Food Stamp Challenge

**edited to add: I've been writing posts like a madwoman. Check out ANOTHER new post below this one.

My family (me, Grace, and Caleb) are participating in a challenge next week (September 7-13). And rather than try to tell you myself, I'll let you read what the professionals wrote about it below.

To be honest, I've been on food stamps. I know what it's like. In fact, we almost eat on a "food stamp" budget now. The monthly amount given for a family of 3 is on average $250. Our food budget is $300/month. This doesn't include our eating out though. That is usually included in our entertainment budget. So that will really make it a challenge for us.

Sometimes I think there's a stigma involved when you start talking about welfare, food stamps, Medicaid, etc. I've been both the victim and the perpetrator of the stigma. As a single mom, I was so thankful to have food stamps, while at the same time ashamed that I needed them. I remember being so embarrassed to pull out my Lone Star card, especially if there was a long line behind me.

I grown so much since those days. And while, I don't need the food stamps anymore, my children still qualify for reduced lunches at school and the CHIP program. I am grateful and unashamed to accept the help of these programs.

As an Americorps member, I serve many individuals who are destitute, relying on food stamps and pantries to provide their most basic of needs. I want to understand the program better, but, beyond that, I want to put myself in the shoes of my clients, to become more intimately aware of how life works for them. I hope to learn some tips and tricks that will help both my clients and myself become more economical with our grocery budgets. I hope to gain insight and empathy for the person/family on food stamps.

The Food Stamp Program helps more than 26 million low-income
people purchase food for themselves and their families. The program is designed
as a safety net to help ensure people have access to food during difficult
times, with the majority of people leaving the program within nine months. More
than half of the food stamp recipients are children and eight percent are over
60 years of age.


During Hunger Action Month, I pledge to take the Food Stamp
Challenge in order to better understand how the program is working on a personal
level. For one week in September 2008, I will take part in the challenge and
will live on the nationwide average food stamp benefit. According to the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for administering the Food Stamp
Program, the nationwide average monthly benefit in FY 2005 was $94.05,
approximately $3 a day or $1 a meal.


You, your spouse, friends, and co-workers are encouraged to join the
Challenge and share your experiences of a week of living on a food stamp diet
online at www.easttexasfoodbank.org.

Participation Guidelines


Each person should only spend a total of $21 on food and
beverages during the Challenge week.


All food purchased and eaten during the Challenge week,
including fast food and dining out must be included in the total spending.


During the Challenge, only eat food that you purchase for the
project. Do not eat food that you already own (this does not include spices and
condiments.)


Avoid accepting free food from friends, family or at work.


Please keep track of receipts of food spending and take note
of your experiences throughout the week.



Note: you may find it difficult to complete the Challenge due
to schedule or limited budget. It will be still be important and worthwhile to
track your experiences.

I will be sharing my experiences here as the week progresses. It would be awesome if anyone felt led to join me!