Social Grocery's Food Stamp Challenge

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November reminds everyone here at Social Grocery to be thankful for all the wonderful things and people we have in our lives. We spend our entire day talking about groceries and food and deliciousness that sometimes we forget of the struggles millions of families are having across the country just to purchase the essentials. In March 2011 alone, SNAP ( Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), the national assistance program, served close to 44.5 million people.

We”re social about groceries (it”s why we call ourselves Social Grocery!) and we believe that everyone should not only be able to buy them and enjoy them but also eat a healthy and nutritious diet. So, in conjunction with National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness week, we”re hosting a challenge and inviting every one of you (and ourselves!) see what it”s like to live solely on federal assistance for groceries.

 

Social Grocery”s Food Stamp Challenge

When:
Monday, November 14th- Sunday, November 20th

Why:
To experience life on a limited food budget similar to those in the national Food Stamp program and to raise awareness of hunger and poverty in North America.

The Challenge:
Live on the national average monthly benefit for the food stamp program, an average of $31.50 a week per person. That”s $4.50 a day, $1.50 a meal.

Guidelines

  1. Each person is only allotted a total of $31.50 on food and beverages during the week. — This translates to $4.50 per day, or $1.50 per meal.
  2. All food purchased and eaten during the challenge week, including fast food and dining out, must be included in the total spending.
  3. During the challenge, only eat food that your 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 receptions or coffee in the office.

 

We”ll be featuring participants on our blog, Facebook and Twitter pages, so we ask that you jot down your experiences throughout the week either through a word document, blog posts, or video diaries so we can share them. 

All eyes will be on YOU that week!

 

Think you”re up for it? Register for our challenge here:
http://scl.gr/FSCReg

 

Do you think you could do it? Why or why not? Talk about it here or on our Facebook or Twitter.

  • http://mommyswishlist.blogspot.com Lea Ann

    I had no idea the SNAP program gave that much of a per diem. I wish I had $133.79 per person per month to spend on groceries. Right now, I probably spend no more than $150 a month TOTAL to feed the four people in my family. I use coupons, sales, and stocking up techniques to be able to make my $150 budget last a whole month. So gosh, $535.16 per month to spend on food would be an absolute fortune.

    • cindy mckean

      Everybody doesn””””t get that. I get $25.00 a month for food stamps, live off S.S disability and pay all my own bills & rent. I want to move to that state that gives it out like that.