Shallima Maharaj
News Reporter, CTV
Shallima grew up in West Toronto with loving, caring parents who were always adamant that a proper diet was conducive to a healthy, productive childhood. She is an admitted foodie with the “appetite of a trucker” so this challenge will be a particularly significant one for her.
As a CTV news reporter, proper nutrients are essential to keeping her alert and on the pulse of breaking news – this is especially true because of her early mornings.
Shallima decided to tackle this challenge because she has a deep belief that every person deserves an equal opportunity to fulfill his/her dreams and aspirations. Having access to basic nutrition is merely one means of helping to level an otherwise uneven playing field.
CTV Morning Live (6am – 9am, Weekdays)
CTV Saskatoon, News at 6 (6pm – 7pm Weekdays)
Yvonne Tessier
Board Member, Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre and Manager, Long Term Care facility 
Yvonne Tessier has agreed to participate in the Food Basket Challenge. Yvonne is committed to the community. Yvonne is employed as the manager of a long term care facility which is operated by the Saskatoon Health Region. Yvonne also sits on the Board of Directors of the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre. She hopes that by working with the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre she can improve the quality of life of people living in our community, raise awareness of the needs of individuals and families in our community and build strong relationships within our community.
Yvonne is married with four children and lives in Saskatoon. The University of Regina graduate, chose to study Social Work in order to work with communities throughout Saskatchewan.
Says Yvonne ” I am taking the Food Basket Challenge to gain a better understanding of the needs and challenges that individuals encounter when accessing the services at the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre. I think this will provide a great learning experience which I will share during the week.”
Jordal Bzdel
Drama Student, University of Saskatchewan
Jordan Bzdel is a final year Drama student at the University of Saskatchewan. Jordan enjoys a wide variety of extracurricular activities. As a volunteer with Shaw, Jordan films Blades games. Jordan also enjoys running, kickboxing, drawing, playing video games and secretly enjoying a jar of Nutella.
Jordan enjoys visiting other countries and has had the opportunities to witness the beauties of the London high life and the slums of the Jamaican back alleys. Says Jordan “It is very easy to dismiss these problems as exclusive from us while travelling, but the sad reality is that poverty and malnutrition are all around us and not too far from our front door.”
When speaking about the Challenge, Jordan had this to say, “I am usually up for anything, so when I hear the word ‘Challenge’ I naturally accept. When you tack that on with my love for food you’ve got yourself a competitor. However, there is no winner in this game, this is real life. I am honored and more than happy to be part of this experience.
Jordan plans to post video blogs on YouTube and you can also follow his experiences on Twitter @JTheBiz
Jill Smith
Host, CBC News Saskatchewan
Jill Smith hosts CBC News Saskatchewan. Before becoming host of the well-known news program, Jill was employed as both a radio and TV reporter. Jill has always taken a special interest in social issues–telling many stories about homelessness and poverty. She’s excited to take the Food Basket Challenge and hopes that by doing so she will highlight the struggles that many Saskatoon residents face.
But the challenge is also a reminder of Jill’s past. Six years ago, Jill was a full time student of journalism at the University of Regina, a single mom of a one-year old and a social assistant recipient. Jill knows what it’s like to have empty cupboards. She hopes her story and participation in the challenge will serve as an inspiration for others.
CBC News: Saskatchewan at 5 (Weekdays 5pm – 5.30pm)
Dr. John Dosman
Family Physician, Saskatoon and Westside Community Clinic
Dr. John Dosman is a 34 year old family physician who works in both locations of the Saskatoon Community Clinic, where he practices general family medicine and obstetrics.
Dr. Dosman was born and raised in Saskatoon. A graduate of the University of Alberta and University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine, Dr. Dosman completed his degree in Conservation Biology in 2003 and the went on to complete his Medical Degree in 2009. He carried out his family medicine training in Prince Albert/ Meadow Lake and Ile-a-la-Crosse, the proud Saskatchewan native explains that you “Can’t spell paradise without P.A.”
Dr. Dosman is involved in a number of activities, including promoting bicycling and active transportation in Saskatoon. He also enjoys outdoor adventure pursuits and backpacking around different countries.
Dr. Dosman explains “ I have become a bit of a foodie over the past few years and being a single guy I often eat out for lunch and dinner, and when I cook I don’t budget much and just grab whatever I want at the grocery store, so I anticipate the Food Basket Challenge will be sobering and quite a departure from my usual diet!”
Jonathan Huntington
Manager of Community Investment, Cameco
Jonathan Huntington, Cameco’s Manager of Community Invetment is proud to annouce his participation in the Saskatoon Food Basket Challenge.
A proud Saskatchewan native, Jonathan is involved in several community projects, including the United Way, 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup, Dress For Success and Cameco Touchdown For Dreams.
Jonathan lives in Saskatoon with his wife and two young daughters.
Says Jonathan,” Cameco and its employees want to make a difference in our community. I am excited to take the challenge and learn more about the Saskatoon Food Bank.”
Jared Brown
Student Union President, University of Saskatchewan
Jared Brown, current student president at the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union (USSU) has announced his participation in the Food Basket Challenge. Jared is the first aboriginal student to be elected president of USSU.
Although he is a strong advocate for aboriginal students, he is trying his best not to let the fact that he is aboriginal define his term of office and endeavors to represent all students.
The Saskatoon resident has some understanding of the work of the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre, in the past he volunteered at the Food Bank. He used his experience there to inform an article he wrote about Food Banks in Canada. It was while volunteering there that Jared deepened his understanding of the reality that many Saskatoonians face.
When speaking about the challenge Jared had this to say ‘I am proud to participat in the Food Basket Challenge and shed light on the poverty in our community’
Dave Chartier
Owner, Bridge City Auto
Dave Chartier, owner of Bridge City Auto, has thrown his stick into the game! Dave, a long time hockey supporter, is committed to building community. Former Blades captain and current managing partner of the Blazers AAA Midget program, Dave’s commitment to Saskatoon will bring the issues of poverty and hunger to the forefront, as he participates in the Food Basket Challenge.
Dave works quietly but passionately behind the scenes to support many initiatives in the city. His strong ties to both the Children’s Hospital and Choclacure have not only impacted hundreds of lives, but have also inspired others to make a difference. Of all of his many accomplishments, Dave is probably best known for his humble approach to philanthropy and his big heart.
Born and raised in Saskatoon, Dave lives with his wife Joanne and their three children. He is looking forward to helping Halie (18), Caylen (15) and Jake (13) understand not only the realities of living on a food basket diet, but also, issues surrounding poverty and the opportunities they have to be part of a solution.
Zeba Ahmad
Business Development Executive, Ernst & Young
Zeba Ahmad is a prominent leader in Saskatoon’s philanthropic, business and health sectors. The Governor General’s Caring Canadian recipient has donated much of her time to a number of Saskatoon charities, many of which focus on youth, health and women’s issues. Her efforts have helped to raise millions of dollars toward the purchase of new hospital equipment at Royal University Hospital and St Paul’s Hospital.
Zeba started her career as a pharmacist and held a number of positions within the hospital and retail sector, she was also employed as an assistant professor at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan.
In recent years Zeba’s career has taken an exciting twist, Zeba has decided to utilize her extensive talents in the business sector. She is the newly appointed Business Development Executive with Ernst and Young. Zeba’s passion for the philanthropic sector complements Ernst and Young’s commitment to corporate responsibility.
Zeba is looking forward to raising awareness of poverty in Saskatoon through her participation in the Food Basket Challenge. She also hopes to use her background in science to help explore and understand the impact taking the Food Basket Challenge has on one’s body.
Nicole White
Executive Coordinator, AIDS Saskatoon
Originally from Moose Jaw, Nicole first arrived in Saskatoon in 1995 to start school at the University of Saskatchewan. Nicole is committed to creating a more inclusive, diverse, socially conscious community where everyone is welcome. Nicole’s commitment to social justice, activism and holistic sense of health has motivated her to pursue a career in AIDS Saskatoon.
Currently AIDS Saskatoon’s Executive Coordinator, Nicole has previously worked as a reporter in rural Saskatchewan and with a variety of non-profit organizations, including as a Program Manager for the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association and the University of Saskatchewan Students Union. She is involved with numerous committees and Boards, including Quint Development Corporation which supports local affordable housing.
Every day, Nicole witnesses the social disparities in her community and is profoundly motivated about participating in the Food Basket Challenge. “With Saskatoon in the throes of an HIV/AIDS epidemic, nutrition is an important part of treatment and care.” Says Nicole.
“When I took this job, I think I understood poverty in an academic sense. Four years in, I have a greater sense of my own personal privilege and the vast disconnect that we see in our community. Too many folks don’t know how many individuals of all ages are dealing [with] homelessness and poverty in their own community. I need a reminder myself, of what kind of struggle individuals are seeing on a daily basis just to get their families fed….[I am] extremely honoured to be participating in this year’s Food Basket Challenge. “
High Hopes
Joel & Casey
High Hopes is a pop punk duo that formed in early August 2011. Although they have been together for little over a year, they have made a big splash in the music industry and have a large following. The successful Saskatchewan band has 11k Facebook likes, been featured on countless webzines and were featured in an article by the international magazine, ‘Alternative Press’. The band are currently on their second tour of Canada, they then plan to start work on their debut EP ‘Funeral’, which is scheduled for release in January 2013.
“Living as starving artists is far from easy. On tour, a warm meal usually consists of boiled water from Tim Hortons and Ichiban noodles. After volunteering at the Saskatoon food bank, and seeing numerous people ‘pick and choose’ what they wanted, I was fed up and refused to volunteer again. It can sometimes be frustrating to think that we have to work 40 hours a week at jobs to live off of Ichiban and boiled water while these people are picking and choosing what food suits their appetite. We are looking at this experience as a chance to see it from the other side. I know we are both looking forward to this experience as the challenge takes place right after an extensive tour for us. We are both curious to see if we eat better off the ichiban or the food basket.” says High Hopes
Follow High Hopes as they take the challenge;
www.facebook.com/highhopesmusic
www.twitter.com/highhopesmusic
www.youtube.com/officialhighhopes
Lisa Dutton & Kevin Stanfield
Hosts, The Morning News – Global Saskatoon
Lisa and Kevin are the hosts of Saskatoon’s number one morning news program… The Morning News on Global Saskatoon.
Lisa Dutton was born and raised in Saskatchewan. From her roots in small town radio, to years of reporting and experience on the anchor desk… Lisa loves being in the thick of things.
An Ontario native, Kevin Stanfield has worked in northern BC as well as high in the skies over Toronto as a traffic reporter. He is now happy to call Saskatoon as his home.
Monday to Friday, Lisa and Kevin wake up the people of Saskatoon with the days news and weather. Filling out the 3 hour program are live segments and interviews showcasing local businesses, organizations and individuals. Many days, these stories celebrate success, but The Morning News also covers the harsh realities many Saskatoonians experience.
Says Lisa and Kevin, “We are two very lucky people who have never had the opportunity to see it from the other side. The Food Basket Challenge will help enhance our perspective of just how difficult it can be to live in poverty. We look forward to sharing our experience with our viewers.”
Follow Lisa and Kevin as they embark on The Food Basket Challenge!
Global Saskatoon Morning News (weekdays 6 – 9am)
View Kevin’s Posts >>
Renee Kohlman
Chef & Food Blogger with www.sweetsugarbean.com
Renee Kohlman is a local chef and food blog with www.sweetsugarbean.com. When not whipping up wonderful creations in her kitchen, Renee can be found in her garden, admiring her cabbages and smelling the sweet peas.
As a chef Renee will offer a unique perspective on the food bank diet and the impact that living in poverty has on one’s ability to provide healthy meals.
Says Renee “I love to grow my own food (and eat it!) and I’m really curious to see how I will handle the Food Basket Challenge. Will my skills as a chef help me, I’m not sure.”
Bill & Susan Brooks
Educators & Founding Partners, Eclethink
Bill and Susan Brooks are the dynamic team behind eclecthink, a resource for companies who want to integrate creativity and innovation into their everyday operations.
Susan Brooks is an educator and a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan. In her varied career Susan has been employed as a teacher in the Academically Talented program in the Saskatoon Public School System and she is currently employed as a lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan. Susan’s accomplishments with Saskatoon Public School System led to her being awarded a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in Science, Technology and Mathematics.
Bill Brooks, or Dr Space as he is known to a generation of elementary school kids, has worked in supervisory, management and executive positions in a wide variety of industries ranging from Aerospace, Mining, and Scientific Instrumentation Development to a non-profit Science Centre. Both his degrees are in Physics from the University of Saskatchewan. In his managerial positions he has developed a keen sense of the role creative and productive thinking can play in organizations of any size. His efforts in science advocacy led to his being awarded the Michael Smith Award for Science and Technology Promotion from Industry Canada and local Educator of Distinction Award.
“We have lots of questions about how people cope with hunger and poverty and we are hoping to get a glimpse into the physical and emotional effects of living with a lot less food then we are accustom to.” says Bill and Susan Brooks.
View Bill and Susan Brooks’ Posts >>
Dr. Julie Kryzanowski
Deputy Medical Health Officer, Saskatoon Health Region
Dr. Julie Kryzanowski is a Deputy Medical Health Officer for the Saskatoon Health Region. She received her medical degree from Queen’s University and completed her fellowship in the specialty of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at the University of Calgary. Born in Humboldt, Julie is pleased to make her home again in Saskatchewan.
As a co-chair of the Saskatoon Poverty Reduction Partnership, she is keenly aware of the links between poverty, food insecurity and poor health. “Food insecurity is a growing problem across Canada,” she says, “and when certain disadvantaged groups of people have poorer health than the rest of us, we are all affected. Such inequities limit our potential as individuals and as a community. The good news is, we can work together to change this.”
Julie is looking forward to the Food Basket Challenge to raise awareness and deepen her own understanding of the difficult choices many people face to provide food for themselves and their families.
Heather Morrison
Drive Home Host, Magic 98.3
Heather is the drive home host on Magic 98.3. Heather trained at the University of Saskatchewan and worked across the province as an actress until she serendipitously fell into a career in radio. Proud to have been born and raised in Saskatoon, Heather is very much involved in her community. She volunteer hosts at CFCR, is a board member for the Broadway Theatre, teaches drama at Persephone Theatre and still acts whenever she gets the chance.
The challenge is something that Heather has wanted to do for a long time.
“As someone who works in the entertainment industry, I am often concerned about my weight. And it’s always haunted me that as I struggle against an overabundance of food, there people that are starving,” says Heather.
“I expect this [the challenge] to be more difficult than I can possibly imagine. I expect I am going to be really uncomfortable with the discoveries I make. And that’s why I need to do it.”
Through sharing this experience with her listeners, Heather hopes that they will learn together about hunger and other effects of poverty. As someone who is gluten and lactose intolerant, Heather will highlight the added difficulty that people with dietary restrictions face.
You can follow Heather’s progress on twitter: @heather_mo
Deborah Bryson-Sarauer
Executive Director, Family Service Saskatoon
Deborah Bryson-Sarauer is the Executive Director of Family Service Saskatoon, a community-based agency with over 80 years’ experience of meeting the needs of the citizens of Saskatoon; strengthening people, nurturing relationships and building communities.
Originally from Northern Ontario, Deborah first arrived in Saskatchewan in 1964. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Regina, and a Masters in Social Work from Dalhousie University.
Deborah has had a varied career. Before becoming Executive Director, Deborah was the Assistant Director at Family Service Saskatoon and a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Regina – Saskatoon Campus. She also worked for the Saskatoon Health Region on a community based mental health team in Humboldt and was the Dean at St. Peter’s College in Muenster. She volunteers for the Schizophrenia Society and has volunteered for a number of organizations over the years.
Deborah splits her time between Saskatoon and Humboldt where her husband manages the family farm. She strongly believes in the importance of family.
Deborah looks forward to the Food Basket Challenge as a way to bring awareness to the needs of Family Service Saskatoon’s many clients. Deborah has celiac disease, which means she must maintain a gluten-free diet. This will undoubtedly make her experience in the Food Basket Challenge an interesting one. Family Service Saskatoon staff members plan to support her efforts by taking part in the Food Basket Challenge at the office.
Bishop Donald Bolen
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
Bishop Donald Bolen is no stranger to Saskatchewan. Before he was ordained as Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon on March 25, 2012, he had worked in Regina at a parish and diocese level and taught at Campion College, in the University of Regina’s, Department of Religious Studies.
For seven years Bishop Bolen was assigned to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity in Rome. While there he acted as the Vatican’s officer for relations with the Anglican Communion and the World Methodist Council. Bishop Bolen has written numerous articles in the field of ecumenical relations, and has delivered lectures on ecumenical relations in Canada and abroad. He recently collaborated with stained glass artist Sarah Hall on the book ‘Transfiguring Prairie Skies’.
As Bishop, he has enjoyed working with and getting to know the people and organizations of the Saskatoon community and of the 96 parishes in the diocese.
‘In the face of hunger and poverty, all those of good will are challenged to work together to help alleviate suffering, as well as to bring about a just and caring society.’ Says Bishop Bolen, ‘The Food Basket Challenge is a creative and thought-provoking project that raises awareness about the debilitating effects of hunger upon the human spirit. The Saskatoon Health Region continues to provide inspiring leadership in its efforts to address the reality of poverty in our community and what we can do about it. I am delighted to be a participant in this year’s event.’
Faith Rowland
Corporate Account Manager, Canadian Diabetes Association
An Alumni of the U of S, Faith has Rowland has called Saskatoon home for the last 12 years. As a Corporate Account Manager with the Canadian Diabetes Association, Faith assists the business community to increase diabetes awareness within the workplace and encourages corporate support in the fight against diabetes.
Faith was diagnosed with diabetes in October, 2011. Since that time she has gained a greater understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by over 80,000 Saskatchewan residents living with diabetes, she is still learning how to make healthy food and lifestyle choices. An avid cook and gardener, Faith is thankful for the daily knowledge and support she is able to access through the Association and recognizes that many people living with a chronic condition do not have this same level of support.
Faith is a committed volunteer who supports organizations and programs that help to build opportunities for families, children and youth. She has always been sensitive to issues around food security, recognizing that while Saskatchewan produces food to feed nations, many Saskatchewan residents do not have adequate access to healthy and nutritious foods. She hopes that through participation in the Food Basket Challenge she will raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by people who are trying to balance living with a chronic condition and life on a marginal budget.
Pat Cook
Vice-President of Corporate Affairs, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority
Patricia Cook is one of Saskatchewan’s most visible First Nations leaders. A natural leader, Patricia has held a number of leadership roles in her remarkable career. She is currently serving as Vice-President of Corporate Affairs with the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) and she has also held positions with Tourism Saskatchewan and the Prince Albert Grand Council. Patricia is committed to making strides for the many First Nations people she represents in both corporate and volunteer roles.
As Vice-President of Corporate Affairs with the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), Patricia ensures SIGA is a socially-responsible corporate citizen that supports numerous community initiatives. SIGA has a strong connection to the community. SIGA’s community relations sponsorship program provides a $1.3M annual investment into charitable and non-profit based organizations in Saskatchewan.
Once again, Patricia is leading the way, this time by accepting the Food Basket Challenge. SIGA’s commitment to community, coupled with Patricia’s commitment to social responsibility has brought about her acceptance of the Food Basket Challenge. By doing so, Patricia hopes to instigate a conversation about food security and poverty in our community.
Jump to a Profile (in Alphabetical Order by Last Name):
Toby & Sasha
Morning Show Hosts, Wired 96.3 FM
Toby grew up in Red Deer Alberta and has bounced between Manitoba and Alberta the past two and a half years in his radio career. All that moving around has come to an end as he is happy to call Saskatoon his new home. He is excited and flattered to be asked to participate in the Food Bank Challenge and help bring awareness to such a great and important cause.
As a broadcaster he will be able to share his experiences live about how the diet is affecting him and how families across Saskatoon rely on this food just to make it day to day.
Sasha moved to Saskatoon last September from Grande Prairie, Alberta. In her 5 years in radio she has learned the importance of connecting with the community. The Food Basket Challenge is an excellent opportunity for her to learn about poverty issues in the City of Saskatoon. Coming from a family of athletes, personal trainers and Phys. Ed. teachers, Sasha has always been well informed of the benefits of eating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“I’ve gone through brief times in my life where I didn’t have the means to eat properly and I quickly saw the effects it had on my overall health,” says Sasha, “I can’t imagine going through that on a consistent, daily basis.”
The Food Basket Challenge will give Sasha the opportunity to see what it is like to live off of very little food and money for one week. That will only be the tip of the iceberg in seeing what people who use the food bank go through every day. Sasha is looking forward to sharing her experiences with the Wired 96.3 listeners and the community.
Lorne Molleken
Head Coach, Saskatoon Blades
As head coach of the Saskatoon Blades, Lorne Molleken understands the importance of nutrition and access to good food. A Regina native, Lorne has enjoyed a long career in professional hockey. Prior to becoming a coach Lorne played in the WHL as a goaltender with the Swift Current/Lethbridge Broncos and the now defunct Winnipeg Clubs. In 1991, Lorne began his successful coaching career. The 51-year old has been a head coach with the Chicago Blackhawks as well as an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Blackhawks. Lorne joined the coaching staff of the Saskatoon Blades from 1991 to 1994, twice leading them to the WHL finals. He was named WHL Coach of the Year in 1994 compiling the best winning percentage in Blades coaching history at .591. He was also a finalist for coach of the year honours in 1992. Lorne re-joined the Blades staff in 2004 and has remained head coach to this day.
As an athlete Lorne will offer a unique perspective on the physical effects of the food bank diet and the impact that living in poverty has on one’s ability to stay focused and physically healthy.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of taking part in the Food Basket Challenge,” says Lorne. “So many people in our city, province and country don’t have the luxury of getting three square meals per day. I think it’s an unfortunate reality and it’s important to raise awareness about the issues at hand and help those who need it most.”
View all posts by date: Thursday, Sept. 13 | Friday, Sept. 14 | Saturday Sept. 15 | Sunday, Sept. 16 | Monday, Sept. 17 | Tuesday, Sept. 18 | Wednesday, Sept. 19
September 15, 2012 at 2:03 pm
In Jan. our son was dx with Type 1 Diabetes. It was a very steep learning curve for our family. We soon realized that diabetes is complicated, unpredictable and honestly at times mystifying. Blood Glucose is affected by everything it seems. Some days if feels much like carrying an egg on a spoon, always balancing and adjusting so you keep that delicate egg safe.
Our family has often talked about the many things diabetes requires of the person that is dx and the people supporting them. Diabetes requires a lot of time and effort: shots, finger pokes, planning, re-planning, adjusting, monitoring, waiting (waiting for blood sugar to come down), hurry up (attending to low blood sugar) and on the list can go. It can be exhausting. There is always something new each day it seems. We used to eat whatever we wanted and whenever it fit into our busy schedules. Boy has that changed. We tried to eat quite healthy but we certainly weren’t very deliberate about our choices. Counting carbs… never crossed our minds. Fast or slow carbs…not that either. Percentage of carb, protein and fibre that helps with both stabilizing and maintaining healthy blood glucose levels…certainly was not even remotely on our radar.
With all that said, I can’t imagine having to deal with all that diabetes forces upon you while being faced with food insecurity. The challenge of providing fresh, healthy and adequate food on a very limited budget adds another layer of difficulty to an already challenging disease. The stress alone would negatively affect every aspect of a person’s health, and with diabetes the impact is far reaching. Prolonged high/low blood sugars cause serious long term complications.
This challenge has caused me to really think about being in the position of needing to access the food bank. To have to pick up a food basket once a week and then plan meals and snacks for a diabetic child…it honestly makes makes my heart sink. Not being able to go into my fridge or snack drawer and give my child what he needs is incredibly sobering! $5 to spend at the grocery store…his Dex tablets, used for treating lows, would take that $5 and more. Food is medicine for diabetics. There is a very delicate balance between insulin and food. How much, which foods, when food is eaten….that’s a tall order when you have limited resources. This food challenge brings awareness to what personal privilege provides and in stark contrast the very real struggles individuals experience on a daily basis just to get their families fed. The discussion about food insecurity related to poverty is essential.
September 17, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Michelle, thanks for sharing your thoughts on food security while living with a chronic condition. I was really nervous about this challenge and how I would handle my diabetes. it has been a real learning experience. Trying to balance meds and carbs and stress has become a full-time job. I have said on more than one occaision that I don’t know how someone insulin dependant would do it. i have the luxury of testing 10X per day. That is not reality for people living on a tight budget. It would be terrifying. That is just one level of concern when I think about my diet for this week. When I think about the long-term implications of drastically fluctuating BG levels, the high sodium in many of the foods I am eating and the lethargy that makes exercise difficult, I realize why we talk so much about the dangerous, long-term complications that are so much more prevalent in segments of our society.
I will be posting a graphical look at my BG levels towards the end of the challenge. It is already looking really interesting. I have managed to control the spike somewhat over the week but there is no way I would be able to do that over the long term.
Anyway, thanks for following the Challenge!
Faith
September 16, 2012 at 12:48 pm
It should be manditory for all politicians, to take this challenge for at least 6 months. They need to understand the ramifications of poverty.
September 19, 2012 at 4:31 pm
Where is John Gormley? Any Rawlco Newstalk (the propoganda arm of the Sask Party) people here? For that matter are there any Sask Party politicians here? Brad Wall? Minister of social services. How about Kelly Block or Maurice Vellacott? Oh yea! All much to important for the poor.
September 21, 2012 at 8:48 am
In response to some of the question about we want to mention that last year’s Food Basket Challenge featured media personalities Whitney Graves (from Rock 102), Brenna Temple (the producer of the John Gormley Show on Rawlco Radio), Ann Foster (host at CFCR Radio) and Curtis Anderson (Host at Shaw TV). You can click here to read the blogs from last year.
Politicians and elected officials were not invited to participate in the Food Basket Challenge. You can read about our reasons on “Where are the Politicians?”