Saturday, October 4, 2014

Oh SNAP!

What if we took place in a challenge that lasted for less than a week. A challenge that allowed us to humble ourselves, appreciate what we have, and open our eyes to how 46.5 million people/month in America live. 

The challenge: For at least two days this week, live on the average SNAP 

benefit, which is $4.50 per person per day– for ALL your food and beverages. 
You can use coupons while taking the Challenge but should not shop at 
membership clubs. Other rules include:
1. Using your Challenge budget, decide on groceries to purchase and how 
much to put aside for food incidentals. Be aware of ALL food purchased 
and eaten during the Challenge week/day.
2. During the Challenge, do not eat food that you purchased prior to 
starting the challenge.
3. Avoid accepting free food from friends, family, or while at work.
4. Keep track of receipts on food spending and take note of your 
experiences throughout the week, in particular the choices you made 
between the variety and quality of food you ate.

I participated in this challenge for three days, which gives me a total of $13.50 for the entire week. 


Grocery list:
Eggs: $1.99/dozen
Kroger Brand Cheese $4.99/12 Oz
Smith's Brand Bread: $1.00/23 slices
(2) Kroger Brand Tomato Soup: $0.79/can
Blue Bonnet Margarine: $0.99
Macaroni Noodles: $.89/8 Servings
Great Value Ketchup: $1.00 
Hot Dogs: $1.00/12
Great Value Tomato Juice: $1.59/10 Servings
Great Value Macaroni and Cheese: $0.50/box
Total: $15.53 (I went a little over on budget)

Here's what I ate:
Day 1:

Breakfast: French Toast, maple syrup (Great Value) and water (tap)
Cost Breakdown:
Bread: $0.04
Egg: $0.17
Water: Not funded by SNAP
Syrup: $1.98
Total Cost: $2.19





Lunch: Grill Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup

Cost Breakdown:
Bread: $0.08
Cheese: $0.50/slice
Soup: $0.79
Margarine: .02
Total Cost: $1.39





Dinner: Macaroni and Tomato Juice with two slices of bread
Cost Breakdown:
Bread: $0.08
Margarine: $0.02
Macaroni: $0.11
Tomato Juice: $0.16
Total Cost: $0.37


Day 1 Total Cost: $3.95

Day 2: 
Last Night, I made the decision to go with some friends to a local swing dancing club. It costs $3.00 to get in, so I made the sacrifice of Breakfast and Lunch today for a night out.



Dinner: Macaroni & Cheese with Hot Dogs
Cost Breakdown
Macaroni & Cheese: $0.50
(2) Hot Dogs: $0.16
Total Cost: $0.66

Day 2 Total Cost: $0.66 and a hungry belly

Day 3:
Breakfast: Egg with Toast and Ketchup
Cost Breakdown:
(1) egg: $0.17
(1) slice toast $0.08
Ketchup: $1.00
Total Cost: $1.25





Lunch: Ate Leftovers from last nights dinner, and 1 hot dog

Cost Breakdown:
Macaroni: Leftovers
Hot Dog: $0.08
Total Cost: $0.08

For Dinner on my last day, I was asked on a date. 

So what is Snap?
SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities. SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net. The Food and Nutrition Service works with State agencies, nutrition educators, and neighborhood and faith-based organizations to ensure that those eligible for nutrition assistance can make informed decisions about applying for the program and can access benefits. FNS also works with State partners and the retail community to improve program administration and ensure program integrity.

In Conclusion, This challenge was a very humbling experience. The amount of unsaturated fats, and carbohydrates that I consumed is absurd! 

If you decide to participate in this challenge, comment below on your experience! 

No comments:

Post a Comment