This morning on NPR's Weekend Edition I listened to an informative and subtle, yet heartbreaking story that explains yet another Wal-Mart Effect: folks surviving on food stamps and government checks shopping at midnight the last day of the month as their funds kick in.
The story talked about Walmart changing stocking patterns to better provide for these families... cupboards going bare the last week and a half of the month... parents working multiple jobs just to eek by... sadly, all things we've grown accustom to hearing. But what really struck me about this story was the image of the Tracey and Martin Young, the couple interviewed here, taking this trip to a far away Walmart while their five children slept so they could "wake up and be able to have what they want for breakfast".
Nick and I have been talking over the last few days about our own food consumption and grocery shopping habits as we look to plan for our future and having a family of our own. We've discussed menu planning, cutting back on Whole Foods, choosing less pre-made food and cooking more. And, it's easy to look at our own situation in the bubble of our lives and forget what's happening around us. But this story has really hit me in the gut. I think the conversation may change now, or at least get a little bit deeper as I remember how lucky we are to have food in our cupboard everyday of the year...
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