Independent Study Project Calls Attention to Food Insecurity Crisis

On Thursday, January 16th, MBS senior Oliver Simon ’20 not only presented an oral report about his Independent Study on “Food Insecurity,” but he actively engaged the faculty in an exercise that was truly eye-opening – having them shop for a family of four on a budget of just $70 per week for dinners.

Simon, who is a co-founder of the community service organization Extra Helpings Delivered, worked with Upper School English teacher Andrew Holbrook on the Independent Study project.  He began his presentation by defining food insecurity as “not knowing where your next meal is coming from.”  He offered statistics about food insecurity, discussed causes, and played audio clips of interviews he conducted about the problem.

To fully humanize the issue, however, Simon led the faculty through a hypothetical scenario. He showed how difficult it would be for a family of four earning $43,000 after taxes and renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Morristown to put nutritious food on the table each night. After everyday expenses, the family could only allot just $10 for dinner each night.

Simon set up a mock grocery store in the classroom, with an array of food items labeled with prices.  Faculty members had to shop for a week’s worth of food in the store while keeping under the $70 limit. Needless to say, the task was not only difficult, but eye-opening.

“It really shows how families that are food insecure have to make sacrifices — especially when it comes to nutrition,” said Simon.

At the end of the activity, Simon talked about what can be done to help resolve food insecurity.    

“Support politicians who support policies that will end food insecurity. Lobby your elected officials to re-examine the School Lunch and Food Stamp programs. Get educated and educate others on the issues,” he said. “No one person can help 50 million people, but like Extra Helpings Delivered, each person can help a few people at a time. Every meal adds up!”

He also donated all of the food used in the activity to help food insecure families.