INDEPENDENCE, Mo.–Oatmeal for breakfast. Soup for lunch. Ramen noodles for dinner. Today, Jim Schultz is reliving his college days and it’s all for a good cause.
“There are a lot of folks who are just right on the edge,” said Jim Schultz, the Mayor Pro Tem for Independence. “This is a good time for other people to remember how blessed they are and how they can give back to folks who don’t have as much as they need.”
Schultz is trying to feed himself on $3 a day. That’s about the same amount people living on food stamps get. He hopes the experience will open his eyes to just how hard it is to be among the working poor. Aldi Supermarket in Independence is where he completed is $3 challenge.
“It reminds me of how blessed I am and how lucky I am to live in this community and this country,” said Schultz. “I’ve got a job. I’ve got a home. Today I’ve got a cold so I’m able to buy medicine for myself. Some folks don’t have that luxury.”
The week before Thanksgiving is National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week. For the second year, Independence has used this week to shine a spotlight on the difficulties the working poor and those living in poverty face every single day.
“We hope that if people throughout the week experience just a little bit of the issues these people face everyday, that maybe it will inspire them to help their neighbors in need,” said Matthew Randall with the Independence Health Dept.
Schultz said this week is especially important as we approach the holiday season, because as most will indulge, some will go to bed hungry.
Independence is hosting events everyday this week.
Monday, November 15
Food Stamp Challenge: Try and live on a food stamp budget for the day. The national average is $21 a week, $3 a day, and $1 per meal.
Tuesday, November 16
Open Mic Night at a local coffee shop: Read poetry, tell stories, share insight about hungry and homeless situations in Independence.
Wednesday, November 17
Community Service Day: Volunteer at a local pantry or service provider (click here for a list).
Thursday, November 18
Skip a Meal: Skip one meal during your day and donate what you would have spent to a local charity.
Friday, November 19
Movie Night: Invite friends to watch a movie about homelessness (Homeless to Harvard, Pay it Forward, Pursuit of Happiness, etc.).