The last meal I ate was a iced latte and croissant from a coffee shop near my work (the total was $12 which is crazy for a coffee and a pastry). It wasn’t served/prepared in anything, but when I got to work I heated it up in the microwave. I drank my coffee and ate my pastry at my desk while working alongside my co-workers who also have their own desks. My co-workers and I talked while I had my meal, but I tried to finish it as quickly as possible so I could get back to work. My co-workers are other aspiring therapists and administrative staff at the therapy office I am currently employed at.
I finished the croissant fast, but I didn’t finish my coffee until the end of my shift. I think these details tell me that I’m very fortunate to have bought breakfast on my way into work today. If some people are late to work and didn’t have time for breakfast at home, they don’t get to eat until they get back. I also got almond milk and vanilla syrup in my latte, which was an extra $2. That means I’m willing to spend more so my food can taste the way I want it, most don’t have that fortune. My coffee order alone is an example of the privilege I currently live in. It reminds me of the social service organization, Crossroads, I volunteer at sometimes, where I help people (typically homeless individuals) pick out groceries for the week. Our food pantry has only shelf-stable items, we don’t have condiments, we have one freezer where families can choose 1-2 meats for the entire week. For some families or individuals, this is all they get.
If they don’t have a Bridge card, or if they are waiting for it to reload, they have to choose between spending the little money that they worked hard to earn on bills or lunch. It makes me think about the little stress I had to experience today when ordering and eating my food, and not having to make those difficult choices. Some tasks as easy as eating, can be extremely difficult and challenging, and in some cases not an option, for some individuals.
