The One Dollar Diet Project, How We Live and Compassion Children

This morning my inbox had some interesting information. I learned about The One Dollar Diet Project . It's about two Social Justice teachers have decided to start eating on one dollar a day. They're bloggers y'all, just like us. And they are doing it. The story is quite fascinating. They are blogging their diet, the recipes, etc.

The New York Times has published an article about the journey the couple took -"Money Is Tight And Junk Food Beckons."

Better yet, they are collecting donations so that they can give to help others through their efforts. Here's their donation statement:

If you think what we’re doing is interesting, inspiring, or just plain nutty, consider SPONSORING our efforts. Simply enter in an amount, click “update total” and follow the prompting. If you don’t have PayPal, it will let you use a credit card. At the end of the of the month all proceeds will go to the Community Resource Center (here in Encinitas, CA). We will post evidence of donations at the end.

Anyone can donate to the cause. It is a fascinating concept. And poignantly points out the high cost of fresh fruits and vegetables even in this country. Another reminder my girlfriends who are gardening their own produce are more than onto something here.

My family has had sort of a reverse conversation lately. How much are we throwing away each day? I made a game of it. I would tell them in dollars and cents the amount of food they were throwing away. This rang home to us and it seems to help.

As a mother raised on the 'clean plate club,' I know those habits are hard to break. And so Mountain Man and I try to let the children eat what they need and want not dictating the amount of food they consume. On the other hand, we find ourselves throwing away a fare amount of food. Half eaten this and that.

Honestly, it is simple to toss it. Yet, is it a good steward to constantly thrown out when so many are without. And we are making a reasonable effort to not be wasteful.

We try to encourage them to only take the food on their plate that they want to eat. I try to serve reasonable servings and let them go back for as much as they need. This is tricky, because a small portion for a child looks so small. I never want them to think that is all. Yet, giving a child an adult portion and throwing it away is wasteful.

As I have read all week about the Compassion Bloggers in the Dominican Republic, I have shared with my Tigers how other children live, through their eyes for now because one day we're bound for a family mission trip to live, learn, see and share ourselves. For now, Compassion International is doing amazing things in supporting children around the world. Go find your child.

As a mom, how do you teach your children? What is your practice with their half-eaten plate? Is there a way to avoid this? I'd love to hear your ideas. Or more, has anyone taken the challenge of eating on a certain amount a day?

With Thanksgiving three weeks away, it seem fitting to discuss this now because Turkey Day is no time to start the Dollar a Day Diet. :)

Warmly,