Thanks to the efforts of a medical student at The University of New England’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, clients of the city’s Health and Human Service department will have an easy-to-use cookbook with tips about cooking, shopping and other ways to use food more efficiently.
Biddeford Health and Human Service Director Vicky Edgerly says managing a food budget is a problem of many who depend on general assistance, and although the office staff has wanted to create its own book, it hasn’t had the time.
Cue third-year medical student Benjamin Slocum.
Slocum was in search of a public health project he could complete, and Edgerly was happy to oblige.
Edgerly told Slocum that hunger is one of the top issues plaguing the area, which led Slocum to seek out more information, speaking with volunteers and staff at local food pantries and soup kitchens. They told him the local hunger relief organizations are overwhelmed and struggling to meet the demands of all those who were coming through the doors in need of food assistance.
After completing his research, Slocum created the cooking guide “30 Days on $200: A Cooking Guide for Good and Healthy Eating on a Budget.”
The guide features nutritious recipes that can be prepared quickly, as well as tips and information about cooking and how to plan ahead before going grocery shopping.
The cooking guide is intended to provide money-saving strategies, and, said Slocum, help families better utilize their resources ”“ whether it be aid like food stamps or food from pantries.
It’s great that a company has stepped up to make sure this effort becomes a real tool for those in need. Hannaford supermarkets have committed to printing and distributing the book, and it’s encouraging to know that local people will be able to benefit from this book once it is printed and distributed to local, low-income families. The supermarket has determined whether it will become a larger effort, but it would likely be welcome in cities throughout the state and country; there are many, many people impacted by food insecurity and who struggle to budget and make healthy, nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals for their families.
In addition to distributing the book, the city may see even further success if it can make sure people understand the concepts and put those concepts into reality in their everyday lives.
Creating a series of classes or workshops for people to learn some basics about cooking and grocery shopping, with the book as a guide, would help reinforce those ideas and get the wheels in motion.
“30 Days on $200 ”“ A Cooking Guide for Good and Healthy Eating on a Budget” will be an invaluable tool for struggling families as long as it is utilized.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham Rousseau on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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