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The Hunger Challenge Part 1

September 14, 2010 on 5:00 pm | In Main Category | No Comments

Is $28 dollars enough money to buy food for a week?

I set out on Saturday to purchase my week’s worth of groceries. Initially, I thought I would purchase the majority of my food from a Farmer’s Market or small grocery store where many items can be found at cheaper prices. Unfortunately, after a little bit of research I learned that these types of shopping centers do not accept food stamps. So I nixed the idea and decided to stick with my regular shopping locations, Cala Foods and Safeway. My strategy was to buy $20 worth of staple items for the week and have $8 on hand for emergency situations (i.e. hunger pains, dizziness, etc.).

Here’s what I bought:
18 oz. tub of Oatmeal – $2.69
18 oz. tub of Peanut Butter – $2.69
Loaf of Whole Wheat Bread – $2.79
Bag of lentils – $1.39
Bag of brown rice – $2.99
3 cans of tuna – $3.29
2 small bags of frozen vegetables @ $1.95 each
Total: $19.74

Day 1 was particularly difficult and let me explain why: I spent the entire day at the Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival where I was surrounded by chocolate martinis, ice cream sundaes, gelato, cupcakes, toffee, cheesecake, chocolate filled marshmallows, biscotti, and much much more. Let me stress that the square smelled like chocolate paradise. The event’s proceeds benefited Project Open Hand, therefore I was working at the event. Part of my job was to visit the booths throughout the day to ensure that vendor needs were met. Not realizing it was to my demise, the vendors generously offered me sample after sample of their tantalizing treats. Needless to say, it took all my strength to abstain from these delicacies.

During a moment of downtime I had lunch with my coworkers. While they enjoyed a delicious spread of sushi donated by Ana Mandara, I nibbled on the peanut butter sandwich I had stuck into my backpack earlier that morning. Bummer.

After a long day, I returned home to a small bag of frozen vegetables. It wasn’t exactly what I’d call fulfilling but you know what? It was better than nothing.

Day 1 was complete and I began to wonder if I could last all week. Then I realized I was lucky. This year Hunger Challenge participants get to use $4 per day due to the economic stimulus package. But this package expires on December 31, 2010 and, after this date, food stamp recipients will receive the equivalent of $3 per day. I know that for many of us $1 seems like nothing – but when you’re comparing $21 for a week’s worth of food to $28, a dollar bill makes a big difference!

**If you think food stamp funding should be maintained (I certainly do!), contact your members of Congress and tell them your thoughts about the possible reduction.

http://www.contactingthecongress.org/