Galobardi 1 Osly Galobardi Robert Arnold HONR 2750-H01 Reflective Journal Entry #2 Soup Kitchen Consumers The article

I chose was a cross-sectional study that presents the reasons why people regularly go to soup kitchens, and how soup kitchens influence their lives. In the study, twentytwo consumers from a soup kitchen in Sydney, Australia were interviewed. In each interview, the consumers were asked questions about their experiences at the soup kitchen, the reason why they routinely go the soup kitchen, their health issues, their socioeconomic status, their thoughts about healthy eating, and their satisfaction with the quality and quantity of the food provided by the soup kitchen. Based on the results of the cross-sectional study, most of the people who regularly visit the soup kitchen are people who have limited incomes, serious addictions, and poor cooking facilities or lack of storage for food. The soup kitchen involved in the study provides free lunchtime meals, food parcels, welfare advice, health care, and leisure programs 6 days per week (Wicks, Trevena, and Quine 921). The experiences for food scarcity varied for the interviewed consumers. Some even went to the extremes to save the only food they had for the week by skipping meals or skipping days without food. When each interviewee was asked about their thoughts on healthy eating, each person made it clear they were aware of which foods to eat for nutritional value and understood the importance of a healthy diet. Despite the issues in the consumers personal lives, they all shared the same idea that the soup kitchen was a place of comfort and warmth. The soup kitchen was not just place to eat a meal, but also a place to spend time with friends and gain support from

Galobardi 2 the soup kitchens team members. As stated in the article, relationships and trust with the soup kitchen staff were valuable (Wicks, Trevena, and Quine 923). From my past experience with the Mooresville Soup Kitchen, I did not get the chance to fully observe or understand the reasons why so many people from my community went to the soup kitchen. One part that really touched me from the article was how it highlighted the fact that the reason the consumers return to the soup kitchen was not just for food, but for the sense of having a family that cares. I can see that now with the improved Mooresville Soup Kitchen. With the new director of the organization, there are more smiles and laughter. I see the friendships between the consumers and the staff members. The staff members make it their job to speak to every guest and let them know they are special and important to them. Each day before the meals are passed out, the director asks the consumers if there are any birthdays and if there is one, then everyone sings for that person, showing the love and support for one another. The sense of family was something I did not experience when I volunteered at the soup kitchen three years ago. I am glad to see that change. What the research article made me think about was the health of each consumer. Gaining a sufficient amount of nutrients is important to staying healthy. It is difficult to maintain a healthy diet when there is a lack of access to food. Soup kitchens need a lot of donations to maintain the facility and to be able to afford nutritious food. Unfortunately, healthy food, such as fruits and vegetables is more expensive than junk food, like chips and soda. The article emphasized the importance of a soup kitchens connections with other support organizations that provide the majority of the donations. At the Mooresville Soup Kitchen, most of the donations come from Wal-Mart, Food Lion, and other major supermarkets that have overstocked produce items, which are essential for a healthy meal.

Galobardi 3 While volunteering at the Mooresville Soup Kitchen, I will pay more attention to the food being served each day and see the types of meals the consumers get to take home with them. Knowing that I am providing nourishing meals to the people of my community will help my experience become more meaningful. Just one good meal a day can make a huge difference in a persons life.

Galobardi 4 Works Cited Wicks, R, LJ Trevena, and S Quine. "Experiences of Food Insecurity Among Urban Soup Kitchen Consumers: Insights for Improving Nutrition and Well-Being." Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 106.6 (2006): 921-4. Print.