Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes For a Week. Many of our supporters took the challenge during early December, recap those experiences here. Jennifer Velez, Commissioner of New Jersey’s Department of Human Services, also took the challenge and blogged about it.
Can you live on $4.30 a day for food?
Many people do. There are over 1 million people in New Jersey who suffer from food insecurity. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (previously known as Food Stamps) is an important program that assists many of our hungry neighbors purchase nutritious food to help feed their families. But with today’s rising food prices, benefits must stretch further and while some people qualify for the maximum benefit others get as little as $16 a month.
What is the SNAP Challenge?
The SNAP Challenge gives participants a view of what life can be like for millions of low-income Americans. Most participants take the Challenge for one week, living on about $4 per day worth of food or $30 per week– the average food stamp benefit. Challenge participants are forced to make difficult food shopping choices, and often realize how complicated it is to avoid hunger, afford nutritious foods, and stay healthy. The cost of a container of coffee and fresh fruits and vegetables will never be looked at the same way.
While living on a food stamp budget for just a week cannot come close to the struggles encountered by low-income families week after week and month after month, it does provide those who take the Challenge with a new perspective and greater understanding.
How do I participate in the SNAP Challenge?
- Take the Challenge – The first step is making a commitment. The Community FoodBank will be inviting people to take the SNAP challenge for one week for any seven days. During and at the end of the week, you will have opportunities to share your experiences and observations. See instructions below.
- SHOP the Challenge – Can’t take the full challenge, try setting aside time to shop on a food stamp budget in your neighborhood.
- Follow the Challenge – Follow the challenge to learn about participant’s experiences and join the conversation. Visit our website Face book page and our blog.
- Resources available – What you can and can not buy. Nutrition guidance and tips.
FOOD STAMP CHALLENGE GUILDLINES
1. Each person should spend a set amount for food and beverages during the Challenge week. That amount is $30 for all food and beverage.
2. All food purchased and eaten during the Challenge week, must be included in the total spending. Fast food and dining out should be avoided (as this cannot be purchased with food stamps). Should they be used, make sure to include them in the total spending.
3. 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).
4. Avoid accepting free food from friends, family, or at work, including at receptions or briefings.
5. Keep track of receipts on food spending and take note of your experiences throughout the week using our website, face book page or blog.
6. Invite others to join you, including co-workers, reporters, chefs, or other elected officials.
