American Starvation

     All my life I have been able to enjoy three solid meals and at least one snack a day. Of course I learned as a child that people from Haiti or Africa never had much food, but never did I realize that people in my own country – even my own city – were starving. Why? America is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, yet millions of people go hungry on a daily basis. Aren’t there food banks and shelters to help? I know for a fact there are shelters. However, many are deprived of sufficient amounts of food due to the rising number of starving people. Grocery stores and thriving families are the key to aiding these organizations in fighting hunger in the U.S.

     Firstly, food banks and shelters are undeniably important to the hungry people of America. Without their aid, millions of people would starve every year. “According to USDA 2008 statistics: Of the 49.1 million people living in food insecure households (up from 36.2 million in 2007), 32.4 million are adults (14.4% of all adults) and 16.7 million are children (22.5% of all children). 17.3 million people lived in households that were considered to have very low food security” (Woodgate). Food security is a term used by the USDA to distinguish a household in which one or more residents were hungry over the course of a year (Woodgate). Food banks generally serve those who have been laid off from their jobs and are struggling with finding other jobs. Local churches and organizations help these shelters by volunteering to distribute food as well as other things like clothing and cosmetic items. One shelter I have volunteered at is the Trinity Rescue Mission (TRM) located in downtown Jacksonville. While I was there, I saw countless needy people roaming around. The TRM does its best to help those who direly need it.

     In 1996, The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act was signed into practice by President Bill Clinton. This act legally protects the “food donors from civil and criminal liability, should the product later cause harm to the recipient” (Food Donation Connection). It specifically protects individuals as well as non-profit organizations that administer food in “good faith” (Food Donation Connection). The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act was put into practice because the United States of America was sending nearly 14 billion pounds of food to landfills yearly while over 30 million Americans were starving (Food Donation Connection). The act applies to all “food and grocery products that meet all quality and labeling standards imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations even the food may not be ‘readily marketable due to appearance, age, freshness, grade, size, surplus, or other conditions’” (Food Donation Connection). With this act put into law, why are grocery stores and supermarkets not donating all the food they don’t want on their shelves?

     Grocery stores stock over fifteen thousand food items, and supermarkets keep over twenty-five thousand different products in stock (Arumugam). It has to be impossible to sell every item by the date while keeping everything fully stocked. So, why do produce items and meat and other products get discarded so easily? Of course some items may be past the “expiration date,” but those generally do not mean the food is not consumable if it’s only a few days past the date. Some grocery stores take the almost expired food and use it to make the dishes on their salad bar or something similar. Many stores are reluctant to freely giving away almost or  recently expired food in fear that the consumer may get sick and take legal action. However, despite their fears, The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protects them from any legal troubles.

     In conclusion, the growth of hunger in the United States of America is a real, growing problem. Without food banks and shelters volunteering time and effort, the issue would be far worst. Nevertheless, if there is no income of food, there will be no output into the community. Grocery stores and individuals that are better off are needed to assist these non-profit organizations. What can you do to raise awareness and help the cause to fight starvation in America?

Journal 5

I thoroughly enjoyed the film. It was not only eye opening, but it was also convicting. I never realized how much food was being wasted until I saw the actual proof. I almost feel guilty for having excess resources while the rest of the world scrounges for any form of food. If my fate took a turn for the worst and my parents lost their jobs, I believe I would be willing to dumpster dive in order to provide food for my family. Why let it waste when it can be put to good use? Just a thought to ponder on.

The Comfort Zone

     Comfort. It’s something everyone enjoys. Whether it’s a comfy hoodie one never takes off or if it’s a certain pair of shoes that one person will only wear, comforting things give people good feelings. However, to get somewhere in life, most of the time you have to leave your comfort zone. Of course, it’s not comfortable. Stepping out requires taking risks which may be nerve wracking, but the rewards surely outweigh the fears. Though the author is unknown, one person quoted, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” One can step out of his comfort zone in numerous ways, but three of the easiest and most common are broken down and explained throughout.

            One of the simplest ways to being reaching out of your comfort zone is to try new things. Not in the sense of someone afraid of heights going skydiving, but rather trying a new exercise or a new game to play with your family (“Step Out of Your Comfort Zone”). The main reason people do not like to step outside of their comfort zone is fear. They have a fear of the unknown (“Trying New Things”). When one is faced with the challenge of finding something new, there are several guidelines to assist him. One must first build up the courage. Once it has all been mustered up, one can almost be unstoppable (“Trying New Things”). With trying new things, the possibilities of finding new enjoyments begin to broaden (“Trying New Things”). Even still, finding new enjoyments will keep one from being bored with the mediocrity of the same ole, same ole (“Trying New Things”). Also, trying something new forces one to grow, and that means growing out of one’s comfort zone (“Trying New Things”).

            Secondly, stepping out of your comfort zone requires the use of imagination. The imagination not only exercises the mind, but it also is an unlimited source of knowledge and energy (“Step Out of Your Comfort Zone”). Your imagination is one of the greatest things your mind can use. It can be used to create and produce new things, characters, and fantasies. The trick to using it is to think of things that don’t already exist (“How To Use Your Imagination”). Even though kids are known for vivid imaginations, adults have the same realm in which the can imagine (“How To Use Your Imagination”). Some of the various ways to jog your imagination include spending time with children, creating new superheroes and villains, and imagining journeys animals or people may encounter (“How To Use Your Imagination”). The ways to use your imagination to step outside of your thinking comfort zone are truly endless.

            Furthermore, positive thinking is one of the most necessary aspects of stepping out of your comfort zone. When one fills his mind with negative thoughts, the opportunity of expanding his horizons begins to wane. Training your brain to think positively opens up a multitude of doors leading to success and greatness (“The Power of Positive Thinking”).  Remez Sasson, author of the article “The Power of Positive Thinking”, quotes, “Positive thinking is a way of life” (“The Power of Positive Thinking”).  Both positive and negative thoughts are contagious. However, positive thoughts attract people in an encouraging way (“The Power of Positive Thinking”).  Some ways to begin thinking positively include the following: ignoring the negative things others say about you, learning to utilize your imagination, smiling more often, and speaking positive words in your everyday dialogue (“The Power of Positive Thinking”). 

            All in all, stepping out of your comfort zone proves to be a meticulous process that offers rewarding results. There are many other techniques to try besides the three previously described. However, one cannot reach outside his comfort zone overnight. This process requires one to be persistent in striving towards the goal. Finding articles to read or people that are willing to guide you will genuinely help you reach the point you desire. How are you going to step out of your comfort zone?