A couple weeks back, I was able to participate in a Cooking Matters supermarket tour. Cooking Matters is another arm of Share Our Strength that focuses more on educating kids and their parents on how to buy, prepare and cook healthy, affordable meals for their families. The supermarket tour is a guided tour that explains how they're set up, what to look for on labels, how to find the best deals, etc.

I have to be honest, I didn't think it would be very exciting, but the more I thought about it the more I realized I really don't know much about how to shop for groceries! So then I got super excited about it and had my notepad and pen ready when we walked in. 

It was so much better than I expected. We toured with a group of young, single mothers and to see them really benefiting from the program - paying attention, asking questions, relating it to their shopping habits -  once again reminded me why I love my job. 

After the tour, the students were given a $10 challenge - they had to create a meal for four people for $10 or less. AND they had to include a protein, starch, vegetable and fruit. Obviously Allison and I ran to grab our own cart and did it with them! I have to give props to Allison for giving me an idea for a meal .(Remember, I'm still getting the hang of this whole cooking thing.)

Here's my basket....

Two sweet potatoes - $1.21

One pear - $1.98

One bag of frozen broccoli - $1.00

One lime - $0.25

Two chicken breasts - $2.60

TOTAL: $7.04

As fun as it was, it was also a harsh look at reality. Those who are on SNAP or WIC (aka Food Stamps) have to survive on roughly $4/day. Although it's doable, it's very difficult to do it healthy. (By the way, if you're interested they actually have Food Stamp Challenges you can participate in: http://frac.org/initiatives/snapfood-stamp-challenges/). Programs like Cooking Matters help empower these families to cook healthy meals on their budget.

New Beginnings!

I think this is the longest I've gone without posting, and I have to admit I am very impressed with myself. It wasn't even that long! (Or I could be totally wrong.)

I am so excited to announce that I officially have a new job! It's actually been official for a few weeks, but I started yesterday so there's no turning back now.

You hear about those people who quit their jobs to do something they're really passionate about, and (being the kind of envious person I am) I thought "If they can do it, so can I!" I put a lot of thought, tears and confusion into my decision - and finally decided I wanted to pursue something in the non-profit sector. It sounds cliche, but at the end of the day I want to be doing something that matters. Something that when I go home at night I know I put 110% into making the world a better place. And something that, when we have kids, I feel confident knowing I'm working my hardest to help better their future.

I heard about this opportunity through a friend, and the more I learned about the organization the more I fell in love with it. After various rounds of interviews, I finally found out I GOT IT! And the timing could not have been more perfect - it was the Thursday before Memorial Day and I had Friday off. (Memorial Day was a huge celebration weekend in my family - which you can learn about here and here - and this was just another celebration to pile on!)

I am the new Southeast Regional Coordinator for Share Our Strength! They're We're working to end childhood hunger in America by connecting kids with the nutritious food they need to ensure they lead healthy, active lives. It is such a fabulous organization and I still have to pinch myself to believe that I am a part of it! I will be working on the Culinary Events team and my responsibilities will revolve around assisting the rest of the Southeast team with everything related to the various culinary fundraising events we put on. I encourage you to look around their website and check it out.

As you can tell, I am so very happy and blessed to have this opportunity. I could not be more thankful for His timing!