TAKE THE FOOD STAMP CHALLENGE!
Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice invites individuals and congregations to participate in our SNAP/Food Stamp Challenge for one week during the weeks of Lent/the weeks between Purim and Passover. We hope you will join us this year! Please share this widely with your congregations, friends and families and ask them to take the Challenge as well.
The SNAP/Food Stamp Challenge gives participants a snapshot of what life can be like for millions of low-income Americans. Most participants take the Challenge for one week, living on a little under $4 per day worth of food – the average food stamp benefit in Wisconsin. Challenge participants are forced to make food shopping choices on a limited budget, and often realize how difficult it is to avoid hunger, afford nutritious foods, and stay healthy with too few resources.
While living on a food stamp budget for just a 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.
Challenge Guidelines
If you are interested in taking the Food Stamp Challenge, fill out the Pledge Form and email it to wifaithvoices4justice@gmail.com.
I hope you will take this Challenge, and that it will inspire us all to take action in the weeks and months ahead on behalf of Wisconsin families that daily struggle to make ends meet.
Faithfully,
Rabbi Bonnie Margulis
President, Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice
The SNAP/Food Stamp Challenge gives participants a snapshot of what life can be like for millions of low-income Americans. Most participants take the Challenge for one week, living on a little under $4 per day worth of food – the average food stamp benefit in Wisconsin. Challenge participants are forced to make food shopping choices on a limited budget, and often realize how difficult it is to avoid hunger, afford nutritious foods, and stay healthy with too few resources.
While living on a food stamp budget for just a 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.
Challenge Guidelines
- Each person should spend a set amount for food and beverages during the Challenge week. That amount is $27.00 for all food and beverage for the week, representing the average allotment for a single person in Wisconsin.
- All food purchased and eaten during the Challenge week must be included in the total spending. Keep in mind, SNAP can be used at grocery stores, convenience stores, and some farmer’s markets, but not at restaurants or fast food places, so do not eat out during the week of the Challenge. (There is a program that allows SNAP to be used in some restaurants, but Wisconsin does not participate.)
- During the Challenge, only eat food that you purchase for the project. Do not eat food that you already own (this does not include spices and condiments).
- Avoid accepting free food from friends, family, or at work, including at receptions, briefings, or other events where food is served.
- Keep track of receipts on food spending and take note of your experiences throughout the week. Keep a diary of your experiences and share your thoughts with us at WFVJ. We will share participants’ comments on our Facebook page and website.
- Invite others to join you, including co-workers, reporters, chefs, and elected officials.
If you are interested in taking the Food Stamp Challenge, fill out the Pledge Form and email it to wifaithvoices4justice@gmail.com.
I hope you will take this Challenge, and that it will inspire us all to take action in the weeks and months ahead on behalf of Wisconsin families that daily struggle to make ends meet.
Faithfully,
Rabbi Bonnie Margulis
President, Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice
