The Hunger Challenge 2012

Monday, November 5, 2012 and last through Sunday, November 11, 2012

Background: In 2011, 1.75 million Ohioans received food assistance benefits, more commonly known as SNAP or food stamps. During the Challenge, participants will limit their total food purchases to the weekly budget of a typical food assistance benefits recipient, which is $33 per week.

Goal: The goal of the Hunger Challenge is to increase awareness about poverty and hunger in Ohio, including many here in in BG, by facilitating a meaningful personal experience for participants. While living on a food stamp budget for just one week cannot come close to the struggles encountered by low-income families week after week and month after month, it does provide those who take the Challenge with a new perspective and greater understanding.

During this week, participants are to limit their food purchases to $33 for the week (not including alcohol! o.O)  per USDA guidelines:

You CAN use SNAP benefits to buy foods for the household to eat, such as breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meats, fish and poultry, and dairy products. You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat.

You CANNOT use SNAP Benefits to buy beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco; any nonfood items, such as pet foods, soaps, paper products and household supplies; vitamins and medicines; food that will be eaten in the store; and hot foods. In addition, they are meant we are requesting that participants share their experiences by writing journal entry emails explaining how the Challenge impacts their everyday lives.

Unfortunately, I did not officially register with my university, because I did not realize that was the thing. I'm still committed to the $33 a week challenge, and instead of sending my "journal entries" to the multicultural affairs office, I'll just post them here =P



If you want to join me: 

1. Purchase food and beverages using your Challenge budget of $33 during the week of November 5-11. All food purchased and eaten during the Falcon Hunger Challenge week, including fast food and dining out, should be included in the total spending.
2. Try to eat only the food purchased for the Challenge with your food stamp budget during the week. Avoid consuming food that you already own (this does not include spices or condiments) or accepting free food from family, friends, or at work or social gatherings. Remember that alcohol purchases that week do count toward your total!
3. Contribute to the journal or reflection by sending emails describing how the Challenge is going to you to kerry.m.keyes@gmail.com 
4. Consider donating to those who need it most by calculating how much you normally spend on food for a week and sending all but $33 your local food pantry.
5. Please take into consideration any medical conditions before agreeing to do the Challenge