We sometimes assume a person’s class by the visual assessment that takes place in an encounter that may take all but a couple of seconds. If we see someone that is sleeping on the street, we assume that they are homeless. There are many levels of economic status in this day and age. The invisible class I am speaking of are the people that make more than minimum wage, but don’t qualify for government assistance because they earn too much for their household according to government guidelines. These people are barely able to pay there primary bills (often times being late), but after all is said and done, may not be able to buy groceries for the next week. The “invisible” class are those that are not homeless, a job is being held, their clothes look decent and there aren’t any visual indicators of their daily struggle – it is invisible to you but quite vivid to them. These are the people who look for help through local assistance agencies (county, city, religious, private, etc…) but don’t always feel welcome because they don’t “look the part” of those expected to come through the doors.
Food security for this particular group is hard to maintain because of relentless rising costs, as well as the hard to meet eligibility requirements for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamp program) – realistic monthly costs are not being considered. Food banks and pantries are available, but for the most part they assist local agencies that are open certain times of the month – assistance is granted only to a specific number of people at those times and even then, there may be additional criteria. Policies and procedures are understandably good things to have in place, but sometimes all you want is something to eat.
This leads me to a great example of an organization doing it right. I commend what they are doing at SAME (So All May Eat) Cafe because they get it. They recognize the need to establish a place where the atmosphere is open to people from all walks of life, but especially for those who can pay for a meal one day and maybe not the next – they are served with integrity and humility no matter what day it is.
It is a fantastic place to get a meal like everybody else even for those who can’t afford it. You don’t have to explain why you can’t pay and you have an opportunity to donate your time in exchange for a meal. The owners of the SAME Cafe, Brad and Libby Birky have hit the nail on the head by acknowledging the class that is not seen by most. You can catch a glimpse of there everyday giving by taking a Good Works Tour – SAME Cafe
These are people who have opened there eyes to what has been there all along. The donation only concept is a great alternative means of payment because there are different ways to donate, may it be actual funds or time volunteering, not only for yourself but for others. Most importantly it is a service that can be accessed right when it is needed. Easing the minds of those who have to make the next major decision such as, “How am I going to get to work?” Having to choose between gas in your car and the freshest produce is a no brainer. Food options and sustainability are a luxury under these conditions.
Although there are plenty of quality assistance programs available, there is an invisible class that does not have access due to so many technicalities such as gross wages, car/home ownership or just not knowing what there area has to offer. If a person is not eligible for government assistance, but also cannot afford to buy a weeks worth of substantial groceries, what happens? There is a gap somewhere. We are missing something or someone.
Food sustainability is not only about being able to find something to eat, it is also about having healthy options and access to them. It is great to give a person a box of canned goods to feed them through the next day or two (and that is commendable), but it is another thing to give someone fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, meat, a loaf of bread, maybe even some fresh herbs that will feed there appetite for life and the drive to sustain it.
It would be great to see more innovative establishments like SAME Cafe that don’t require applications for approval, just a need for fresh and healthy nourishment.
I am sure we all could think of something.
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