Years ago, when people received a helping hand such as WIC or food stamps, the government would provide information and recipes for inexpensive foods such as dried beans, rice, and other nutritious meals. These simple printouts shared information on various inexpensive items that could be purchased from the grocery, along with their nutritional values. They also shared recipes and positive stories of hope that helped make a difference for many who received these benefits. They were expected to learn. This education, though basic, helped them financially and nutritionally.
Why this part of the program stopped is beyond me. Likely, it was in order to cut costs; or perhaps they became far too busy. Perhaps both. It’s a question I have often pondered since I found out it was no longer being offered to those in need.
This absolutely broke my heart. Why? Because so few truly understand how to process a dried bean, which was on their list, much less how to begin balancing food combinations for optimum nutrition and wellness.
We need to help more by teaching a man to fish for himself rather than simply supplying the bare minimum of fish required to sustain life.
This is an education issue. People do not understand how to use healthy foods to create family meals because they mostly stopped cooking when they were manipulated into believing that they didn’t have to once frozen dinners and microwave meals became the standard. Just look at the TV dinner commercials from days of old. All those food commercials were pushing convenience, pushing what they called “healthy food” at a minimal cost. We are all manipulated by commercials and advertising, for that is the intent of marketing. It’s designed so that manufacturers increase profits… but often at the expense of their consumer’s health and wellness, and all while tricking them into believing “it was good for them.”
We need to educate people again and get them interested in cooking and baking for themselves and their loved ones.
Most schools removed cooking and home economics classes, the government stopped handing out information to those who requested help, and neighbors and elders stopped teaching. The interest fell to the wayside when “convenience” took over.
The big questions are: HOW do we get folks to educate themselves and desire to eat more healthily again? HOW can we encourage those in the know to teach others who may struggle with motivation? HOW can we motivate people who don’t want to learn? And HOW can we combat the marketing lies which constantly push processed foods which are addictive and provide little or no nourishment?
This is the discussion that needs to be had all across the world.
Welcome along my journey as I ponder the musings of life, the challenges we face, the mistakes that were made, and the many ways we can learn to grow towards a better tomorrow for all.
Let’s talk about real life. Let’s talk about what we have grown up with and how it’s changed our lives and views along the way.
In other words. Let’s be real with each other.
The way humanity was always meant to be.
I miss the days of old when more folks taught each other, helped one another, and grew together in community. It was never perfect, but always necessary to sustain.
What are some things YOU miss or wish you could have experienced from days of old? How are you striving to make changes within yourselves and your lives to bring about more PEACE and true community?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Leave a comment here on this website. Get in touch if you have a story to share.
I look forward to bringing you into my home through some upcoming videos and articles, sharing some musings, some recipes, some thought-provoking questions, and lots of helpful information to help us all return to the table, at home, and at heart.
May God bless each and every one of you. You are loved. May your loving light shine brightly.
BIG LOVE,
Char~