I’m tired and weary today. Could that just be a Friday feeling or there are other factors at play…?
There have been a number of interesting conversations in my office – for those staff who have heard what I’m doing and understanding why I’m more grumpy than usual. It is great to hear the debates and making people think about what they take for granted and what they are (genuinely) grateful for.
Breakfast – cornflakes and milk
Lunch – pasta, vegetables with soft cheese
Late afternoon snack – small amount of spaghetti hoops
Tea – NONE!
Food planning has been a challenge again today. Due to knowing I’m out volunteering straight from work this evening, I’ve brought some of my spaghetti hoops for a snack to help me last the evening.
The relief that a cup of tea was offered first thing prompted a spontaneous hug for one of my colleagues. Never been this emotional over a cup of tea before!
I will say here that it was noted at work that I was far more irritable and snappy than normal during the day. I was asked a number of times ‘are you Ok?’
I was very glad for my late afternoon snack as my evening plans were a lot longer than expected and didn’t get home until past 9pm. I’ll be honest, I was beyond being hungry and I didn’t have any tea.
The weekend is looming and I’m not looking forward to it.
END
One myth about those who use the foodbank is that everyone who comes, is on benefits and not in work. Well many people are in employment AND need our support – this may be due to zero hours contracts which mean income is unstable and budgeting is near-on impossible, or it may due to low wages / low hours due to childcare or other commitments.
Some of you may read this blog and be thinking about food choices and shopping and hunger, but another point to sharing these experiences is to help better understand and therefore empathise with those who struggle day in, day out to make ends meet.
Norwich foodbank blog 