Protein bars

I was deeply moved and inspired by the NY Times video package about Jorge Munoz, a former undocumented worker from Columbia, who donates his free time feeding Latino homeless men in Queens when he's not driving a school bus during the day.

In the last few months, I have found myself giving away spare protein bars to homeless people asking for a donation. Upon giving it to them, they usually inspect the packaging, perhaps at first mistaking it for candy. Usually they are pleased, as it constitutes a meal.

Tonight in front of Lincoln Center, as well-dressed, mature New Yorkers made their way to an evening performance, a homeless woman with long, gray hair - maybe a former actress in her other life - leaned on crushes and asked for money with a Starbucks plastic cup. After checking out the protein bar that I handed her, she seemed excited.