Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1916-11-26
Miss Jackson Stands by Her Guns.

Miss Jackson Stands by Her Guns.
Bellevue, Neb., Nov. 25.-To the
Editor of The Bee: In reply to let
tiers which have appeared in The Bees
Letter Box criticism of my statement
that my grocery list for $3.50 a week
would furnish sufficient food for a
family of five for one week, | wish to
make the following statements:
When the menu was made out it
was an answer to inquiries which
came in, from some asking through
curiosity, who were interested to
know how economically, in my opin-
ion, a family really could live, if
necessary; from others, asking
through the desperation of straitened
circumstances, for help to learn if
they were ssepnding too much for the
necessaries to keep them able and fit
for their hard work.
To those asking me through curl
osity, sent the menu, but also re-
piled that for people who really have
the money to spend, it is poor econ
omy to save money on food, which,
although, being plenty scientifically,
to keep the body in good condition
and satisfy hunger, does not satisfy
the appetite for fruits and vegetables
and other things, nuts, sweets, rel
ishes, ETC., which, although pleasant,
are rather expensive. To those who
have the money, let them by all means
indulge. Too often money thus saved
is used for clothes, furniture, shows
and things which the family all like,
but which are not truly necessary.
But let US not discourage the efforts
of those in poorer circumstances to
live on what to the more fortunate,
would be mere existence.
To the people who were really in
need of advice from someone ex-
perienced in dietetics, or scientific
study of food in its relation to the
needs of the human body, sent the
menu which can be prepared at an
expense of $3.50 a week. In speak
ing of family of five, l had in mind
the usual family, man and wife,
with three children. For family of
more than two adults there would
have to be food in greater quantities,
as grown people require different food
properties than those needed by chill
dren. Thus the cost per week would
be slightly increased.
This diet, $3.50 a week, was esti-
mated exclusive of milk. 1t is espe-
cially adapted to people who are re-
ceving some aid from social settle
ment centers, where there is a special
milk fund. The menu will not in
clude meat frequently. Meat is not
necessary to the life processes of the
human body. In fact, we could we'll
live without it.
My list has been criticized by some
of the inquirers, who say that the
prices are inaccurate in some parts
of the country. Prices vary widely
in different localities. Cooperative
bnying is one of the greatest advan-
tages in keeping down the high cost
of living. Another, very important,
is the careful preparation and serving
Of the foods which are available.
/ also said that my diet is whole
some and contains the necessaryiood
principles for health and strength, al
though in minimum quantities" That
statement is correct and can be dem
onstrated scientifically.
j will be glad to answer letters
from those desiring help in either
food expenditures or food prepara-
ton, provided they enclose their
usual market list for the week, giving
prices in their locality, and the maxi
mum amount they will be able to
allow for their food.
ALMA A. JACKSON,
Home Economics Department, Belle
vue College