more and more challenging as the days go on. A couple of the other participants are on a gluten free diet; I am glad that isn’t me. I was able to make two excellent trades though! I really hate mustard and my gluten free neighbour loves it. I traded the mustard for an extra box of dumplings. SCORE! The basket has quite enough carbs, so, I traded her my three cobs of corn for a second package of sausage. The trades were great, however, they only happened because I knew this person and felt comfortable dickering with her. What if I knew no one to trade with?
Tonight I am heading to the store to see what my $5 will get me. My game plan has changed again. I need more veggies in order to make a couple of passable soups. I think that soup is the way to go! I’ll check in the morning to tell you what I was able to buy and what I have selected for my 5 pantry items.
September 12, 2012 at 11:30 pm
Good luck Faith! I’m looking forward to following your blog as you do this challenge! I’m sure you’ll come up with some delicious meals. Make sure you put a piece of paper towel down on top of your lettuce after you open it. It absorbs any moisture and makes it last longer!
September 13, 2012 at 10:43 am
Good luck, Faith! It’s to your advantage that you know how to cook. From Darren’s cooking class, lots of people lack basic cooking knowledge. Thanks to our Moms & all the fantastic people who helped us learn to feed ourselves!
Your basket looks good, but sparse if you think of it for a week. And we all know that $5 doesn’t go very far at the grocery store. I am looking forward to following your blog!