Giving Up And Giving For

 Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of another Lent. The period before Easter is meant for sacrifice and fasting for many Christians. Yet this year it's also the time of giving up and this year it should be giving out and for as well.

Thanks to government cuts and jobs being lost across the private sector, more and more people are relying on help. This Lent instead of giving up - give out. Prices are high across the board and it;s hard for yourself to put together a decent meal yet if you can spare a few dollars or a few cans to friends and family in need do so. Also think about inviting them over. You don't have to make and elaborate roast and buy a splashy dessert. Something as simple as pasta or chili which is  inexpensive to throw together . As far as dessert, homemade brownies or slice and bake cookies can do the trick. If your kids ' friends families are having trouble with providing lunches , step in. Make a double lunch for your own and then have the kids share them. The little ones will love the idea and they can get together for meal planning. The same idea goes for  elderly neighbors too.Bring a simple lunch of soup  - which is inexpensive and a sandwich to share. They'll appreciate a hot meal and also the company.

Keep in mind that food pantries are bound to be cut and dismantled. Illinois is already experiencing this. Families will be in dire need of even basic staples. If you're a small grocery owner try to donate any overage to these if you can. Keep in min that church or community run food pantries and gardens are not state run and their budgets may only face slight cuts, depending upon donations. You would be better donating to them. Also this is the time when many community gardens start preparing their land for seeding . Volunteer when you can. Help them with planning where to plant along with the actual tilling and hoeing. Also help in pruning fruit trees if they have them. every year branches need to be cut to make way for new fruit bearing ones. Also help or donate any vital tools like hoses and spades, along with rakes and gloves.If there is a shortage of these and no money , organize either a bake sale or a Chinese auction to raise  money. Bang on doors, send out flyers to the community. too for others to donate whether time or money.

This is the time for giving up. Sacrifice what you have  - food , time or money to those in need. we need to help each other right now and this is the perfect time to do so.

Government Issued Foodie

Like it or not, the US government has always played an important role in our lives since the very beginning. Whether to lure us into the army by offering a meal or to start a victory garden for health benefits, Uncle Sam has been omnipresent. Now there is a big exhibit regarding the United States and its' relationship with food at the National Archives down in Washington DC. Going to it would be a neat diversion for any foodie visiting the nation's capital.


The exhibit , entitled What's Cooking, Uncle Sam ? The Government's Effect On The American Diet"" was the subject of an interesting article in yesterday's New York Times Dining section. Written by Jennifer Steinhauer, it tell about how the US government has always been a big part of its' citizens' lives. In Colonial times it lured young men to join the Continental Army by promising three meals a day .(a big deal in those days) . Later on it acted as a consumer watch dog, warning housewives of mom and pop ketchup businesses (these produced exploding bottles).The US government also created the FDA after children were sold toxic candies from street vendors in the early 1900's.


The exhibit has amazing artifacts, especially posters from the early 1900's 'There are also documents, collected food labels, film footage and various other artifacts on display. Visitors can see a photo of the famed Frank Nicholas Meyer, a government appointed food explorer who was sent on foreign mission to Asia from the government to bring back new plants and grains. That foodie, must have, the Meyer lemon is named for him . A nearby restaurant, Cafe Atlantico has been renamed America Eats Tavern in companionship with the exhibit. It will serve American classics such as burgoo, clam chowder and oysters Rockefeller. The first floor will serve classic American cocktails such as Ben Franklin's milk punch and Champagne cocktail, first served at new York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

If you're in Washington this summer (along with the fall and winter. the show ends January 3rd, 2012) then stop by the National Archives. You'll receive an enjoyable look into the government's role in how and what we eat. it's informative and fun , a look back into our government influenced culinary past.

What's Cooking Uncle Sam? The Government's Effect on the American Diet" will be at the National Archives from June 10th to January 3, America Eats tavern is located at 405 Eighth Street NW Washington DC.