The Human Services Network has re-issued the Colorado Food Stamp Challenge for the week of August 20, following the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute and the Colorado Anti-Hunger Network Challenge around June 5's National Hunger Awareness Day.
The challenge is to purchase, prepare and eat only the food that can be purchased on the average Colorado food stamp budget of about $25 per person per week--$3.57 per person per day.
The Human Services Network of Colorado promotes the quality & integrity of services provided to the community by case managers and other human service professionals. Our hope is to bring the challenge to the grassroots of service to raise awareness of the policy issues surrounding the Food Stamp Program.
Share your experiences and thoughts with us this week by clicking on the "Comments" link below.
-Heidi Baker
for the Network
720-252-3628
HumanServicesNetwork@gmail.com
21 comments:
After doing our shopping for the week, I'm struck by so many things, but I want to start out the week curious for what it will bring. I will do some research on the current status of the legislation and start a list of things I'm grateful for...it's filling up as tomorrow approaches!
-Heidi
What's even scarier is that food prices will go up if ethanol lobbyists get their way: corn will be used for fuel and prices will go up for most foods, since corn is used as an ingredient or as feed in most foods. If food starts to follow the energy market's booms and busts, which it appears would happen if a large chunk of the market goes to ethanol, all of us would have a problem.
I'm taking the Challenge this week! I've already figured out--midday on Day 1--some 'stretching' strategies like half a piece of fruit (b-fast) and open-faced sandwiches (lunch).
I'm no stranger to the food budgeting concept--I served as a VISTA volunteer and also lived in a community house for a year--but revisiting it now is a decent reminder of everyday challenges (like the cost of filling up the gas tank--because I'm fortunate to even have a car) some folks face and why I still wash out ziploc bags!
So I went shopping today with my "food stamps." Here's what I got:
1 can tomatoes, $1
1 package pasta, $.88
1 package instant noodles,$1
1 can peas, $.50
2 cans tuna, $1.36
1 loaf whole wheat bread, $1.50
4 chicken thighs, $1.93
5 bananas, $.92
4 russet potatoes, $1.34
2 nectarines, $.96
TOTAL: $12.18
I shopped at Safeway; I don't think it's the cheapest place, but it's convenient for me. I shopped based much more on price than usual--I don't even like peas, especially canned ones, but they were only 50 cents! I tried to get lots of fruits and vegetables, like I usually do, but even those that were in season were more expensive than the ones I chose (canned peas and tomatoes, potatoes, nectarines, bananas). Safeway doesn't have origin labeling for much of its produce, so it was hard to buy local. And organic was out of the question. I'm also trying to plan meals in advance and save the leftovers for lunch the next day. I think a challenge for me will be not eating out so much, especially at work. Finally, a pound of coffee costs $6.00 or more; a large percentage of my budget (I didn't buy it. I'll drink the coffee in the break room at work instead.)
Assumptions in my hypothetical food stamp world:
- that I have dirt to plant in, and the knowledge and wherewithal to have ordered and picked up DUG/Extension office seeds & transplants;
- that I have a car to drive to several groceries--more on that later;
- that I have the time to spend driving around town to shop and to cook meals;
- that I have a few items that will carry over from week to week (half the peppers from last week, tomato sauce from an industrial size can that I was able to freeze in containers, leftovers from tonight's gumbo that serves 10 will be go in the freezer;
- that I could buy one condiment or spice a week and, over time, build up a storehouse to cook with, and
- that I had time to prepare breakfast and lunch before I leave for work.
The challenges of trying to feed multiple picky eaters with in the time allotted is a challenge that's not faced by food stamp recipients alone, it is something that our society faces as we eat more and more of our meals away from home. A 2004 study from Boston Children's Hospital, http://snipurl.com/1pqpq, found that 30% of kids up to age 19 ate fast food daily. There's no doubt for me about who provided them with that opportunity--their 'role models.' Of course, fast food is a luxury those on food stamps can't afford. But it brings up the issue of food insecurity in general, when considering how you personally define 'food'.
Did you know that the Food Stamp Program is part of the federal Farm Bill?
More than 5% of our nation is considered food insecure, http://snipurl.com/1pp7c. One-third of these are children.
The food stamp program supports 30% more people than it did just five years ago--why is that?!
Something to think about: what ballooning effects have happened in our economy over such a short period of time?
I'm a cook. There's no getting around that. And I have time to cook. I don't have kids. I also had time to plan meals and adjust for what was on sale.
So while I am blessed with many advantages, I think I will do well on creativity with the actual meals.
Of course, I have used the following tools to make this process easier: computer, internet, printer, car, gas, sharp knives, adequate pans and utensils, a rice cooker (gasp), appliances that work & are on because I was able to pay my utility bill, various clean-up items like soaps and sponges--which all cost money and can't be purchased with food stamps.
Stretching Strategies: 1/2 piece of fruit for serving, open-faced sandwiches, salt instead of parmesan on pasta, being creative about dual-use items (yogurt in lieu of mayo, raisins instead of jelly)....but that still doesn't make up for the fact that I was able to determine that many of SuperTarget's prices were better than 9th/Corona King Soopers, and was able to buy cheap veg at an Asian market, too...all things that couldn't readily be accomplished by someone with limited mobility and available time.
Still making it on the food I bought earlier in the week, although my dog ate the entire bunch of bananas. Also, my boyfriend bought me dinner last night, which was nice. I noticed in my weekly grocery store ads that there were better prices elsewhere for the stuff I bought, but like Heidi said it seemed like a pain to go there. I know it kind of goes against the point of this exercise, but I've been pleasantly surprised at how much less I need than I thought. I only have to feed myself, and I'm not picky, nor do I eat that much, which is different from many families receiving food stamps. Through college and grad school I managed on quite a tight budget, including condiments, kitchen utensils, etc. It's been very gradual, but I've gotten out of the habit. The difference for me has been in coming up with meals given what I have in the kitchen, instead of running to the store for just a few things (which always turn into more than a few). In the future, I think I can conserve much more on my own food budget.
I like that thought, too, about just being conscious about what I'm spending and on what. There are countless times I might grab a coffee or something to eat in the morning, or a soda or snack in the afternoon, and I've really been conscious of how frequent that had become in my everyday life.
It is hardest to keep cooking...it's a two-hour chunk of the evening start to finish including thinking about the next day's breakfast and lunch, and preparing anything in advance for dinner.
But our fridge is FULL of leftovers. I even made an apple pie last night....flour is cheap...I just increased last night's quiche crust recipe and baked both, along with a baked potato for lunch and cut-up tortillas for chips so as to have the oven on just once in the heat. I think the tradeoff must be that it is impossible to spend all this time cooking when you have several jobs and kids to balance.
Do you know where the Farm Bill is in the reauthorization process?
As approved by the House, the every-five-year reauthorization, H.R.2419, would invest $4 billion over five years to improve food stamp benefit levels and eligibility by increasing the standard deduction for applicants, eliminating the limit on deducting child care expenses, raising the minimum monthly benefit, and excluding military combat pay from income calculations, http://snipurl.com/1pvrt. This bill passed on a vote of 231-191. There were some improvements to the program including dependents and some savings.
The Senate will be taking action this fall.
Just having a piece of apple pie with a glass of milk for breakfast--now who wouldn't love that?! And how American.
Except I have a car that works, a reasonably priced place to live, etc. so the $25 works for me. It's all the other stuff in our changed economy that makes it a luxury to be able to stay home with kids and not work two jobs to get by.
Here's what I bought this week for $49.55 for two...this includes only the proportional price for what I will have leftover for next week. I rationalized this thinking that since food stamps come in monthly increments, I could spend a little more in week one. Reality would probably bite at the end of the month.
milk $2, rice $1, black beans $0.79, 36 corn tortillas $0.75, butter $1.50, PB $2, bread $2.50, plain 32 oz. yogurt $2.69, fettucine $1, applesauce $1, zucchini $1.25, bouillion $1.21, sausage $2, 2 cans tuna $1.40, 1 lb. cheese $4, flour $1.22, eggs $1.20, frozen oj $0.79,fruit sale $1.00, raisins $1.52, tomatoes, can $0.50, tomatoes, large can $1.27, tomato sauce $1.32, olive oil $1.25, green pepper $0.50, other peppers $2, cucumber $0.50, potatoes $1.65, apples $1.70, bananas $0.75, nectarine $0.25, sale salsa $1, celery $1.29, onion $2, garlic $0.75, tomatoes $2
Wow--it's over. Tuna noodle casserole used up some leftovers, and last night was enchilada lasagna, which will still provide plenty of leftovers for the coming week.
I am mindful of the few dollars I spend here and there during the week, and amazed at those who manage to pull together healthy balanced meals, especially for small families (less $ in benefits) and with limited time.
What can we do? Remind people this is an important and all-too-present issue, and call the offices of Sen. Salazar and Sen. Allard to voice our opinions and ask for support.
Hello !.
might , perhaps very interested to know how one can reach 2000 per day of income .
There is no need to invest much at first. You may start earning with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars.
AimTrust is what you thought of all the time
The firm represents an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas.
Its head office is in Panama with structures everywhere: In USA, Canada, Cyprus.
Do you want to become a happy investor?
That`s your chance That`s what you desire!
I feel good, I started to take up real money with the help of this company,
and I invite you to do the same. If it gets down to select a proper companion utilizes your money in a right way - that`s it!.
I take now up to 2G every day, and what I started with was a funny sum of 500 bucks!
It`s easy to join , just click this link http://zewupypil.100freemb.com/anelycav.html
and lucky you`re! Let`s take this option together to become rich
Hi !.
You re, I guess , probably curious to know how one can reach 2000 per day of income .
There is no initial capital needed You may start to get income with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars.
AimTrust is what you haven`t ever dreamt of such a chance to become rich
AimTrust incorporates an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas.
Its head office is in Panama with affiliates everywhere: In USA, Canada, Cyprus.
Do you want to become really rich in short time?
That`s your chance That`s what you desire!
I feel good, I began to take up real money with the help of this company,
and I invite you to do the same. It`s all about how to choose a correct companion who uses your funds in a right way - that`s the AimTrust!.
I take now up to 2G every day, and my first deposit was 1 grand only!
It`s easy to get involved , just click this link http://paguhaqe.virtue.nu/tygobymu.html
and lucky you`re! Let`s take our chance together to feel the smell of real money
Hi!
You may probably be very interested to know how one can manage to receive high yields on investments.
There is no need to invest much at first.
You may commense earning with a money that usually is spent
for daily food, that's 20-100 dollars.
I have been participating in one project for several years,
and I'll be glad to share my secrets at my blog.
Please visit blog and send me private message to get the info.
P.S. I earn 1000-2000 per daily now.
http://theinvestblog.com [url=http://theinvestblog.com]Online Investment Blog[/url]
This information is priceless. When can I find out more?
Feel fгee to viѕit my ѕіte: http://vmpbx.com/index.Php?Title=V2_Cigs_E-Cigarette_Critique
Outcomеѕ ωill almost ceгtainly be shοwn if uѕed 30 mіnutes
each and every day.
Hеre is my wеb ѕitе; flex belt reviews
Thank you for the kind feedback, please dо return аnd inform us how you acсess it.
i loѵe to heaг feedback using their compаny ecig cοnѕumers, whether newcomers or outdated veterans.
My own аim the following was to help people
make thе switch tο ecigs and tο be able
to make an infοrmеd option. Electгοnic cіgarettes possess revolutiοnized my entіre life and еνery perioԁ one of my peгsonal readers
gets in contact tο inform mе their own story it warms mе to κnow feel thаt I may possesѕ helped
sοmebodу make the move frοm smoker tо be able to vapеr!
.
Alѕo visit my website ... www.vision.tv
Hi theге to everу single one, it's in fact a fastidious for me to visit this web site, it contains useful Information.
Also visit my blog post; prweb.com
Woah! I'm really loving the template/theme of this website. It's simple, yet effective.
A lot of times it's difficult to get that "perfect balance" between usability and appearance. I must say you have done a great job with this. Also, the blog loads super quick for me on Opera. Outstanding Blog!
my homepage ... Code Psn Gratuit :: www.dailymotion.com ::
Post a Comment