Anchor ads are not supported on this page.

4S Ranch Allied Gardens Alpine Baja Balboa Park Bankers Hill Barrio Logan Bay Ho Bay Park Black Mountain Ranch Blossom Valley Bonita Bonsall Borrego Springs Boulevard Campo Cardiff-by-the-Sea Carlsbad Carmel Mountain Carmel Valley Chollas View Chula Vista City College City Heights Clairemont College Area Coronado CSU San Marcos Cuyamaca College Del Cerro Del Mar Descanso Downtown San Diego Eastlake East Village El Cajon Emerald Hills Encanto Encinitas Escondido Fallbrook Fletcher Hills Golden Hill Grant Hill Grantville Grossmont College Guatay Harbor Island Hillcrest Imperial Beach Imperial Valley Jacumba Jamacha-Lomita Jamul Julian Kearny Mesa Kensington La Jolla Lakeside La Mesa Lemon Grove Leucadia Liberty Station Lincoln Acres Lincoln Park Linda Vista Little Italy Logan Heights Mesa College Midway District MiraCosta College Miramar Miramar College Mira Mesa Mission Beach Mission Hills Mission Valley Mountain View Mount Hope Mount Laguna National City Nestor Normal Heights North Park Oak Park Ocean Beach Oceanside Old Town Otay Mesa Pacific Beach Pala Palomar College Palomar Mountain Paradise Hills Pauma Valley Pine Valley Point Loma Point Loma Nazarene Potrero Poway Rainbow Ramona Rancho Bernardo Rancho Penasquitos Rancho San Diego Rancho Santa Fe Rolando San Carlos San Marcos San Onofre Santa Ysabel Santee San Ysidro Scripps Ranch SDSU Serra Mesa Shelltown Shelter Island Sherman Heights Skyline Solana Beach Sorrento Valley Southcrest South Park Southwestern College Spring Valley Stockton Talmadge Temecula Tierrasanta Tijuana UCSD University City University Heights USD Valencia Park Valley Center Vista Warner Springs

Taking A Trip To The Food Bank...

"Tonight, Lucullus is host to Lucullus!" --Marcus Gaeius Lucullus, Roman statesman, general, and gourmand.

August 4th, 2010--16:45 hrs.

Woke up around 07:00 today, hoping to see a bit of sunshine to brighten my arousal. Nah, just the dreaded Marine Layer outside. Well, at least I'm alive to see it.

I shower, shave, dry off, and moisten my skin with Aquaphor mositurizer (the Wally Mart analouge, works OK for a Walmart product) from face to feet. Dress quickly, then pop open the fridge and pull a bottle of chilled tea out. As I drink my tea, I review my "Plan Of The Day," which includes a run to the Catholic Charities Food Pantry (my first this year).

At 08:30, I grab my wheeled cart and head out the door. Still overcast and chilly outside--not bad. I go over to the 335 bus stop and wait, picking up a copy of The Coast News from the "free paper" kiosk. I give it a good read, then park it in my cart for later use.

08:43--The 335 arrives, and I board. It's a twelve minute ride to Catholic Charities, which includes a three minute walk from the bus stop. When I arrive at the stop, I pull out my digital camera and take a few pictures (they will go into my on-line album). The food pantry is located in the same neighborhood as the Vista Community Clinic, Fresh & Easy Market, Round Table Pizza, and Curves For Women Workout Studio. There's a Taco Bell (freshly repainted in garish shades) across the street, along with a Citibank and a special "Vista Institution"--Chicks Charbroiled Chicken.

09:06--Both the food pantry, and the thrift store that houses it, open up. I go in and head for the Food Pantry, then park my cart (folded) by one of the tables. I go up to the receptionist and hand her my California Driver's License (you have to have a picture I.D. to use this pantry). I then go have a seat...only my lonesome there!

09:15--The receptionist calls me over and goes over any "preferences" I may have for today's trip. Takes about five minutes, then I go sit back down after getting-and-unlocking my cart.

09:21--My food order comes out. I also get a USDA Commodity Item with my order. I sign for both, wish everybody well, then load the items into my cart and head for the bus stop (the 334).

09:37--I get on board the 334, and begin the trip home. I get off at 09:50, and make it home by 09:56 pull my cart into the apartment, shut the door, and give thanks for my food order. Then I open the bags to see what I brought home...

1 loaf Oroweat 10 grain bread 1 loaf French Bread 1 15oz can of red beans 1 1lb bag of elbow pasta 1 2lb bag of Great Northern Beans 1 12oz can of Starkist Tuna, water packed. 1 3.5 oz can of sliced water chestnuts 1 15 oz can of green beans 1 15 oz can of apricots 1 15 oz can of VegAll 1 small bottle of Prego pasta sauce 1 10oz can of plain pasta sauce 1 can applesauce 1 20oz box of Sun-Maid Raisins 2 3oz cans of chunked chicken 1 8oz bag of Ghram Goldfish crackers 2 bags of powdered egg mix (the USDA commodity).

Well then, let's stash my stuff!

The French Bread went into the freezer. The loaf of Oroweat was put in my fridge. All the rest went into my "pantry box," located next to Fan#1 (the one closest to the door). Then I realized it was time for lunch. I opened both cans of chicken, mixed in some barbecue sauce and yellow mustard, and made a spread that I could make some sandwiches with. That, and the Grahm Goldfish, were my lunch.

I also got cracking on that night's dinner. I put 1lb of Great Northern Beans into the crock pot, poured water over the pile, and flipped on the Crock-Pot to "high" heat. I leave the Crock Pot alone for three hours, while I assemble the rest of dinner.

Three hours later, I switch off the crock-pot, drain the beans in my colander, then pop them back in. I then add 1 can of water chestnuts, 1 can of VegAll, 1 can of sauerkraut, 1 large can of tuna, and two cans of beer to provide the cooking stock. I then switch back on the crockpot, and let sit until 21:00.

Tastes good--but needs a bit more time to properly cook the Great Northerns. Still, I eat two bowls (hunger is such a great incentive) before turning the heat to simmer. I will leave it on until 13:00the next afternoon.

Going to ANY relief organization for things like emergency groceries might go against our national "John Wayne"-styled ethical makeup (fend for yourself, don't accept handouts or "do-gooder" help). That may be fine for some, but when my stomach is screaming in pain friom hunger, John Wayne can go rot in eternal torment!

Besides, I do not make a habit of using the food pantries here in Vista as a "free 7-Eleven." The funny thing is, I very seldom put them to use at all, if my weekly stipend check from my payee shows up on time. If it's very late (as it was this week), and it's been over two weeks since my last visit? Grab the cart and make tracks, Bubba...going hungry, even for someone of my size and girth, is very painful.

They are there when I need them...and I thank God for that, as well as the generosity of my neighbors here in Vista. I just try not to need them that often, and budgeting my finances helps with that. Still, when it comes time...I'm not too proud to make the trip that's needed.

Better to accept the help you need, rather than be too proud and in pain from severe hunger.

--LPR

Here's something you might be interested in.
Submit a free classified
or view all

Previous article

Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About doTERRA

Next Article

The vicious cycle of Escondido's abandoned buildings

City staff blames owners for raising rents

"Tonight, Lucullus is host to Lucullus!" --Marcus Gaeius Lucullus, Roman statesman, general, and gourmand.

August 4th, 2010--16:45 hrs.

Woke up around 07:00 today, hoping to see a bit of sunshine to brighten my arousal. Nah, just the dreaded Marine Layer outside. Well, at least I'm alive to see it.

I shower, shave, dry off, and moisten my skin with Aquaphor mositurizer (the Wally Mart analouge, works OK for a Walmart product) from face to feet. Dress quickly, then pop open the fridge and pull a bottle of chilled tea out. As I drink my tea, I review my "Plan Of The Day," which includes a run to the Catholic Charities Food Pantry (my first this year).

At 08:30, I grab my wheeled cart and head out the door. Still overcast and chilly outside--not bad. I go over to the 335 bus stop and wait, picking up a copy of The Coast News from the "free paper" kiosk. I give it a good read, then park it in my cart for later use.

08:43--The 335 arrives, and I board. It's a twelve minute ride to Catholic Charities, which includes a three minute walk from the bus stop. When I arrive at the stop, I pull out my digital camera and take a few pictures (they will go into my on-line album). The food pantry is located in the same neighborhood as the Vista Community Clinic, Fresh & Easy Market, Round Table Pizza, and Curves For Women Workout Studio. There's a Taco Bell (freshly repainted in garish shades) across the street, along with a Citibank and a special "Vista Institution"--Chicks Charbroiled Chicken.

09:06--Both the food pantry, and the thrift store that houses it, open up. I go in and head for the Food Pantry, then park my cart (folded) by one of the tables. I go up to the receptionist and hand her my California Driver's License (you have to have a picture I.D. to use this pantry). I then go have a seat...only my lonesome there!

09:15--The receptionist calls me over and goes over any "preferences" I may have for today's trip. Takes about five minutes, then I go sit back down after getting-and-unlocking my cart.

09:21--My food order comes out. I also get a USDA Commodity Item with my order. I sign for both, wish everybody well, then load the items into my cart and head for the bus stop (the 334).

09:37--I get on board the 334, and begin the trip home. I get off at 09:50, and make it home by 09:56 pull my cart into the apartment, shut the door, and give thanks for my food order. Then I open the bags to see what I brought home...

1 loaf Oroweat 10 grain bread 1 loaf French Bread 1 15oz can of red beans 1 1lb bag of elbow pasta 1 2lb bag of Great Northern Beans 1 12oz can of Starkist Tuna, water packed. 1 3.5 oz can of sliced water chestnuts 1 15 oz can of green beans 1 15 oz can of apricots 1 15 oz can of VegAll 1 small bottle of Prego pasta sauce 1 10oz can of plain pasta sauce 1 can applesauce 1 20oz box of Sun-Maid Raisins 2 3oz cans of chunked chicken 1 8oz bag of Ghram Goldfish crackers 2 bags of powdered egg mix (the USDA commodity).

Well then, let's stash my stuff!

The French Bread went into the freezer. The loaf of Oroweat was put in my fridge. All the rest went into my "pantry box," located next to Fan#1 (the one closest to the door). Then I realized it was time for lunch. I opened both cans of chicken, mixed in some barbecue sauce and yellow mustard, and made a spread that I could make some sandwiches with. That, and the Grahm Goldfish, were my lunch.

I also got cracking on that night's dinner. I put 1lb of Great Northern Beans into the crock pot, poured water over the pile, and flipped on the Crock-Pot to "high" heat. I leave the Crock Pot alone for three hours, while I assemble the rest of dinner.

Three hours later, I switch off the crock-pot, drain the beans in my colander, then pop them back in. I then add 1 can of water chestnuts, 1 can of VegAll, 1 can of sauerkraut, 1 large can of tuna, and two cans of beer to provide the cooking stock. I then switch back on the crockpot, and let sit until 21:00.

Tastes good--but needs a bit more time to properly cook the Great Northerns. Still, I eat two bowls (hunger is such a great incentive) before turning the heat to simmer. I will leave it on until 13:00the next afternoon.

Going to ANY relief organization for things like emergency groceries might go against our national "John Wayne"-styled ethical makeup (fend for yourself, don't accept handouts or "do-gooder" help). That may be fine for some, but when my stomach is screaming in pain friom hunger, John Wayne can go rot in eternal torment!

Besides, I do not make a habit of using the food pantries here in Vista as a "free 7-Eleven." The funny thing is, I very seldom put them to use at all, if my weekly stipend check from my payee shows up on time. If it's very late (as it was this week), and it's been over two weeks since my last visit? Grab the cart and make tracks, Bubba...going hungry, even for someone of my size and girth, is very painful.

They are there when I need them...and I thank God for that, as well as the generosity of my neighbors here in Vista. I just try not to need them that often, and budgeting my finances helps with that. Still, when it comes time...I'm not too proud to make the trip that's needed.

Better to accept the help you need, rather than be too proud and in pain from severe hunger.

--LPR

Sponsored
Here's something you might be interested in.
Submit a free classified
or view all
Previous article

Food-insecure in Escondido

"I know what the pain of not eating is like — it's incredibly painful."
Next Article

Recap of USDC Jury Service: $82.00 and 30 hours of no sleep.

Ask a Hipster — Advice you didn't know you needed Big Screen — Movie commentary Blurt — Music's inside track Booze News — San Diego spirits Classical Music — Immortal beauty Classifieds — Free and easy Cover Stories — Front-page features Drinks All Around — Bartenders' drink recipes Excerpts — Literary and spiritual excerpts Feast! — Food & drink reviews Feature Stories — Local news & stories Fishing Report — What’s getting hooked from ship and shore From the Archives — Spotlight on the past Golden Dreams — Talk of the town The Gonzo Report — Making the musical scene, or at least reporting from it Letters — Our inbox Movies@Home — Local movie buffs share favorites Movie Reviews — Our critics' picks and pans Musician Interviews — Up close with local artists Neighborhood News from Stringers — Hyperlocal news News Ticker — News & politics Obermeyer — San Diego politics illustrated Outdoors — Weekly changes in flora and fauna Overheard in San Diego — Eavesdropping illustrated Poetry — The old and the new Reader Travel — Travel section built by travelers Reading — The hunt for intellectuals Roam-O-Rama — SoCal's best hiking/biking trails San Diego Beer — Inside San Diego suds SD on the QT — Almost factual news Sheep and Goats — Places of worship Special Issues — The best of Street Style — San Diego streets have style Surf Diego — Real stories from those braving the waves Theater — On stage in San Diego this week Tin Fork — Silver spoon alternative Under the Radar — Matt Potter's undercover work Unforgettable — Long-ago San Diego Unreal Estate — San Diego's priciest pads Your Week — Daily event picks
4S Ranch Allied Gardens Alpine Baja Balboa Park Bankers Hill Barrio Logan Bay Ho Bay Park Black Mountain Ranch Blossom Valley Bonita Bonsall Borrego Springs Boulevard Campo Cardiff-by-the-Sea Carlsbad Carmel Mountain Carmel Valley Chollas View Chula Vista City College City Heights Clairemont College Area Coronado CSU San Marcos Cuyamaca College Del Cerro Del Mar Descanso Downtown San Diego Eastlake East Village El Cajon Emerald Hills Encanto Encinitas Escondido Fallbrook Fletcher Hills Golden Hill Grant Hill Grantville Grossmont College Guatay Harbor Island Hillcrest Imperial Beach Imperial Valley Jacumba Jamacha-Lomita Jamul Julian Kearny Mesa Kensington La Jolla Lakeside La Mesa Lemon Grove Leucadia Liberty Station Lincoln Acres Lincoln Park Linda Vista Little Italy Logan Heights Mesa College Midway District MiraCosta College Miramar Miramar College Mira Mesa Mission Beach Mission Hills Mission Valley Mountain View Mount Hope Mount Laguna National City Nestor Normal Heights North Park Oak Park Ocean Beach Oceanside Old Town Otay Mesa Pacific Beach Pala Palomar College Palomar Mountain Paradise Hills Pauma Valley Pine Valley Point Loma Point Loma Nazarene Potrero Poway Rainbow Ramona Rancho Bernardo Rancho Penasquitos Rancho San Diego Rancho Santa Fe Rolando San Carlos San Marcos San Onofre Santa Ysabel Santee San Ysidro Scripps Ranch SDSU Serra Mesa Shelltown Shelter Island Sherman Heights Skyline Solana Beach Sorrento Valley Southcrest South Park Southwestern College Spring Valley Stockton Talmadge Temecula Tierrasanta Tijuana UCSD University City University Heights USD Valencia Park Valley Center Vista Warner Springs
Close

Anchor ads are not supported on this page.

This Week’s Reader This Week’s Reader