What is it?
The Food Stamp Challenge is a way to discover firsthand the challenge of eating nutritiously on a food stamp or a low-income budget.
How does it work?
Participants agree to purchase and live on $25 worth of food for the week. $25 is the typical food stamp benefit for one person. Participants can do it by themselves or include their family members.
What happens after the challenge?
Participants are encouraged to share their experience on Manna’s Food Stamp Challenge Blog and with friends, colleagues, and family members. Hunger is a hidden problem in Montgomery County, and this project can help educate many about the need to fight hunger.
How do I sign up?
Just send an email to amy.gabala@mannafood.org or call 301-424-1130 and tell us you’re going to take the Food Stamp Challenge.
This is great!
If everyone just does a little bit, we can make a real difference in our communities.
So, is it “cheating” if we use staples, like rice, flour, etc we already have at home? The more I consider this challenge the harder I realize it is….
There are no hard and fast rules. Personally, I’ve decided that if I need a spoonful of butter and mayo or a dash of pepper, I’m going to use what I already have but not count it. If I’m making rice or baking muffins with flour, I plan to count it as part of my $25 per person allowance.
I too plan on using what’s in my house. My first steps will be to make lunch, not buy coffee (make my own – have a stock of coffee grinds @ home…bring a thermos to work – adios Starbucks!), and make some meals [meat loaf, chicken, tuna casserole, baked ziti +/or crock pot meal w/Campbells soup + that chicken I keep talking about] + see how far I can stretch it. Just that alone will save a ton of cash…yet, this will not be easy! oh yes, if I really get hungry during the day, my ace in the whole is a $0.95 hamburger at McDonalds
Mario
Scouting for Food
Montgomery District
National Capital Area Council
Boy Scouts of America