Interestingly, there are also fewer names to specify a husband than wife--hubby, old man,
brown bagger, and breadwinner.
Well-known by locals, the Brown Baggers program was founded there in the late 1990s, largely by Elizabeth Kemp, as an outreach to vineyard workers.
Now operating under the nonprofit wing of Sonoma Overnight Support, the Brown Baggers have expanded to oversee two weekly sit-down meals for individuals who are homeless and/or on a limited income--Wednesday lunches at the Sonoma Valley Grange Hall and Friday dinners at La Luz Center in the Boyes Hot Springs area.
She was a member of the Southbridge Retired Teachers Association; a member of the
Brown Baggers of Brimfield and a member of Women in Business of the tri-community area.
Although many of the Wellness Committee's guidelines dealt with hot lunches and vending machine fare, it issued healthy snacking suggestions, many of which apply to brown baggers. Among the recommended foods were: fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, yogurt or "Soy-gurt," whole grain or multi-grain crackers, whole grain cereals with low sugar content and fruit drinks that contain at least 50 percent fruit juice.
Laurel Allender a registered dietician at Sacred Heart Medical center, says most brown baggers could probably benefit from some of the dietary guidelines issued by nutritionists.
varieties, which, as their name suggests, are designed to make soup a more viable lunchtime option for
brown baggers.
Complete with lawn furniture, the park has become a favorite spot for mid-day
brown baggers from nearby office buildings and for outdoor entertainment and special events.
Extensive landscaping was begun, including a central park with a fountain for
brown baggers. A fitness center is under construction.