I Ate Meat Yesterday!

I managed to make it to yesterday with enough food leftover to cover breakfast (2 eggs, and an apple) and lunch (1 pack Ramen). So, for dinner I spent $2.16 of the $2.37 I had available on 0.6lbs of Boneless Pork Country Ribs. No seasoning, and no sides, but still quite a treat.

Poverty Is About More Than Hunger...

...it's also about hygiene. As part of the two dollar challenge, students were not allowed the use of showers, since on a $2 per day budget they would not be able to afford indoor plumbing. They were allowed to bathe and take "sink-baths," but there are limits to how clean one can get in that manner. It is particularly difficult to wash one's hair.

(Student 1):" I cannot wait until I can take a nice shower. My hair is so gross! My friends have shunned me from sitting with them at the library, so I'm sitting all alone and am smelly apparently."

(Student 2): "Loving my greasy hair!!!! not...."

(Student 3): "This whole no showering is making me feel completely disgusting, I'm not so sure how people go without showers everyday of their lives. IT IS AWFUL. "

(Student 4): "I went to the soccer game today and one of the people I know was like aren't you doing that 2 dollar challenge thing? and I said yeah and they go that means you can't shower and I said no... and everyone around me was so grossed out."

Brave Souls Sleeps in the Shelter

In spite of cold weather and loud train whistles, two students managed to get a full night's sleep in the shelter on Wednesday. Both agreed, it was one of the worst night's ever.

The Importance of Planning

Students are learning the value of saving, budgeting, and careful planning as the week goes on.

(Student 1): I am learning how to save my food so I have more throughout the day.

(Student 2):  Today was a struggle but tomorrow will be better because I had like 50 extra cents and I will get to buy things better then Ramen! I'm excited!

(Student 3): Saving up as much money as I can is seriously helping.

Students Find Joy in Misery

(Student 1): " I was able to buy a can of peas and an apple which made me happy."

(Student 2): "Today was an okay day. I ate hot dogs, noodles and an egg for dinner! It was like a feast!"

The Little Things

I had an apple today. It was the most delicious thing I've ever had. I don't know if it was because eggs and Ramen are so bland compared to an apple, or the fact that I had to strategically plan for two days to be able to buy produce. Either way, it made my day. I'm not the only one who was able to find beauty in the mundane today.

(Student): "Today hasn't been bad so far. I'm still hungry but I was able to buy eggs and split them with [B.] as well as buying a can of spaghetti o's. I'm actually slightly excited for dinner. Saving up as much money as I can is seriously helping."

Day 3

I woke up this morning to the sound of my stomach growling. But, I guess I'm not the only one...