The cruelty of food distribution in the United States

When I think about the evil decision to cut SNAP benefits for millions of Americans, my next thought is the scene in The Hunger Games where Peeta and Katniss attend a banquet where they learn about the concoction that the elite use to vomit so they can continue to gorge themselves on delicacies. Both are […]

LGBTQ+ Poverty and SNAP: NaBloPoMo

NaBloPoMo 2025: November 2 A great concern me has always been the lack of solidarity affluent white gay men and lesbians demonstrate to the larger LGBTQ+ community, especially those who do not identify as gay or lesbian. This illustrated the importance of a class or economic analysis when discussing “the” LGBTQ+ community. The lapse of […]

Pittsburgh Food Security Resources – a List

UPDATED as of 10/30/2025 – We’ve added a dozen listings. This is an ongoing list of food resources to support neighbors, including those who might be affected by the cruel cut to the SNAP (food stamps) program. You would be doing your neighbors a great service to let me know what else should be added […]

In the 90’s, the Mormon Calvary Saved a Food Pantry

Update on the Closure of the Pittsburgh Pet Food Pantry Pittsburgh has been responsive – 27 people have ordered items from our wishlists. It is a little hard to know the quantity until they arrive. But 27 is lovely and will help us be prepared for October. I’ll admit I was hoping for an autumn […]

My Updated Review of Giant Eagle’s Curbside Services and How to Maybe Get Free Delivery

Since the pandemic, I’ve been a pretty consistent Giant Eagle shopper, predominantly using Curbside Express or Home Delivery. I like supporting a locally owned company, a unionized company, and a company that includes people with disabilities in their workforce. I know the financial prices might be higher, but those things are prices we pay or […]

Here’s the Truth About Holidays After a Divorce

It is a crisp autumish Sunday afternoon this August 31 in the year 2025. Tomorrow is Labor Day. I did have plans for a project that fell through, so I am left to my own devices. Chores, laundry, nap. In the before-times, three day holiday weekends usually included housework, a project, and – this is […]

Lettuce spread the butter, not the shame or stigma

I regularly rely on a food pantry. Of course, I’m researching a blog post to destigmatize food insecurity resources. Because that’s what I do. I talk about it openly with my circle of friends. I felt no shame or guilt about it. I meet the criteria of the pantry. No shame until today. Today, someone […]

How 17 Months Without a Car Changed My Fast Food Habits

I used to eat a bit of fast food. The convenience, the secret ingredients that lured me back, the familiarity. You know. Then I lost access to a car for 17 months and counting. While I certainly went out to eat, the folx who drove rarely wanted fast food. When I was lent a Land […]

This is How I Endured a Dark and Twisty Week

Content Note: mental health, bureaucracy, aging, suicide, shed building Last week. A dark and twisty series of days, events, and revelations. It was pretty rough. First … First, there’s my struggle to find a good therapist who accepts Medicare. Or will. I have private insurance now through my spouse, but I also have a Medicare […]

Holiday Q&A with Bistro to Go Owner Nikki Heckman: “Food conveys love and value.”

Bistro to Go

Everyone is significant and welcome at our table. Its an honor they invited us to care for their food. This is the beginning of relationship. Walks our talk, Matches with our culture and what we want to promote. We are better together. One thing I love about Bistro to Go is obviously the food. For […]