2 Days Till Spring Break...

...Not like I am counting or anything.

Many months ago (when snow wasn't all over the place) I signed up to go on an alternative spring break trip -- to Oklahoma. I have been looking forward to this trip for months! Travel and community service are my two favorite things to do.

Some of the highlights of our trip include:
Visit Oklahoma City Murrah Building Bombing Memorial
A drive through Moore Oklahoma (the city where the tornado damage occurred)
5 days of volunteering in Oklahoma
Disaster Response Panel
Evening out in Oklahoma
Reflection/Debriefing throughout the week
Dinner with Oklahoma community members
...and so much more!

I have never participated in this type of trip before, but have always dreamed of taking part in an alternative break trip.

One aspect of the trip I am most looking forward to is, meeting individuals who were affected by the tornado; and hearing each person's story. I'm excited to be able to lend a helping hand for a few days, supporting and assisting the Oklahoma community.

What are you doing over spring break?

**This blog post is also published on my other blog -- it was originally published here.

New Food Labels?

Over the course of the week, I have run across a handful of articles that relate to our class topics.  

See The Photos Of What Death Row Inmates Requested As Their Last Meals

Does This Mean I Can Eat More? New Food Label Questions, Answered

Man of Steel: How a Kosher Slaughterer Turned Knife-Making Into an Art

I also decided to create my own personal blog.


Thought I would share these links before we all leave for spring break.

Um...I Went to a Slaughterhouse...

In ENGL 1100, we are currently reading The Jungle. In various parts, the book references a slaughterhouse.

So, I went to a slaughterhouse. 

Yes, a real one. 

Yes, we have one in Michigan. 

Yes, I was freaked out. 

Yes, it was an interesting learning experience. 

I started this blog post half a dozen times. I am still processing the experience...

First off, I could NEVER EVER work in a slaughterhouse. 

Second, I don't understand how anyone could ever work in a slaughterhouse.

I was (pleasantly) surprised to see that the slaughterhouse is much more humane then I had thought.
I was shocked by how young the workers are.
The employees were all starring at us, pointing, and laughing; I was surprised by this since we were told they have tours come, throughout the year. They probably couldn't believe we were all so freaked out...
At one point, I felt like we were in the movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Seeing so many USDA employees throughout the factory was a little more reassuring.
The hardest part was seeing the cows literally walk into there own deaths. 

It literally felt like we were in the movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

*I apologize this post is so unorganized, as you can tell, I am still processing this experience; and trying to get my thoughts down.

The Meat Racket

This morning my dad sent me an email with the link to the new book, The Meat Racket… the secret takeover of America’s food business. The book and radio excerpt can be found, here. It goes along with what we have been talking about, throughout the semester,

Immigrants

After reading a section of The Jungle, it prompted me to do some additional research on immigrants and Chicago. I came upon the ICIRR (Illinois Coalition For Immigrant And Refugee Rights). I was unaware that (to this day) immigrants in the Illinois area are represented.

The ICIRR has about a dozen programs; additionally they have a few campaigns that they run. ICIRR works to promote "the right of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society."

Once I found the ICIRR, I researched to see if Michigan had a similar organization. I found the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center.

Until I did this research, and read the multiple assigned readings, I was unaware of the migrant worker / immigrant population. I can't even imagine how it would be, to work as a migrant worker. Just through the readings, I was shocked to learn the harsh conditions that exist for the hard workers.  

How much food could be rescued if college dining halls saved their leftovers?

The Food Recovery Network states that: over three years, more than 200,000 pounds could be rescued if college dining halls saved their leftover.

This afternoon I was sent the link: "This Guy Was Shocked At The Amount Of Food His College Cafeteria Threw Away. So He Did Something." I then watched the video that follows the story; "Meet the College Student Who's Turning Campus Leftovers Into Meals for Thousands of Hungry Neighbors." I encourage you all to watch it. Watching it, made me think even more, how food waste is an issue. I know a handful of us are meeting tomorrow morning, before class, to talk about how we want to respond to / support Loaves and Fishes. The above story was also featured on people.com. The organization is called Food Recovery Network. Two chapters are located in Michigan; Alma and U of M. It would be awesome if we were able to start a chapter on WMU's campus... 

A Day in the Life of a Migrant Worker

When reading Cajas de Cartón by Francisco Jiménez, I found out that the story follows migrant workers. Francisco Jiménez, is a migrant worker, from Mexico that emigrates to California with his family. In the beginning of the story, it recalls the strawberry picking season. 

   

On May 3, 2013, the Los Angeles Times wrote an article titled: A day in the strawberry fields seems like forever. Similar to Cajas de Cartón, the Los Angeles Times article follows Elvia Lopez, a migrant worker; immigrant from California.

Throughout both of the articles, Francisco Jiménez and Elvia Lopez struggle to keep up with the intense work. Through pain and hard work they both preserve, in hope for a "better life."

One of Elvia Lopez fellow migrant workers, Domingo Suarez; was quoted saying his largest struggle: "I had to pay the coyote who brought me here. I had to pay rent, for food. I have to take care of my family. I have to send money to my parents in Mexico." Francisco Jiménez largest struggle was knowing that Roberto wouldn't get to attend school; "He was not going to school today. He was not going tomorrow, or next week, or next week, or next month. He would not go until the cotton season was over, and that was sometimes in February."

Reading about the struggles that Francisco and Elvia went through, I have really thought about the process of some of the food we eat. For example, when we eat strawberries do we have them because a migrant worker risked his/her life for us?

Only Eat Chocolate For The Rest Of Your Life

You should only eat chocolate for the rest of your life:

Eat foods that are:

covered in chocolate,

you will not even vomit.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life. 

Onion dipped in chocolate is a good choice for you,

or if you don't agree eat fondue.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Jalapeños covered in chocolate is also a way,

to get your fill of vegetables; eat away.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

What is that you say? 

You don't like the food choices in your café?

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

You say you want to see, more;

chocolate food, such as chocolate ice tea.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Chocolate covered, strawberries, pretzels, bacon and more,

I mean, what more could you ask for?

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Chocolate covered, almonds, apples, and crickets too,

please don't tell me that you would prefer cheese fondue.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Chocolate for breakfast, lunch, dinner,

you will soon become the chocolate winner.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

So you say you are sick and need a doctor,

they will give you a chocolate IV and say to drink some water.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Once you do so, you will feel better,

it is all stated in the get-well-soon letter.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Don't forget to make good (chocolate) choices each day,

clear your pantries and make way.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

It will become apart of your life,

as well as the most important tool, your chocolate knife.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Before you know it,

you will carry a chocolate first-aid kit.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

You will walk on chocolate steps,

it is now time to become aware and accept.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

This is the best life-style

go gather your chocolate to compile.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Be aware of your chocolate choices,

be sure to teach others this, with your voices.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

*The above is a satire - in relation to the food industry.

Guatemala & Malnutrition

Guatemala, is located in Central America; surrounded by Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, the Caribbean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.

According to the World Food Programme: Guatemala has the fourth highest rate of chronic malnutrition in the world.

Malnutrition causes the individual to have a challenge within ones body; such as, growing and fighting off disease. These effects can have further effects on the individual -- physical work, learning, providing for children, etc...

Malnutrition consists of a combination, getting enough food / the right sort of food. It is important to have the essential nutrients (vitamins & minerals) from conception - 2 years old.

The article Guatemala's malnutrition crisis, goes into further detail about the issue of malnutrition. It was sad to read that these children represent, "the worst rates of chronic malnutrition in the world." The article also states that: "the problem is not a lack of food, but a lack of the right kind of food, with enough protein and micronutrients to keep children healthy."

Satire Is Everywhere

Here are the links to the articles I was talked about in class today; Olympics Satire.

The Daily Currant is a satire "news source," similar to The Onion. On February 8th, The Daily Currant posted an article titled: Man Responsible For Olympic Ring Mishap Found Dead In Sochi. This article has been shared among social media more than 21.1K times! Many individuals -- including myself -- fell for this hoax.

What wasn't shared vastly among social media, was the reports that the "article" is a satire. One of the few truths from this incident, is that (as the above picture shows) not all the snowflake rings, appeared as they were to.

Did you too fall for this?

"Infant's flesh will be in season throughout the year"

When reading A Modest Proposal, written by Jonathan Swift; I was shocked to learn what the excerpt is about; in the relation to food. "For preventing the children of poor people in Ireland, from being a burden on their parents or country, and for making them beneficial to the public." 

I am curious to know what type of interaction(s) (if any), Jonathan Swift had with children. He did not speak fondly of them; "Infant's fleshwill be in season throughout the year, but more plentiful in March, and alittle before and after; for we are told by a grave author, an eminent Frenchphysician, that fish being a prolifick dyet, there are more children born inRoman Catholick countries about nine months after Lent, the markets will bemore glutted than usual, because the number of Popish infants, is at leastthree to one in this kingdom, and therefore it will have one other collateral advantage, by lessening the number of Papists among us."

To me, reading this passage is disturbing. Specifically the line: "Infant's flesh will be in season throughout the year, but more plentiful in March, and a little before and after..." Who would ever want to eat an infant's flesh?! What made Swift ponder this topic?  

I found a YouTube clip that retells / related to A Modest Proposal: A Modest Proposal - Official Trailer [HD].

800+ Local School Children Receive Weekend Food Assistance

This morning, I attended the field trip to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes. I have heard so much about it that I was glad we had the opportunity to learn more about the organization, and receive a building tour. Back at home (east side of the state) I have volunteered at many different food pantries surrounding our community. It was interesting to see the similarities -- points system for food; and differences -- the kitchen type room, where one pound bags of food are put together. 

Number served per 24 hours
*This photo was not taken today -- the numbers written on the board today, were sadly much higher than the numbers indicated here.

I was most shocked to hear the large numbers of adults and children, within households that receive food packs each day. It was heartbreaking to hear the numbers; I am so fortunate to not have to worry where my next meal is going to come from. I wish there was more I could do to help with the issue of hunger within my communities.  

During the school year Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes provides weekend food assistance to 800+ local school children through the Weekend Backpack Program.

A few of my friends that go to Michigan State University told me that they have volunteered at the MSU Foodbank; "the first food bank in the nation that is run by students, for students." I am surprised that we do not have a food bank on campus (here are WMU). Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes served close to 127,000 individuals in 2012...I am curious how many of the individuals served, attend/teach/work at WMU. Having a food bank on campus is beneficial for many reasons; as stated on the website of College and University Food Bank Alliance, "College students often have limited transportation options and community-based food resources are typically not located close to campuses. Additionally, college students while food insecure might not meet community-based agency requirements and/or may be uncomfortable in accessing services off campus. Therefore, campus-based food banks/pantries provide easily accessible and navigable food security resources for students."

Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes

Original Logo

In preparation for the field trip to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes tomorrow (Wednesday), I looked through the organization's website. One of the categories on the website that caught my eye was included in the section About Us -- The History of Our Logo.

Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes was started in 1982 -- "by several downtown churches concerned about increasing requests from people for food assistance." The individuals who started the organization expressed strong concern about local hunger -- forming Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes. The need has increased throughout the years, demanding further support and supplies; which led to the congregations increasing support / food distribution, in order to support all of Kalamazoo county.

Current Logo 

In 2011 (close to the 30th anniversary) the original logo was revised; it is what is used currently. Besides the format and presentation of the logo, the tagline has changed as well. The original tagline read: "Providing Food to Hungry People Since 1982." In 2011 when the logo received a "makeover," the tagline changed to: "Promoting a Hunger-Free Community Since 1982." When reading this information, I found the change beneficial; we all know the famous saying: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." As the original tagline suggests, one is just giving a man a fish and you feed him for a day; where as, the current tagline suggests, one is teaching a man to fish, so the man can feed himself for a lifetime. I'm glad that Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes changed the tagline; it now shows that the organization is not "just giving away food" but rather advocating and aiding the issue of hunger.

I look forward to learning more about Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, and the various changes that they have endured since the start of the organization in 1982.

The Dinner of Trimachio

I have never been so confused when completing a reading for any class. Reading The Dinner of Trimachio was very hard to follow, for me.  

Besides the fact that food was a large part of The Dinner of Trimachio, one of the details I found the most interesting was: "There was a circular tray around which were displayed the signs of the zodiac, and upon each sign the caterer had placed the food best in keeping with it. Ram's vetches on Aries, a piece of beef on Taurus, kidneys and lamb's fry on Gemini, a crown on Cancer, the womb of an unfarrowed sow on Virgo, an African fig on Leo, on Libra a balance, one pan of which held a tart and the other a cake, a small seafish on Scorpio, a bull's eye on Sagittarius, a sea lobster on Capricornus, a goose on Aquarius and two mullets on Pisces. In the middle lay a piece of cut sod upon which rested a honeycomb with the grass arranged around it." (Chapter 35)

Of course I have heard of zodiac signs before, but never in relation to food. After reading this passage, I was curious as to what my "food horoscope" would be. I was born on January 1st; I am a Capricorn. I found out: "Most of the solar system will be situated in the base of your chart, urging you to focus on the foundations of your life, like your family and your home. Now is an ideal time to look for a new place if you happen to be in the market, as Mars will quicken the process and Venus will ensure that your new abode is filled with charm. These active planets also bode well for home-improvement projects. First, though, you need to reel in your workaholic tendencies so you can give your personal life the attention it needs and rightly deserves. Try centering and calming foods like asparagus, a natural de-stressor that's also packed with vitamin B." I found my "food horoscope" to be very accurate and fitting; as I am frequency stressed.

As I continued reading The Dinner of Trimachio:

"I was born under the Crab and therefore stand on many legs and own much property on land and sea, for the crab is as much at home on one as he is in the other. For that reason, I put nothing on that sign for fear of weighing down my own destiny. Bulldozers and gluttons are born under the Lion, and women and fugitives and chain-gangs are born under the Virgin. Butchers and perfumers are born under the Balance, and all who think that it is their business to straighten things out. Poisoners and assassins are born under the Scorpion. Cross-eyed people who look at the vegetables and sneak away with the bacon, are born under the Archer. Horny-handed sons of toil are born under Capricorn. Bartenders and pumpkin-heads are born under the Water-Carrier. Caterers and rhetoricians are born under the Fishes: and so the world turns round, just like a mill, and something bad always comes to the top, and men are either being born or else they're dying. As to the sod and the honeycomb in the middle, for I never do anything without a reason, Mother Earth is in the centre, round as an egg, and all that is good is found in her, just like it is in a honeycomb." (Chapter 39)

I found it interesting how the author characterized the variety of traits. I wonder what would come about if a combination took place; between the description I found, combined with what the author wrote...


What is your food horoscope?: http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/healthy/news/food-horoscopes-april-2013#ixzz2s7Zo2vC7