Open Arms of Minnesota

Pete: SNAP at last!

First, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Second, I’m sorry for being tardy with my final blog post. I got home from work last night and realized I had tickets to the wild game so I quickly got ready and headed towards downtown Saint Paul.

My final day of the challenge consisted of oatmeal topped with brown sugar. I finished half a bowl and had to throw the rest away because my body could not handle anymore. There is something about the texture of oatmeal and makes my stomach nauseous. I would rather eat glue then another bowl of oatmeal. Lunch consisted of 1 cup of cooked rice topped with sweet chili sauce. Dinner was rice again, but instead of sweet chili sauce it was soy sauce.

Being at the wild game and smelling all the delicious stadium food almost made me end my challenge early and indulge in a footlong hot dog from the Sausage Haus. It got to the point where I wanted to push a small child over and take his nachos from him. Thankfully I had enough common sense and self control not to. I got home from the game and joined a bunch of friends at a local pub. I waited until midnight before I order a beer. I then decided that I was going to walk to Jimmy John’s for a BLT and bag of BBQ chips. Me being the idiot I am, I didn’t realize that the night before thanksgiving most kitchens close at midnight. So I ran around uptown last night searching for a food establisment that would serve me and no such luck. So I was left with plan b which consisted of me walking home and eating a cinnamon & raisin bagel and granola bar.

As I was finishing up my challenge a few things came to mind. If you really want to make this a challenge I think people should try this for a month and see how they hold up. That would be the real challenge. As we sit down with our family and friends and celebrate the abundance of food. What do people living on SNAP do for thanksgiving?

Final results:
Starting Weight: 186
End Weight: 181

Things I have learned on this challenge:

1.) People living on SNAP are extremely limited. They don’t have the luxury of eating healthy food. They can’t consume in mass quantity like the rest of us.

2.) People actually think I’m funny! To my sister: if you ever read this blog know that there are people in this world that think I’m funny. Sorry to break it to you!

3.) I’m as modest as I am ugly, which is to say I’m not modest at all and I am drop dead gorgeous. Those are irrefutable facts.

To use a phrase from coach Bill Belichick. I was served a piece of humble pie. As much as I complained and looked like hell. The challenge was a minor inconvenience for me compared to a daily reality for some folks. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful words of encouragement. I hope everyone has a great holiday!

More from Open Arms

Securian Financial Gives Back

SECURIAN FINANCIAL RECOGNIZES OPEN ARMS IN 2023 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT We extend our heartfelt thanks to Securian Financial for their unwavering support! In 2023, 194 Securian associates volunteered 555 hours, packing 20,686 meals in our kitchens! Their dedication to our mission of delivering free, nourishing meals to

Read More »
Bake Sale Graphic

Great Minnesota Bake Sale 2024

OPEN ARMS LAUNCHES INAUGURAL “GREAT MINNESOTA BAKE SALE” FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ethan Armstrong [email protected] Cell: 320-815-2351 Minneapolis, MN, [7 June 2024] – Open Arms of Minnesota is thrilled to announce the launch of the first-ever Great Minnesota Bake Sale, set to take place

Read More »
Prida cap

Pride 2024

HAPPY PRIDE FROM OPEN ARMS! June is here, ushering in Pride Month—a time of great significance for Open Arms and our entire community. Our journey began nearly 40 years ago during the HIV/AIDS crisis, and with the support of a passionate and committed community,

Read More »
End Of Year Giving Graphic

Your Gift Will Help Us Serve More Clients!

Together we can continue to meet the increased demand for medically tailored meals with your support! We hope you think of us as you consider your year-end giving. Your donation is a gift of care, compassion, and encouragement!