hunger #coronavirus

We’ll Have To Adapt🙄☝🏼🍞….

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment

Continuing…

We have no choice but to adapt, because we don’t know how long this will last. What used to be a simple trip to the grocery store, is now a trip you really have to prepare for.

Yesterday was the first time in almost two weeks that I was out and about in the morning to shop. I was taken aback by the long line outside of the store, especially at that time of day. I hadn’t seen this outside of a store around here, and the gaps in between made it even longer. The “social distancing” and monitoring of the line is different in the busy daytime hours. That’s why I’ve been trying to avoid the crowded stores, and was only going out after dark right before closing. I need to get fresh air and sunlight, and I used to love to do my errands in the daytime. Standing in that line, I heard many people’s worries. I could’ve put on my headphones and plugged into my google play list, but no. I find it’s best to listen and take in the vibes of what’s going on around you. I felt sorry for the senior citizen who asked the grocery line security, “Are there senior citizen hours??” The reply was, “Yes, Monday and Wednesday.” I could hear the slight desperation in his voice, and I felt kind of bad for him. Some of the older folks don’t have any help, and have to shop amongst the general public. Another man ahead of me had to step out of the line to use the payphone that was two steps away. In typical “Canadian Manners” fashion, he turned around and told the man behind him, sounding slightly worried. He didn’t want to lose his place in line, even though we tend to be very understanding and polite. I usually would have offered him my cell phone to use, but I couldn’t, due to the virus situation. I barely touch my phone in public.

When it comes to hunger and food folks tend to act impatient, regardless of the circumstance. Folks are generally worried, in the span of weeks, how to access basic needs, has changed tremendously.

We have to adapt, and help each other through this, by polishing up on our newly learned outside etiquette.

I am Thankful for the caring, polite, aware folks of Toronto. I will continue in my next post.

Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.

Love and Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

Follow me @:https://twitter.com/iamdawnlovely, https://t.co/wfctLWHJ1W

The “Right” To Eat🍞🥑🍗…..

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment

My perspective on food has changed since the virus pandemic hit, I will never look at food the same. I couldn’t picture not having access to certain foods, since I’ve only lived in Western society. Looking at bare shelves for weeks, and not seeing the basics like rice available in a mega grocery store, hit me hard. I could only imagine this, or dream it, which I have.

I have always believed that everyone has the “right” to eat. There is enough food available on the planet for all of us, and I don’t need research or stats to confirm this. I think I’m mentally and physically prepared to go without, if a food shortage did hit. Preparation is the key, training your mind and body while you have the time should be top priority. If you have issues with eating a healthy diet, now is the best time to practice better daily eating habits. Eating what you need to eat, not what you want to eat is a good start to change your attitude about food.

I have never taken food for granted, I’ve talked about growing up in poverty at times in past blogs. I’d be okay living on rice and beans, if need be, my life experiences have prepared me for that. There is not a day where I am not Thankful for the food that I put in my stomach.

Back in high school days when I worked at the grocery store deli, I learned how much food grocery stores throw away. I was appalled and felt very uncomfortable having to throw away recently cooked whole roasted chickens that I prepared. I witnessed the bakery clerks throwing all of the days left over buns and bread into large black trash bags. There were so many buns, three to five trash bags full. I thought they would at least sell some of them as “day olds” at a discount price. I inquired about the possibility of giving them away to a local shelter, or even to the last shoppers in store before closing. I never received a clear answer, as to why we couldn’t look into it. This bothered my conscience, I hated that part of my job. I know that if I was in a poor country, maybe there would have been arrangements made.

Everyone has the right to eat, and in these times take note of your attitude towards food. You may have no choice but to adapt to a new way of life due to the current climate. I have more to say on this topic, I’ll continue in my next post.

Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.

Love and Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

Follow me @:https://twitter.com/iamdawnlovely, https://t.co/wfctLWHJ1W