The 100 Hours of Poverty Challenge, which concluded last week, was a remarkable experience. It was moving to spend four days walking in the shoes of the poor. It was also surprisingly educational. I learned more than I expected about food prices and food quantities. I learned how challenging it is to eat healthily on a bare-bones budget. The most eye-opening part of the experience, however, was how hungry I felt during the 100 hours — even though I knew I was generally consuming enough calories. I have oatmeal and fruit nearly every morning for breakfast, and I did the same during the 100 hours. But I would nevertheless find myself famished by 10:30 a.m. Although I had no reason to be hungry, the stress of living with food insecurity (even pretend food insecurity) changed the way my mind and body responded to food. Needless to say, I thought about food almost all of the time.
Advantage Academy Student Sherry Bryant
We ended with a community dinner that brought together many of the students who participated in the program. It was a relief to be able to eat that dinner without worrying about cost — but a bittersweet relief knowing that millions of Americans spend every hour worrying about their next meal. The most moving part of the dinner was hearing from Sherry Bryant, an Advantage Academy student who shared her personal story of being a single mother relying on food stamps to help feed her family.
A full story about 100 Hours is here, along with photos of the closing community dinner. The experience truly was a blessing. When we do it again next year, I will spread the word widely to encourage others to join.
Dean's Docket 