Montemurro 1
Lunch Box Citizen Journal
Michelle Montemurro
World Views and Values – PHIL 103
April 28th, 2009
Montemurro 2
April 6th, 2009
I have chosen the Lunch Box, which is a part of the Dutchess Outreach program,
for the citizen project. Since the beginning of the semester, I have been very much
interested in completing the 12 hours at one of the soup kitchens on the praxis list. I
figured that I would be able to gain more from serving at a soup kitchen, compared to the
other choices on the list. I feel that it is going to be a humbling experience. That is
exactly what I am hoping to gain upon completion of this project. I have never had to
resort to going to a soup kitchen for any of my meals. This is going to be a completely
different world for me, a world that I have never stepped foot into before. I am hoping to
grow and encompass a better understanding as to how it must feel to live in that kind of
world versus my sheltered existence.
So, needless to say, as I was driving to the Lunch Box for the first time this
morning, I found myself to be very nervous. I was nervous for a variety of reasons. I had
no idea what to expect at all. I was going to be placed in a new environment, completely
out of my comfort zone. The thoughts were circulating throughout my head during the
drive. Granted, I do have a 1 hour and 20 minute commute, so I had a decent amount of
time to ponder over how my morning was possibly going to unfold. I have to say, the
transition to this foreign world was nerve wracking. I assumed that what I was about to
see was going to be harsh.
Upon arrival, the person in charge explained to me some basic informative
information regarding this particular organization. It was explained to me that about two
hundred people eat at the Lunch Box per day. For some, the meal that they received at
the Lunch Box would be the only meal that they eat throughout the day. That statement
Montemurro 3
made my heart drop. I couldn’t even imagine being in that type of predicament. Lunch
is served at 11:00 A.M., and the clean-up process begins at 12:30 PM. Volunteers then
leave around 1 P.M. The conversation with the person in charge was short.
After a quick introduction, I was given my first order of duty. I had to fold each
individual fork into a napkin. A man named Ray, age 43, came over to me and
introduced himself. He told me that he is a volunteer himself, but a different type of
volunteer. He is having a hard time finding a job and receives a welfare check every
month from the government. But, because he is considered “able-bodied” by government
standards and technically does not encompass any physical or mental disability, he has to
complete 160 hours per month at some sort of social program (as the Lunch Box), in
order to receive this welfare check. There were other volunteers in that same situation as
well. Gabby, age 37, explained that her husband was just in a bad accident and she
couldn’t find a job as well. She was now forced to pay all the bills because she wasn’t
previously working before her husband’s accident. She was having a hard time finding a
job as well. I’m not completely sure as how the welfare system works regarding the
fundamental principles and limitations that have to be followed by welfare recipients.
This notion will be scrutinized and researched more thoroughly in a later journal entry.
I was also asked to get the drink station ready as well. The cups had to be placed
in rows on three big trays to ensure a speedy delivery. From what I was told it gets pretty
busy during the “rush hour.” By setting up the cups this way, the drinks could be poured
easily and distributed quickly.
It was about 10:45 A.M., and there were some people that were already sitting
down at the tables, staring at all the food that was set-up with such hungry eyes. At about
Montemurro 4
serving time, a Hispanic woman arrived with her two small children. Mostly all the
schools are on Easter vacation this week, and it didn’t even register that seeing children
there was a possibility. I wasn’t expecting that image when this family walked in. It just
really saddened me. These children definitely knew the routine as to how the food was
served. They knew exactly what to do. This observation led me to believe that this was
obviously not the first time that they were there.
When the announcement was made that lunch was served, the line formed quickly.
I was assigned to scooping the baked ziti onto a plate. It was definitely overwhelming at
the busiest time. The line was so long. Initially, I barely had any time to process the
whole experience because I was scooping the food as fast as I could.
When I was able to take in everything that was going on around me, I realized
that it wasn’t only “homeless people” that were eating. Honestly, I had this whole image
in my head that only homeless people, appearing homeless by appearance, (dressing in
disheveled garments, etc.), are the only types of people that go to soup kitchens. I
realized my ignorance with that assumption very quickly. I was told by other volunteers
that some people go there on their lunch break. For some, they are making just enough to
pay their living expenses, while not having that much money left over from their
paycheck for food. I was completely taken back. I had no idea.
Lastly, I was asked to help partake in the clean-up process. I was leaving by 1
P.M. My first day at the Lunch Box was very intense. I found myself feeling very
relieved once I pulled onto Route 9, and was on my way back to Marist. At that moment,
a thought came to mind. Going to the Lunch Box is only a learning experience for me. I
Montemurro 5
am only putting myself in this environment for educational purposes. For “them,” this is
a way of life. I truly am blessed.
April 7th, 2009
I was not as nervous driving to the Lunch Box this morning versus yesterday
morning. I knew what to expect. As I was driving there, I began to reflect on the hunger
phenomenon in general. There are so many people that are living in despair and go to
bed hungry everyday. This notion will be researched further in a later journal entry as
well. The hunger issue seems so profound. How can we get a handle on this detrimental
issue? It seems impossible. I quickly realized the fault in my thinking. Firstly, one can’t
take on this entire issue all at once. It is too big. It has to start in small increments.
Furthermore, it really only takes one person, or a small group of people to make a
difference. This notion was, in fact, a major theme that was prominent throughout the
semester. Margaret Mead is quoted as saying, “never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it’s the only thing that ever
has.” What I witnessed as I was in the Lunch Box was a beautiful thing and exactly this
idea. I saw a small group of committed citizens coming together for the good of
humankind. It was very refreshing to see and almost breathtaking to see this quotation in
action.
Today, I had to help with preparing the main course, which was pheasant. I just
had to help with dicing the meat. The cook prepared the pheasant and made it into a kind
of stew, which was served over white rice. Needless to say, I was assigned to the rice
station, and scooped the rice into the soup bowls as well.
Montemurro 6
As I was scooping the rice, a man named Lonnie, age 41, came over to me to
introduce himself. He works with the developmentally disabled population and actually
brings some of his higher functioning clients to the Lunch Box so they can partake in the
helping process as well. Working on vocational tasks fosters independence and growth
for this population. I just think that it is really cool that these clients are able to
participate in this experience and have the opportunity to feel a sense of purpose.
As the conversation unfolded, I explained to Lonnie that I noticed that some of
the people who were eating there didn’t seem like they needed to be there. Some were
dressed nice, had name-brand clothes, cell phones, expensive-looking jewelry, etc. It just
seemed like some people were taking advantage of the system, so to speak. Lonnie
advised me on the danger of judging. He explained to me how quick and easy it is for an
individual to cross that invisible line. One can become homeless or hungry overnight. It
happened to Lonnie. At one point in his life, he lost his job and was raising his daughter
by himself. For a period of time, he was forced to go to the Lunch Box with his young
daughter to eat because he had no money for food. That period of his life, in his words,
was humbling. Before he lost his job, he was doing very well for himself and his
appearance showed it. So, he was one of the people that I was referring to previously.
He possessed nice clothes, cell phone, jewelry, etc., but yet, had no money to feed his
daughter or himself. He agreed with me about how some people definitely take
advantage of the system, but, not all. It is dangerous to stereotype. Just because one
might appear that they don’t need any type of assistance, does not mean that that is
actually the case. It is not always what it appears. This conversation honestly petrified
me to a certain degree. With the condition that our economy is currently in, nothing is
Montemurro 7
fool proof. As Lonnie explained, it is very quick and easy for an individual to cross that
invisible line. How true that is.
April 9th, 2009
In regards to the United States welfare system, I realized after the conversations
that I had with some of the volunteers that I didn’t completely understand how the
welfare system works. I am not aware of the fundamental principles and limitations that
have to be followed by welfare recipients. I am majoring in social work, so I will
definitely have to get familiar with this system in order to work in this field.
A website entitled, U.S. WELFARE SYSTEM, states that “welfare programs are
state regulated programs for those who live under the minimum accepted level means as
determined by each state government.” There are multiple programs available and all
require certain elements of eligibility to acquire and maintain payments.
TANF, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or cash assistance is available to bring
income into households where there is minimal or none. The purpose of the TANF program is
to allow income into the homes so that children, elderly or other dependants can be cared
for. The criteria for these welfare benefits are that the heads of household are working to
obtain job training which will enable them to leave the welfare programs. (U.S. Welfare
System, 2009)
In 1996, the Welfare Reform Act was passed into law. The main goal of this
reform act is to “reduce the number of individuals or families dependent on government
assistance and to assist the recipients in their efforts to become self-sufficient.” One of
the reforms under this act was the Welfare-to-Work initiative, which requires “work in
exchange for time limited financial assistance.” The reform statue actually lists 12
authorized activities accepted to meet these requirements. The recipients are required to
work X amount of hours per week, depending on their particular case, in order to receive
this welfare check.
Montemurro 8
However, in the Christian Century (2006), it states:
Since the welfare reform act was enacted, the national poverty act has barely been
dented. In 1996, 13.7 percent of Americans were in poverty; the figure dropped to
11.3 percent in 2000, but moved back to 12.7 percent in 2004 (and improved only
slightly to 12.6 percent in 2005). Since the poverty rate has not improved
significantly even while the welfare rolls have declined sharply, it would follow that
welfare reform has primarily transformed the welfare poor into the working poor. (p.5)
This is exactly Clinton was hoping to accomplish. “He wanted to eliminate the culture
of dependency and create a welfare policy that would elicit broad political support
because it stressed the value of work and self-sufficiency” (Christian Century, 2006, p. 5).
I now have a better understanding as to how the welfare system works, in
particular, the Welfare Reform Act and the welfare to work initiative. This research
information answered my question regarding why some of the volunteers at the Lunch
Box are required to work in order to receive their welfare check.
April 11th, 2009
As I began to reflect more and more on this hunger phenomenon, certain
questions came to mind regarding hunger and poverty. What are some current statistics
regarding poverty? What are some possible etiologies of poverty? The following is
going to contain a brief explanation as to what are some causes of poverty and poverty’s
current trend.
On a website entitled, GLOBAL ISSUES – Social, Political, Economic Issues
That Affect Us All, it states that “almost half the world – 3 billion people – live on less
than $2.50 a day.” Whether you live in one of the wealthiest nations of the world or the
poorest, high levels of inequality will be present.
Montemurro 9
The causes are numerous, including a lack of individual responsibility, bad
government policy, exploitation by people and business with power and influence, or
some combination of these and other factors. Many feel that high levels of inequality
will affect social cohesion and lead to problems such as increasing crime and violence.
(Global Issues, 2009)
S. Pimpare (2009) states, “a family of three was poor in 2005 if its annual income
was below $16,090; for a single person, the number was $9,570; for a family of five, $22,
610” (p. 104). Needless to say, by official Census Bureau measures, 37 million
Americans were poor in that year (Pimpare, 2009).
Poverty also seems worse for particular groups of Americans. Pimpare (2009)
states, “by the time they reach age seventy-five, over 90 percent of African Americans
can expect to have experienced poverty” (p. 107).
If you are black and a female, expect to be among the 98.8 percent of your peers who will be
poor at least once. For people that have less than a high school education, the lifetime
poverty-incidence rate is over 75 percent, and we can expect one third of all American
children to live in poverty at some time. (Pimpare, 2009, p. 107)
Montemurro 10
After reading these staggering statistics and facts, I could not help but feel
somewhat saddened and discouraged about the whole issue. We are surrounded by
people that are in dire need and experiencing major deprivation. Bottom line, we all have
to pull together for the sake of others.
April 13th, 2009
Today was the last day. I have to admit, as soon as I walked in the Lunch Box
this morning, I was immediately cranky. There wasn’t any particular reason why I was
cranky. I just felt very tired
Yesterday was Easter, so for lunch today, ham sandwiches and hot soup were
served. I was asked to help with making the ham sandwiches, and I also helped with
distributing the soup.
As I was making the sandwiches though, Ray, the man that I spoke about in the
first journal entry, came over to say hello. I asked him how he was, and he told me that
he could be better. He said that he spent Easter alone and that he didn’t have any money
until his next welfare check, which will be coming next week. At that moment, my heart
ached for him. My problems seem non-existent and unimportant compared to his. What
he said in the next sentence reminded me of a class discussion that took place on April 7th,
2009, regarding existentialism. It didn’t seem like his lack of financial security affected
him a great deal. It’s hard to explain, but he seemed calm and collected about it. He
didn’t seem like he was in crisis mode. He went on by saying how he doesn’t need
money. Everything is taken care of until his next check comes. He has a place to live, he
doesn’t smoke or drink, and he has access to food. Things could be worse was how he
ended this conversation.
Montemurro 11
What Ray did was utilize his last freedom that he has complete control over. He
chose his own attitude. I encompass much admiration for Ray to be able to be so strongminded during such a crucial time. From my perception, it is so hard to be positive at a
time when nothing seems to be going right. As the old cliché goes, when it rains…it
pours. My thoughts and prayers are with Ray.
April 14th, 2009
Overall, this experience has been very educational and depressing at the same
time. I was given an opportunity to see real hardship and was put into an environment
that I don’t think I would have put myself into on my own. I have to admit before my
hours were complete, I found myself questioning the importance of this assignment. I
was even somewhat negative about the 12 hours that had to be completed, on top of my
typical school/work schedule. It was overwhelming at times. Looking back on it now, I
truly understand the importance of this assignment.
This idea of civic education was discussed in “Jihad or the Beloved Community?:
Benjamin R. Barber on Terrorism and Global Democracy.” Dr. Mar Peter-Raoul (2007)
explains how Barber offers a rationale for requiring community service as a necessary
part of a broad education.
In The Aristocracy of Everyone, Barber writes that civic education should be an integral part
of liberal education, mandatory, and receiving academic credit. ‘There are certain things that
a democracy must teach,’ he maintains, ‘employing its full authority to do so: citizenship is
first among them.’ (p. 16)
This whole idea of civic education and citizenship came together for me after
reading this section. I gained so much from this experience. It is important that citizens
“be exposed to broad learning, and acquire practical skills for taking responsibility for
their world” (p. 16).
Montemurro 12
References
Christian Century (September 19th, 2006). Welfare agenda. 123 (19), 5.
Global Issues– Social, Political, Economic Issues That Affect Us All – website (last
updated March 22nd, 2009).
Pimpare, S. (March 2009). The failures of American poverty measures. Journal of
Sociology & Social Welfare, XXXVI (1), 103-122.
Peter-Raoul, M. (2007). ”Jihad or the Beloved Community?: Benjamin J. Barber on
Terrorism and Global Democracy,” Philosophical Perspectives on the ‘War on
Terrorism,’ edited by Gail M. Presbey. Amsterdam: Rodopi Press.
U.S. Welfare System – website