#2017challenge

[bookblogofadragon]

PopSugar Challenge: 2017

A book about Food: Food Wars!, Vol. 1: Shokugeki no Soma

I know, technically it's a manga, but it's definitely about Food.

[hollievincent-blog1]

Welfare Food Challenge: Quarantine Edition

March 28

Pre-challenge Reflection:

The welfare food challenge was a challenge put on annually to raise a greater awareness about the ridiculously small amount of money that British Columbian welfare recipients have to put towards food. Thus, the challenge was to do just that, eat for a week on only the amount of money that a welfare recipient would have (Gerlings, 2017). As of 2018 the challenge is no longer officially run because the amount of money that a welfare recipient had to put towards food each week in 2018 was less than 6 dollars, 5 dollars and 75 cents to be exact (Raise the Rates, 2018). You will see this later in the post, but this is quite literally a dollar and 25 cents more than I spent on a pound of ground beef. 

This week I will be participating in the Welfare Food Challenge with modification for a college course. For our assignment we are to buy our food for a week with 19-21 dollar. This is the only food we can eat. No freebies, no coupons, no free meals from family or friends. In reality this challenge is nothing compared to what an actual welfare recipient would go through. Individuals on welfare in 2017 prior to the challenge’s cancellation had 19 dollars a week that could be put towards food and this was their life all 52 weeks a year (Gerlings, 2017). Despite my understanding that this will hardly give me a glimpse into the life of a welfare recipient this is a challenge I have been dreading. This provides some insight into my privilege and also into the severity of my coffee addiction as this was the thing, I have been most dreading giving up. 

Despite my reluctance I began the challenge today, March 28th because... well I have to in order to pass the course but also, I know this will be a good learning experience. I began my welfare food challenge by taking a trip to the grocery store, something fairly routine normally, but not right now. With the COVID-19 pandemic this was quite a strange experience and I will be completely straight forward in saying the precautions and steps my mother and I took in grocery shopping would not be feasible for a welfare recipient. Nonetheless I got my groceries from Save On Foods, while also utilizing some of the food we already had and pricing it out, so I wasn’t creating more waste with this challenge. 

What I got at Save On Foods: 

6 Quaker Chewy Granola Bars (not my wisest choice- but I needed something sweet) 

1 head of Broccoli 

3 Gala Apples 

2 lbs of Carrots 

1 Yam 

What I used from my home: 

1 lb of ground beef 

250 grams of rice

2 Lipton chicken noodle soup packets 

My total for all of the items together was $20.17

(I couldn’t find plain chicken noodle which is what I have)

So as I prepare to be hungry for a week here's some food for thought:

Something that I was thinking about throughout the shopping process was how much more frightening this pandemic may be for individuals on welfare. I was nervous to go grocery shopping at this time and I was entirely prepared with two tubs of Clorox wipes, gloves, and ample amounts of hand sanitizer. These are not necessarily precautions that individuals on welfare could afford to take. 

Additionally, I am continually reminded recently of the great impact that this pandemic is having on the food security of people globally as more and more businesses are forced to cut jobs. Some things I have seen are food banks desperately calling for donations as more Canadians are requiring them than ever (Amato, 2020), those already struggling with food insecurity struggling even more as those who are food secure stockpile ridiculous amounts of food leaving those with less income struggling to find any necessities (Gawley, 2020). I also have been thinking of the children who I was in contact with in my community clinical placement who were so often only able to eat meals if the school was providing them. With school closures there is now greater stress on these parents and more children going hungry. PROOF an organization for food security research in Canada believes that 1 in 8 households in Canada are food insecure, this includes over 4 million Canadians and 1.15 million children (PROOF, 2018). These numbers are staggering and frightening at any time but especially during a pandemic when we know they are about to jump. Food insecurity is an issue I am happy to get a greater perspective on and raise awareness for through participation in this challenge. With these numbers in mind I am trying to be less ignorant in my dreading of this challenge after all this is only seven days, not my everyday reality. 

References:

Gawley, K. (2020). COVID-19 pandemic is laying bare weaknesses in Canadian food systems: expert. City News. Retrieved from https://edmonton.citynews.ca/2020/03/25/covid-19-pandemic-is-laying-bare-weaknesses-in-canadian-food-systems-expert/.

Gerlings, K. (2017). 6th Annual welfare food challenge. Welfare Food Challenge. Retrieved from https://welfarefoodchallenge.org/2017challenge/.

PROOF. (2018). Household food insecurity in Canada. PROOF Food Insecurity Policy Research. Retrieved from https://proof.utoronto.ca/food-insecurity/.

Raise the Rates. (2018). Cancelled: 2018 welfare food challenge. Welfare Food Challenge. Retrieved from https://welfarefoodchallenge.org/2018/12/14/cancelled-2018-welfare-food-challenge/.

[spenserstewart-blog]

2020 Welfare Food Challenge

Hi! My name is Spenser. I am both excited and nervous to say that I am going to be attempting the Welfare Food Challenge. This challenge allows you to only spend $21.00 on food for an entire week. According to Gerlings (2017), the monthly rate one individual receives while on welfare is $710.00. After all other expenses, this leaves a person with less than $80.00 per month for food (Gerlings, 2017). That means that each week, an individual on welfare can spend, at most, $21.00 on groceries. Does this seem like a lot of money to you?Imagine spending about $3.00 per day on your food. That would not even cover breakfast! I am pretty aware of the money I spend on groceries weekly, and I can assure you, it is more than $21.00. Dive into this challenge with me! What do you think about this challenge? Do you believe the rate of welfare is fair? 

The whole principle of this challenge is to raise awareness. We want to inform everyone that the monthly rate for welfare is completely unfair and insufficient (Gerlings, 2017). It is not enough money to support an individual’s physical and mental health. There is no room to indulge or spend a little bit extra to buy a treat. Each penny is used wisely, so let’s see how well I spend my pennies.

There are a few rules that you have to follow while doing this challenge. You cannot access food banks or charities; you cannot take food from neighbours or loved ones; and you cannot use food that is already in your pantry (Gerlings, 2017). Things that you never considered, like salt and pepper, cannot be used unless you buy them using your weekly allowance of $21.00.

I initially thought that I would do this challenge to prove a point. I wanted to be able to say that I could do this challenge without cheating, to show that someone really can survive on $21.00 a week for food. As I write this post, my thoughts are changing. I do not want to do this prove anything other than the fact that individuals on welfare cannot live out healthy lives with the amount of money they are given. I want to be someone who informs others about the health disparities going on globally. As I have learned in my Global Health class, countries are working alongside one another to improve health all around the world. This inequity, however, is happening in my country, in my province, even in my city. I want to partner with others and make a difference. I understand this challenge will be difficult; I understand it will test me, but these are the things that make a blog like mine worthy of reading. These are the things that provoke a change in the world. I am ready to struggle every. single. day., but I want this experience so that I can be another voice advocating for peoples’ rights.

I really enjoy cooking and baking, so I am excited to see what this challenge holds for me. I also try to eat fairly healthy as I am a busy nursing student, so I want foods that will energize me and make me feel good. I wonder how difficult that will be with only $21.00. I already have some ideas for the groceries I want to buy because I checked out a flyer from Superstore. They seemed to have the best deals when referring to the foods I wanted.

Here is my original list I went to the store with:

• potatoes, bananas, rice, eggs, lactose-free milk (this is considerably more expensive than regular milk, but my stomach is not forgiving of lactose), sausage, bread, and soup. •

I was actually worried to go to the store because of COVID-19 and the idea that many shelves are bare. I did not want to get to the store, only to find that everything I put on my list was already gone. I figured I would give it a shot and just make adjustments and compromises once I got to the store.

Once I made it to Superstore, the first thing I noticed was a shelf that had absolutely NO soup on it. This was the cheapest item on my list, a meal I would have at lunchtime every day, but it was completely sold out. The next thing I could not find was eggs. This was my breakfast. I honestly started to feel a little bit defeated at this point because these were two huge things on my list that were pretty inexpensive. I could have left the store and remade my list or I could have tried a different store, but I decided to take on this extra challenge. I stood in the store and tried to think of alternatives for the things that I could not find or afford. I made it out of the store with $20.78 less in my bank account, and I was proud of myself. This was my first accomplishment of the challenge, the first thing that would encourage me to keep going. Here is a list of the foods I bought, along with my receipt!

• one can potatoes, a box of couscous, a package of bran muffin mix (which was, thankfully, 30% off), one can of pineapple, one package of frozen mangoes, one box of mac-n-cheese (to satisfy my cravings so that I am not as compelled to cheat), one box of oat milk, six bananas, five sausages, and a package of english muffins. •

• This is a photo of me savouring one last night of feeling satisfied by my meals. I will post one photo for each meal every day with an update of how I am feeling. I am eager to start this challenge and I will likely soon feel eager to finish this challenge. Thank you for following me as I journey through this new experience. I hope this inspires you to attempt the Welfare Food Challenge, so that you too, can provoke change. Wish me luck! Here goes nothing! •

References:

Gerlings, L. (2017). 6th annual welfare food challenge. Retrieved from https://welfarefoodchallenge.org/2017challenge/

[cepsefogah-blog]

It's 365 + half days of BLACKNESS. One more day to go. Agoo to the world, Megborna #Megborna #megborna #agoo #photography #photo #vacation #aquasafari #dhyskirt #cepsefogah #selasi #poetry #poet #ghana #ghanaian #black #blackness #focuseye #2017challenge (at Lakeside Estate)

[ficticious-pages]

Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater - 2017 Read A Book You Have Been Putting Off Challenge

So, my aunt bought me the Wolves of Mercy Falls Trilogy in a box set following the release of the third book. Clearly, I have had this for a while! I read this as part of a challenge and honestly felt like kicking myself for putting it off for so long. 

Shiver is an interesting take on werewolves and how a person shifts into a werewolf/wolf. Shiver was a unique story told in two points of view, Grace, and Sam.

Grace is a likable main character who has been raised (was she really ‘raised’ though) to be very independent. Grace was attacked by the wolves when she was younger, though never turned herself.

Sam is a human who shifts into a wolf, and it was entertaining and interesting watching him fight not to return to his wolf body throughout this story. Sam is into poetry and music, and I loved the way Maggie incorporated this into the story.

This book may have some of the usual cliches. However, I found the main characters likable (which hardly ever happens). Even more surprising, I did not roll my eyes once! 

The ending to this book was fantastic and tied everything up nicely. I don't think this book needed to be a trilogy considering how this book ended, though I will be continuing with the series as I love Maggie's writing as well as this world she has created.

Solid 4.5 out of 5 * and anybody that hasn't picked this up should give it a chance.

[elbarusa]

My last purchase for 2016. The 365 day challenge begins! #365 #confessionsofashopaholic #2017challenge

[bookblogofadragon]

PopSugar Challenge: 2017

A book with a title that's a character name

Marrow by Preston Norton

This was a superhero novel that had some unexpected twists to it. I enjoyed it, but I don't know if I'd read it again.

[ironessa]

On discarding mementos and keepsakes. 😭 Among all the categories discussed in the #KonmariMethod, this brought a little ache in my heart. #doesthissparkjoy #TheLifeChangingMagicOfTidyingUp #MarieKondo #declutteringgoals #decluttering #tidyingup #needvswant #wantvsneed #everythingmustgo #catalysis #changesinmylife #2017challenge #resolutions

[i-am-not-a-cat]

59kg - January 13th

aiming for 55kg.

[smoke-g]

#2017Challenge Let's have more RESPECT 4 yourself & others. #ChallengeYourself 💪🏿 (at Georgia World Congress Center)

[iluhdasnout]

#TyreseChallenge 🕴 #LongPauseChallenge 🏌 #2017Challenge #MannequinChallenge #AlPaca #ShittySituations #CHICFILA #UNFORGIVABLE #ARISTOTLE #PeruvianLeather #RECordingLiVE #fRiGgFunnies #PARTY #ShittySituations #CHECKINN® 👁👃🏾👁 #GRACIÁS 🗣 #PlayDatFREAKY™ 🎈

[cepsefogah-blog]

December is here, The month of my birth, 23 days to go, **************** #December is here, The month where I end the BLACKNESS journey, It’s been 335 and half days of BLACKNESS 30Days more, ******************* Now let them know Megborna #megborna #cepsefogah #december #2017challenge #blackness #allyearround #decemberborn #poetry #poet #shotwithiphone6s (at KNUST)

[yourwakeuporg-blog]

Happy 2017! Let's leave limiting mindsets in 2016. What were you disqualifying yourself from in 2016 because you thought you were not good enough? This year I'm all about focusing and living in my truth. I challenge you to do the same! ❤T More coming soon on www.your-wakeup.com #yourwakeup #positivevibes #knowyourtruth #2017challenge

[caputri]

"If you live an ordinary life, all you will have is ordinary stories..” - Aurora, Passengers Hari ke-25 kemana-mana masih bawa buku nikah.. khawatir kalau tiba-tiba digrebeg, karena disangka bocah pacaran.. wkwk Tiap pagi masih sering bilang "aaa udah nikaaah".. masih gak percaya sama diri sendiri "kok berani-beraninya nikah".. 😌 Masih inget pesen mamah, "sebagai istri, jangan banyak menuntut, sabar dan selalu berikan yg terbaik untuk suami".. juga pesen ibu, "sabar yah, setiap rumah tangga pasti dimulai dari nol.. kalian harus saling mendukung satu sama lain" Bismillah untuk 2017 dan tahun-tahun penuh petualangan selanjutnya :) . . #2017challenge #temenikah #harike25 #burupadanyusul #sapisapibulat #menggelinding #kesanakemari #efeknontonfilm #passengers

[shelbeymurphy-blog]

Preparation - February 23rd, 2020

INTRODUCTION

Hi everyone! My name is Shelbey and I am a second year nursing student who has chosen to participate in this challenge as an assignment for a Global Health course. I have chosen to participate in this challenge because growing up I never had to worry about food insecurity and therefore I am excited (as excited as I can be) to put myself in someone else's shoes for a week.

The Welfare Food Challenge is meant to raise the public awareness of the poverty and food insecurity of those who are on welfare. This organization challenges people to buy groceries for one full week (7 days) using only the money that a welfare recipient would have (Welfare Food Challenge, 2017). The most recent challenge occurred in 2017, and it stated the average budget for food of a welfare recipient is only $18 and this is what I will be documenting throughout the week (Welfare Food Challenge, 2017). On top of this already difficult task, there are some rules: you cannot use food banks, accept food from friends or family, or use any food you already have at home (Welfare Food Challenge, 2017).

I grew up on small farm in central rural Alberta, with my parents, my older sister, and our two dogs. Coming from a middle class family, growing up I never worried about where my next meal was coming from or if my family had enough money to feed our pets. My parents always gave my sister and I what we needed to be healthy and happy. In highschool I was also playing competitive field hockey for team Alberta which taught me the value of eating healthy in order to have your body and mind performing their best. Along the same line, growing up I also suffered from migraines when I was dehydrated, hungry or even when the weather changed significantly. Due to this, my whole life my mother has drilled into me the importance of drinking and eating enough to keep myself from getting sick.

PREPARATION

Deciding when to do this challenge was a big struggle for me because as a nursing student we have a clinical practicum twice a week and it is important to be physically and mentally fit to practice. I came to the conclusion that this week will be the best time for me to participate as I am on a new unit and get two “buddy shifts” for orientation. Therefore, I will not have to take my own patient this week, which is probably for the best (no one wants a hungry nurse). 

When going to the grocery store I had not planned what I wanted to buy, which was probably to blame for the hour and a half I spent wandering around Superstore trying to find what I wanted. I personally have never spent so much time in a grocery store, nor have I ever spent so much time looking at prices and calculating if I had enough money to buy it. Buying groceries has never been so stressful for me because I am lucky enough to be able to ignore the prices of many of my favourite things. However, this time I almost gave myself a headache putting things back on the shelves, walking around the entire store and then walking back twenty minutes later to pick up the exact same thing. Before today, I have never noticed all of the things that I buy just from habit that are right next to "no name" brands of the exact same product that are so much cheaper.

In our Global Health class we once talked about gender equality and we discussed how in developing nations women are still generally expected to take care of the home and the children. Today this really resonated with me as I was buying groceries because I found it hard enough to buy food for myself, I cannot imagine having to find food for my entire family. To further explain, we were all children once and I am willing to bet there was at least one time you went grocery shopping with your parents and you wanted a box of cookies or a treat for yourself and they said no. I cannot imagine having to explain to a child that we simply do not have enough money to buy treats because we have to buy food that will keep us full. 

The picture below shows my weeks worth of groceries that came to the total of $17.62. My thought process while buying these groceries was to go by meal. By that I mean, I settled on eggs and toast for breakfast, pasta with tomato sauce for lunches, and rice with vegetables for dinners. While this may seem like it could become boring, I was going for foods that will make me feel fuller, especially on clinical days, where I will be at the hospital at 6:30 a.m. I also bought apples, bananas, and granola bars to keep me going between meals, because I love to have snacks.

The picture below displays my receipts proving that I did stay under the $18 limit. There are two receipts because after ringing through all the necessities for the week I realized I had another dollar to spend and you bet I was going to spend every dollar possible. Therefore, I spent my money very wisely on the Kit Kat you see above. I also decided to treat myself with 7 "dinosours", one for everyday of the challenge. Yes, I know it seems quite silly to buy a Kit Kat and some candy, but knowing myself and my massive sweet tooth I know that if I did not treat myself at least a little bit I might go slightly crazy. Also, while this may sounds weird, should I get a migraine (knock on wood) sometimes something sweet like chocolate helps it go away a little quicker. While this probably just is a placebo for me, I wanted to be prepared for the worst. 

As the receipt may be hard to read, here is what I purchased:

Quaker Dips Granola Bars (5) - $1.88

Penne - $1.28

Pasta Sauce - $1.28

Jasmine Rice - $2.78

Large Eggs (12) - $2.98

Frozen Vegetables - $2.28

Bananas (4) - $0.89

Apples (5) - $1.74

French Bread - $0.95

DinoSours (12) - $0.52

KitKat - $0.88

THOUGHTS

I am not going to lie, I am quite scared about this week, especially with 8 hour clinical days ahead of me. Once I got back from the grocery store I did some meal prepping for the first four days of this challenge and I have to say it does not look like enough food for me. I know how not eating properly can impact not only the physical abilities of people but also their mental capacity. While I think I have a difficult week ahead of me, I am very excited to experience the food insecurity issues that are happening in our country everyday and I am very determined to get through the week without 'cheating'.

Stay tuned on my progress!

For more information about the Welfare Food Challenge (2017): https://welfarefoodchallenge.org/2017challenge/