Headwaters Communities in ActionJuli Griffin & Steve Murphy
Juli Griffin & Steve Murphy, Professionals that assist people during times of crisis.
Steve and Juli are empty nesters, who both, work in professions that assist people during times of crisis. At home Steve does most of the cooking and his absolute favourite food to cook and eat, is pasta while Juli doesn’t have a favourite food per say but truly enjoys everything Steve prepares.
Occupation: Professionals that assist people during times of crisis
Favorite food: Pasta
Guiltiest food pleasure: When no-one is looking Juli likes to sneak chocolate, Steve however will usually go for the chips.
Family size: 2
Estimate of how much you and your family spend on food per week: About $100.00, but this can vary if the kids are going to be home.
Why you are participating in this project: We have chosen to participate in this project because at some time, in each of our lives, we have both experienced financial hardship and now that we are fortunate to be where we are, we both choose to give back to the community through volunteerism.
Why this issue is important to you: Through our professions we both see the struggles that marginalized people experience and subsequently feel that resources such as the Orangeville Food Bank are, and need to continue to be, integral parts of our community.
Day 1
| What are you missing the most? | |
| We are missing meats and fresh produce | |
| What are your challenges with cooking? | |
| There have been no challenges so far as Steve is a very creative cook. Tonight for dinner we had a chicken, rice and peas curry. Curry powder is one of the spices we chose to be part of our pantry. | |
| Your thoughts on taking the challenge vs. the reality for people facing economic hardship and limited access to food. | |
| If we had to do it on a sustained basis we believe our health would be negatively effected. We are happy to know that the Orangeville food bank does distribute fresh produce and meat to recipients, however to people who access foodbanks that don’t, nutrition must be a factor. | |
| Did you learn anything new? Other comments? | |
| I am worried if there will be enough suitable food to create lunches for the next 2 days. That accessing the foodbank is a very personal experience. |
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- Day One Breakfast, coffee is one of five items we selected from our pantry.
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- Day One Lunch, will there be enough suitable food to create lunches for the next 2 days?
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- Day One Dinner, tonight for dinner we had a chicken, rice and peas curry.
Day 2
| What are you missing the most? | |
| Steve is missing meat and both Juli and Steve are missing fresh produce | |
| What are your challenges with cooking? | |
| Steve does most of our cooking and is struggling with the limited pantry. However I put together the lunches and I am finding it difficult to put together appealing meals that will nourish us through the day. | |
| Your thoughts on taking the challenge vs. the reality for people facing economic hardship and limited access to food. | |
| Steve shared a wonderful insight today when he stated that we are fortunate to know that at any time we can stop the “challenge” in contrast to those who struggle daily and don’t have the option to stop. | |
| The number one thing you want to share with family and friends. | |
| Having kitchen skills enables you to be creative with various ingredients so we both feel it is important for everyone to learn to cook. | |
| Did you learn anything new? Other comments? | |
| The connection of food to mood is incredible. | |
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- Tuna cakes and veggies
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- Pineapple donuts
