When the Joads settle into their first camp, Mama begins to prepare a stew for her family. A multitude of children gather around her, begging because they are dying of hunger. Mom gives it to them, even though they lack food for themselves. Later, Mom is yelled at by a woman who is ashamed of not being able to feed her own children. Mom explains that she barely has enough food for her family. Mom said, “Suppose you were making a stew and a bunch of little guys were standing around the moon, what would you do? » (259). Her compassion causes her to lose essential possessions 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.