At first I thought “free” must be the favorite word of someone who was receiving SNAP benefits but after a while I realized that free sometimes comes with baggage. It is hard for me and I know for many of us to put ourself in a place where we had to accept free things and to be gracious about it, typically we are the givers of the free things. It feels awkward. Accepting charity is not easy; it can be a blow to one’s pride; it can be humbling. And sometimes it can be even be demeaning. As we take this SNAP Challenge and try to walk in someone else’s shoes this may be one of the hardest parts. We can accept the little things that are given to us for free, like a cup of soup or a cookie but what would it do to you if you had to accept it every day and doing so meant your children ate? Just food for thought. I found cookies in the freezer in the Pro Bono Office and I am willing to share them with you.
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This is a real struggle. Fortunately, folks have been incredibly supportive as I have been talking about my challenge experience. Often that has meant they kindly offer food. I somehow felt that accepting would be “cheating,” so I have politely declined. Maybe some of it was that feeling you are describing. Thanks for the food for thought.
I struggle with this very thing!! Last year, I was determined to not take any food or assistance from anyone. I was too proud. Thankfully, the SNAP challenge was able to teach me that strength includes both sharing of blessings and welcoming help.