Upcoming Food Stamp Challenge Gets Personal

Published by The County Journal, October 27, 2012

 

Do you often pay attention to your grocery bill?  Do you ever think that the foods you purchase meet the nutritional guidelines for a healthy diet or do you look for the best price deals regardless of the recommended daily allowance? 

 

 In today’s volatile economy, many shoppers are tightening and looking for value without compromising quality.  However, for the 1.3 million Michigan residents who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) -formerly the Federal Food Stamp Program, it is an on-going struggle. Many don’t ponder and think about a balanced diet, but rather look for sustenance or “filling the hunger.” 

 

 During the week of November 4^th through November 24^th, my family and I will be taking The Michigan Food Stamp Challenge where for three weeks I am allowed to spend only the federal allotment of $31 per person for the entire week or about $4.43 per day, per household member.  I pre-loaded a Visa card to assimilate a Bridge Card used by clients who are part of the (SNAP) which is issued to low-income clients who qualify through the Department of Human Services.

 

 The purpose of the Food Stamp Challenge is to:  Increase public awareness of the challenges and perceptions of participants in the food stamp program; Increase the number of food donations and volunteers in local food banks and soup kitchens; get a first-hand experience obtaining food using the Bridge Card and recognizing the use or misuse of the system.

 

 The intent of the program is to provide the participants assistance and access to food during difficult economic times.  The average use time was nine months before leaving the program.  Now, it is about fifteen months.  Nearly one in five people in Michigan are living at or below the national poverty level.  More than half are children.

 

During the next three weeks I will monitor our purchases, track receipts for all food purchases and stick with a meal plan without compromising normal dietary and nutritional needs. A fast food value meal or ramen noodles, canned corn and a generic pop defeats the purpose. 

 

 In the meantime, Eaton County United Way Campaign is in full progress and will be continuing the drive through early December.  Please consider making a gift or volunteer by visiting our website www.ecuw.org or call (517) 543-5402.