Food Stamp Challenge starts on 4/23 - can you live on $35 a week for food? (no free/already bought) [View all]

[Liberal_in_LA]

What is the Greater Philadelphia Food Stamp Challenge?

Nearly 1 in 7 people in the greater Philadelphia region rely on food stamps (now known as SNAP). For the rest of us, the Greater Philadelphia Food Stamp Challenge offers a glimpse into their lives.

Participants take the Challenge for one week, living on just $5 a day in food—the average food stamp benefit for Philadelphia.

http://www.hungercoalition.org/foodstampchallenge

Get Started! Register for the Challenge
Total food budget: $35 for the week (April 23-29)

All food purchased and eaten during the Challenge, including dining out, must be counted. (*Note: In reality, food stamps cannot be spent at restaurants or fast-food establishments in Pennsylvania).
Only eat food that you bought for the Challenge. Do not eat food that you already purchased. This does not includes spices and condiments.
You do not have to include the entire price of a food item purchased, if you consumed only a portion of it. For instance, if you ate only half a box of pasta during the week, you only need to include half the price of that box in your total.
Planning to take the Challenge with your family? Check out our chart with the food stamp budget for your household size.

Try not to cheat!

Avoid accepting free food from friends, family or work.
Keep track of your receipts, and take notes on your thoughts and experiences.

Share your experiences.