‘Boxed lunch’ takes on a whole new meaning
[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/EATTHEMATHPOSTER.jpg” caption=”More than 50 McMaster students will live off the contents of a food bank box this week as part of the Do the Math campaign, in support of poverty relief in Ontario.”]
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It may be difficult to imagine spending a week living off the meager items found in the
average food bank box, but for more than 50 McMaster students the reality will hit home
this week.
The students, participating in the Do the Math campaign, are attempting to live off a diet
similar to those who live on social assistance across the province in an effort to raise
awareness about the conditions faced by many in the community. For the next week the
students will eat nothing but what's inside the average kit handed out by a food bank:
store brand macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, a loaf of bread, a can of tuna, a single
potato, some small cans of vegetables and little else.
"My entire life I've always had a variety of food on the table," said Hannah Abram, a first
year humanities student. "I got involved so that I can better appreciate the circumstances
that others are in."
The Waterdown, Ont. resident says that she's concerned about the lack of resources the
government allocates to alleviating poverty in the province. According to Carol Wood at
McMaster's Chaplaincy Centre, such concerns are a common reason for students to get
involved with Do the Math.
"Hunger and poverty are problems that exist in our community, and participating in
something like this really wakes people up and opens their eyes to some of the problems
others face on a daily basis," she said. "Many students are concerned about the situation
that exists, and as a result of this campaign end up taking action by writing their MPP or
joining a social advocacy group to fight for more support in the battle against poverty."
Do the Math originated in Toronto and has since spread across the rest of the province.
McMaster is participating as part of a larger area effort in support of 25 in 5, a networking
of organizations working toward reducing poverty in Ontario by 25 per cent in five years.
"I fully expect my feelings toward poverty to change," said Kimberly Pastrak, who is
currently working toward her master's in theological studies. "I think it will help me realize
that I take for granted the fact that a lack of money is not an impediment for me when I am
in need of food."
The campaign was supported by the Faculty of Social Sciences, which made it possible to
purchase the contents of the food bank box.
"We understand the importance of issues such as poverty to this community," said Charlotte Yates, dean of social sciences. "We're pleased to be able to support this year's Do the Math campaign, which gives students the opportunity to supplement their in-class learning with hands-on, life education."
Participants will attend a reflection session on Thursday followed by a presentation by staff
from Living Rock, a centre for at-risk youth in downtown Hamilton. The presentation is
scheduled for 12:30 p.m. in Togo Salmon Hall room 719.
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