When the Joads settle into their first camp, Ma begins cooking a stew for her family. Many children gather around her begging because they are dying of hunger. Mom gives it to them, even if they run out of food for themselves. The mother is later scolded by a woman who is ashamed of not being able to feed her children. The mother explains that she barely has enough food for her family. Mom says, “Suppose you were cooking a stew and a bunch of kids were lying around sleeping, what would you do?” (259). Her compassion causes her to miss out on essential things for her family, but it is rewarding because she helps those in need. Ma's generosity helps not only herself and her family, but also strangers