Food Stamp Challenge

HUNGER FACTS:
In these tough economic times, more people are seeking help to put food on their tables for the very first time. According to the most recent USDA Hunger Study, more than 36.2 million people lived in households struggling against hunger in 2007, compared to 35.5 million in 2006.

ABOUT FOOD STAMPS
One way low income families can get help is through applying for food stamps, a supplemental nutrition assistance program. Qualified applicants (household income must meet certain criteria and there is a screening process) can receive an electronic debit card with a monthly allotment of money to purchase groceries.

WHAT IS THE FOOD STAMP CHALLENGE?
The maximum an individual in Texas can receive in food stamp benefits is $200 a month- about $6.67 a day.

We challenge you to live on $6.67 a day for your food and drink needs for a week. It might be more difficult than you think when you are forced to make meal choices based on a budget. We’ve got some tips to help you along the way. Note: Do not have to use the $6.67 for non-food items such as medicines, paper products and household supplies. Food stamps cannot be used to purchase these items.

More than 35 million Americans benefit from food stamps each month.
Tell us how you are doing on the challenge. Blog about your experience on http://texasfoodstampchallenge.wordpress.com/ and post messages on Facebook, Myspace and Twitter.

RULES:
1. You can eat and drink only what $2.22 per meal per day or $46.62 a week can buy.
2. Food that has been purchased previously should not be consumed. We are not encouraging you to let food go to waste. If you have perishables at home, figure out what they would cost and add them to your budgeted food.
3. Spices and condiments purchased previously can be used.
4. All food purchased and consumed, including dining out, must be included in the $30 amount.
5. Free food from friends, family, and work should be declined.
6. The following should not be purchased for consumption, because you cannot buy them with Food Stamps: ready-to-eat hot foods, foods to be eaten on the store premises, and alcoholic beverages.
7. What you consume should equal $46.62. For instance, you may buy a loaf of bread, and eat only half the loaf. Your seven-day consumption equals the dollar value of the half loaf. This is to facilitate rule number 8.
8. You should strive to maintain a healthy diet during this week.

Sign up now!

Resources for Planning Healthy Meals on a Budget
www.mypyramid.gov
http://www.gbfb.org/nutrition/ClicknCook.cfm
http://www.fns.usda.gov/eatsmartplayhardhealthylifestyle/

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
For more information about applying or qualifying for food stamp assistance, contact the North Texas Food Bank’s Food Stamp Outreach Program at 214-330-1396 or email Carolyn@ntfb.org.