9AM Class Review

I thoroughly enjoyed all the projects presented in my class. Everyone had put so much thought and hard work into their projects. I know it had to almost be impossible for Dr. J to fail anyone. One of the projects presented was a creation of a vending machine that would provide one meal to those who are homeless and/or hungry. This was a very creative idea and it brought up a great discussion through class as well. Its focus was to lessen the amount of food waste and increase the amount of food given to those who are in need. My classmates were really stricken by this, in a good way of course.
Those who presented wanted the vending machine to be placed in the back of stores or restaurants that way no business would lose customers due to too much traffic or the outer appearance of the homeless. This concerned me and a few others in my class because we didn’t want the homeless/needy to feel ostracized or as if they were unwanted. The concept was amazing and understandable but it was a little risky. Being that homeless people can go to the rear parts of a facility anything could happen to them. It was suggested to this group that they consider allowing the needy to enter the facility after hours with supervision and be able to get a free meal and maybe time to clean themselves as well.
The group had also came up with the idea of issuing cards, something like Food Stamps here in Memphis. This card would be used for one meal per day for one person per family. The questions that was raised with this was what is there was a single mother with multiple children, would she be the only person with a card and would she be able to feed herself and her children each day. Their response was to allow all persons within a family to have their own personal card so that everyone would be able to get a meal.
Overall I think that this project was thought through to the tee and if they were to make it an actuality then I would most definitely support them. I see so many homeless people on a daily basis that are asking for food and or money and not being able to help them from my own pocket is not always a good feeling, but this would be a great way to do just that from the goodness of one’s heart.