SNAP Hunger Challenge: Part 1 – The Basics
By Ashley On August 31st, 2010The Challenge
September is Hunger Action Month and – in observance – Feeding Illinois has created the SNAP Hunger Challenge. The challenge asks individuals to spend no more than $4.50 per day on food for the week of September 19th – representing the average amount of money a person on SNAP benefits receives.
I have decided to take the challenge. Not for a week, but for the entire month of September.
I will be sharing my experience on this blog in hopes that my story may inspire others. Whether it be by creating a better understanding of the issues our clients deal with, changing their own food habits, or simply thinking about something which may not have otherwise crossed their minds.
While I don’t consider myself a wasteful person, I do spend far too much on food each month. I almost never bring my lunch to work and I eat dinner out regularly. Being a single woman in the city offers a relatively easy-to-swallow excuse: if I cook at home, I either eat leftovers for several days which becomes boring, or I throw them out which really is wasteful.
I’m also an incredibly busy person, so when I do buy perishable groceries they often go bad before I’ve had a chance to use them.
But, like I said, these are just excuses.
My Challenges
While limiting the amount of food I purchase will be a challenge, there are a few things which I expect to be much more difficult:
Coffee – As part of the challenge, I will not be allowed to accept anything for free. We always have coffee brewing in the office and I am severely reliant on caffeine. Severely. (I apologize to my coworkers and friends in advance for my inevitable grouchiness while I adjust to this.)
Boredom – Like many people, I snack when I’m bored. Hopefully not having this as an option will lead to the discovery of a new hobby.
Socializing – Saying this is going to be tough is just not true. It’s going to be nearly impossible. I already had a full month of social obligations and activities planned and they are now going to need to be adjusted, skipped, or canceled.
My SNAP Hunger Challenge begins tomorrow. Wish me luck and stay tuned!
~Ashley
Carrie Says:
I look forward to your chronicles! Maybe we can eat our packed lunches together. Just let me know if you want to go over the beach for lunch, I bet we could get a co-worker or two to come outside and get a few minutes of fresh air with us. Best wishes!
Pauline Watts Says:
Ashley – I am proud of you taking the challenge and look forward to reading your experiences as the month progresses. Let me know when you need some new recipes or info on food bargains for tasty meals.
Valerie Says:
Good luck, Ashley!
Tony D Says:
The month-long challenge sounds incredibly difficult, but I’m sure you’ll be able to do it and hopefully teach us wasteful folks something in the process. Good luck Ashley.
Ashley Says:
Thank you, all!