Andrew I (staff of Native American Organizing Project)
Ah-man, it was pretty challenging. I am from a background where Mainstream society would consider my family severely economically disadvantaged, yet we always seem to get by in a good way. Always love and some food in the house. More love than the latter. Not all in that situation around us were as fortunate.
This week reminded me how fortunate I currently am at this point in my life. I do live paycheck to paycheck as most do in Rapid City, and I struggle to keep food on the table and the necessities for my children, yet we manage only because I learned good crisis management from my parents.
I was a little embarrassed to tell my kids and my wife that I was hungry, but I wanted to stick to the SD Food Stamp Challenge, as it is humbling to know how those I care about and advocate for may feel on a daily basis. I too was angry at times thinking about how many Native families I know struggle far more than I, and yet they have to be on the defense with safety net services that could possibly help them. From mean or unprofessional case managers to rules that go against the community values of our culture and force many to go hungry for no reason. Some members of our community consider this type of institutional racism the worst as it affects the children and elders the hardest. No one should go hungry, especially if it is a preventable situation.
I am a fortunate one in Rapid City. Not all of my relatives know how to empower themselves by joining together with others. There are good reasons why many stand back, but it's good to see organizations like yours step up for the people and show everyone that human kindness and institutional responsibility can create a positive outcome, when we all put our minds to it...wouldn't ya say?
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Challenge report, Pastor Dave V
(Some excerpts from the first 4 days journal of Pastor Dave V)
Day 1 …Bread and jam for breakfast. Cereal was definitely too expensive, although we could have bought oatmeal. But could we stand it without raisins and walnuts?…we had to make a choice between milk and coffee. The coffee won out. I couldn't make it through a week without coffee.
How do people do this? Especially if they have children. We wouldn't have been able to choose as we did if our kids were still at home. There wouldn't have been any coffee then. …
Day 2 …I often have a working lunch at a restaurant.… Around $10 per person with the tip. If I'd done that today, half of my food allowance for the week would already be accounted for.
I was really hungry by 8:30 and savored every bite. It felt good to top things off with a cup of tea before bed.
Day 3. Breakfast was 2 pieces of toast again, with jam. About three cups of coffee. And a banana that was badly bruised. I only was able to eat about 1/3 of it. … we've used more than our allotment of bread slices. … you have to pace yourself. …
…I usually do eat too much—and often without thinking. This process forces me to think seriously about what I will eat and when I will eat it. I just may lose a few pounds this week!… creative work is always difficult and often prompts me to head for the cabinet, grab a few crackers, a handful of nuts or raisins, or possibly a can of soda. …Multiple times, I stood up, went into the kitchen, and then walked back into the study… I realize, with gratitude, that it is only one week and I can return to my usual diet. Many people do not have that luxury.
… Day 4 was my worst day. The menu is boring. You can eat only so much bread and jam. … I feel a little like my dog, who gets the same food day after day.
Arlene gave blood at church today (I couldn't because of travel to central/south America). I envy her, though, because she used the occasion to eat a couple of cookies. She said, "I'll give more tomorrow, if I can have more cookies!"
… it's hard to hang around the house and not eat. I decided to work in the yard for awhile and then take a long walk with the dog. I'm not sure that was such a good idea. I came home hungry: even after supper, I feel unsatisfied. I'm sure I will lose some weight out of the deal. But what if I were a young person and needed calories and a balanced diet to grow? …
Day 1 …Bread and jam for breakfast. Cereal was definitely too expensive, although we could have bought oatmeal. But could we stand it without raisins and walnuts?…we had to make a choice between milk and coffee. The coffee won out. I couldn't make it through a week without coffee.
How do people do this? Especially if they have children. We wouldn't have been able to choose as we did if our kids were still at home. There wouldn't have been any coffee then. …
Day 2 …I often have a working lunch at a restaurant.… Around $10 per person with the tip. If I'd done that today, half of my food allowance for the week would already be accounted for.
I was really hungry by 8:30 and savored every bite. It felt good to top things off with a cup of tea before bed.
Day 3. Breakfast was 2 pieces of toast again, with jam. About three cups of coffee. And a banana that was badly bruised. I only was able to eat about 1/3 of it. … we've used more than our allotment of bread slices. … you have to pace yourself. …
…I usually do eat too much—and often without thinking. This process forces me to think seriously about what I will eat and when I will eat it. I just may lose a few pounds this week!… creative work is always difficult and often prompts me to head for the cabinet, grab a few crackers, a handful of nuts or raisins, or possibly a can of soda. …Multiple times, I stood up, went into the kitchen, and then walked back into the study… I realize, with gratitude, that it is only one week and I can return to my usual diet. Many people do not have that luxury.
… Day 4 was my worst day. The menu is boring. You can eat only so much bread and jam. … I feel a little like my dog, who gets the same food day after day.
Arlene gave blood at church today (I couldn't because of travel to central/south America). I envy her, though, because she used the occasion to eat a couple of cookies. She said, "I'll give more tomorrow, if I can have more cookies!"
… it's hard to hang around the house and not eat. I decided to work in the yard for awhile and then take a long walk with the dog. I'm not sure that was such a good idea. I came home hungry: even after supper, I feel unsatisfied. I'm sure I will lose some weight out of the deal. But what if I were a young person and needed calories and a balanced diet to grow? …
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Cookie Crisis
In a meeting over a month ago I agreed to take cookies to a church event today. I forgot all about this when planning and shopping for this week's food and was reminded only this morning. In the spirit of the Food Stamp Challenge, this is a crisis.
This week's foods at our house include nothing for making cookies: no butter or margarine or even oil, no sugar or molasses, no flour, no eggs, no ginger or cinnamon or baking soda. Not even oatmeal. We have only salt.
What to do? Do I make the cookies from what we have in the cupboard that we have deemed off limits this week? That would seem equivalent to borrowing every single ingredient from neighbors or buying these ingredients using money that should pay a heating bill or some other essential. Or, do I just not take any cookies, hope no one notices, and experience what that feels like?
On the other hand, what if I had not forgot? Could I have found cookies to buy that look homemade? What would I have given up to buy them? It's more to ponder from my week on the Challenge. Cathy B
This week's foods at our house include nothing for making cookies: no butter or margarine or even oil, no sugar or molasses, no flour, no eggs, no ginger or cinnamon or baking soda. Not even oatmeal. We have only salt.
What to do? Do I make the cookies from what we have in the cupboard that we have deemed off limits this week? That would seem equivalent to borrowing every single ingredient from neighbors or buying these ingredients using money that should pay a heating bill or some other essential. Or, do I just not take any cookies, hope no one notices, and experience what that feels like?
On the other hand, what if I had not forgot? Could I have found cookies to buy that look homemade? What would I have given up to buy them? It's more to ponder from my week on the Challenge. Cathy B
Challenge Report, Day SIX
from Brian S (pastor)
Well, it's day 6 and the challenge is almost over. Here's a recap of my week 'by the numbers':
0 - Amount I spent on butter before the challenge- big mistake!
½ - number of gallons of milk, which surprised me and carried me for the whole week (though I only used it for cereal)
1.72 - according to the global rich list (http://www.globalrichlist.com/), I am in the top 1.72% of the world's richest people- a sobering statistic especially when I add it to the perspective I gained from being on the challenge this week
2 - pounds of hamburger I bought for the challenge - I missed chicken and other meats.
3.5 - Number of days that my 2-liter bottle of Pepsi maintained its carbonation!
4 - the number of pounds I lost while on the challenge
19 - number of slices of bread in the loaf I bought - enough for 7 PBJs and 5 slices to use at my discretion! Toast never tasted so good!
25:35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.
These famous words from Jesus quoted in Matthew 25:35 also have new perspective and take on a more real meaning after having gone through the challenge. Knowing that many people exist off of the $3 a day, it's no wonder that there are still gaps that exist here in Sioux Falls an throughout our country. While the gap continues to widen between those who have and those who don't, it is the responsibility of those who claim faith to take steps to bridge the chasm, and this project provides one small but real step in doing that.
Well, it's day 6 and the challenge is almost over. Here's a recap of my week 'by the numbers':
0 - Amount I spent on butter before the challenge- big mistake!
½ - number of gallons of milk, which surprised me and carried me for the whole week (though I only used it for cereal)
1.72 - according to the global rich list (http://www.globalrichlist.com/), I am in the top 1.72% of the world's richest people- a sobering statistic especially when I add it to the perspective I gained from being on the challenge this week
2 - pounds of hamburger I bought for the challenge - I missed chicken and other meats.
3.5 - Number of days that my 2-liter bottle of Pepsi maintained its carbonation!
4 - the number of pounds I lost while on the challenge
19 - number of slices of bread in the loaf I bought - enough for 7 PBJs and 5 slices to use at my discretion! Toast never tasted so good!
25:35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.
These famous words from Jesus quoted in Matthew 25:35 also have new perspective and take on a more real meaning after having gone through the challenge. Knowing that many people exist off of the $3 a day, it's no wonder that there are still gaps that exist here in Sioux Falls an throughout our country. While the gap continues to widen between those who have and those who don't, it is the responsibility of those who claim faith to take steps to bridge the chasm, and this project provides one small but real step in doing that.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Challenge Reports, Day FIVE
Nina K (Nutritionist)
This is the end of Day 5 for me and I think I will be OK. I do have enough food left to make it. I have been averaging 1235 calories a day and 42 grams of protein. In terms of actual cost per day the average is $1.74. I will have some food left. I bought 5 pounds of potatoes and will have a lot of that left. Potatoes are a really great bargain. They have fiber, potassium and Vitamin C. They are cheap and very easy to prepare in a variety of ways. They are popular, especially with little kids, and easy to digest. Potatoes have gotten a bad rap in recent years with the fad diets, but we shouldn’t blame the potato! Eaten in large portions, potatoes will contribute to weight and blood sugar problems, but eaten in the correct portion size, they are an excellent food. That tends to be the same message for all foods: Eat the right portion size.
- - - - -
Leona (healthy eater)
I got a late start because of events on Sunday and unexpected company yesterday. We started eating more simply and nutritionally several years ago for health reasons. Since then I also began buying at the East Dakotah Natural Foods Co-op.
To avoid paying for their plastic bags and not wanting to waste money or plastic (made from oil), I bring my own containers. Their billing slips showing quantities and prices, so it's easy to see what one is paying. I found Romaine on sale, $2 for 3 heads.
Since one can buy in small quantities, I was able to manage this challenge better. I recommend the Co-op to everyone. Most of the food is organic and locally grown—which I think is very important environmentally. Also it isn't necessarily more expensive.
For breakfast we eat cooked cereals, alternating among Farina, Cracked Wheat/Cracked Rye, & Oatmeal. Eggs and fish twice a week. I cook from scratch, and we often have soup. My plan was to give up coffee, tea, a juice drink each morning, desserts and eat less. My husband chose not do the challenge. I think he sensed “frugality” at one point, so I gave him 2/3 of my banana one day. I knew there would be "challenges," so when my headaches came on I tried to relax and just drink more water.
I've come to really appreciate water. It tastes better than I can ever recall. Maybe because I stopped drinking it from plastic containers. At a Pax Christi meeting on Saturday we discussed oil and water needs around the world. On Sunday our water heater went out. We couldn't get it replaced until Wednesday, so you can imagine my gratefulness that we at least had cold water during those days.
It hasn't been easy, but new Franciscan reading material helped me when I was tempted in body and spirit. The poverty of this whole situation is that I have choices while others don't. I hope we all get better at caring for one another.
This is the end of Day 5 for me and I think I will be OK. I do have enough food left to make it. I have been averaging 1235 calories a day and 42 grams of protein. In terms of actual cost per day the average is $1.74. I will have some food left. I bought 5 pounds of potatoes and will have a lot of that left. Potatoes are a really great bargain. They have fiber, potassium and Vitamin C. They are cheap and very easy to prepare in a variety of ways. They are popular, especially with little kids, and easy to digest. Potatoes have gotten a bad rap in recent years with the fad diets, but we shouldn’t blame the potato! Eaten in large portions, potatoes will contribute to weight and blood sugar problems, but eaten in the correct portion size, they are an excellent food. That tends to be the same message for all foods: Eat the right portion size.
- - - - -
Leona (healthy eater)
I got a late start because of events on Sunday and unexpected company yesterday. We started eating more simply and nutritionally several years ago for health reasons. Since then I also began buying at the East Dakotah Natural Foods Co-op.
To avoid paying for their plastic bags and not wanting to waste money or plastic (made from oil), I bring my own containers. Their billing slips showing quantities and prices, so it's easy to see what one is paying. I found Romaine on sale, $2 for 3 heads.
Since one can buy in small quantities, I was able to manage this challenge better. I recommend the Co-op to everyone. Most of the food is organic and locally grown—which I think is very important environmentally. Also it isn't necessarily more expensive.
For breakfast we eat cooked cereals, alternating among Farina, Cracked Wheat/Cracked Rye, & Oatmeal. Eggs and fish twice a week. I cook from scratch, and we often have soup. My plan was to give up coffee, tea, a juice drink each morning, desserts and eat less. My husband chose not do the challenge. I think he sensed “frugality” at one point, so I gave him 2/3 of my banana one day. I knew there would be "challenges," so when my headaches came on I tried to relax and just drink more water.
I've come to really appreciate water. It tastes better than I can ever recall. Maybe because I stopped drinking it from plastic containers. At a Pax Christi meeting on Saturday we discussed oil and water needs around the world. On Sunday our water heater went out. We couldn't get it replaced until Wednesday, so you can imagine my gratefulness that we at least had cold water during those days.
It hasn't been easy, but new Franciscan reading material helped me when I was tempted in body and spirit. The poverty of this whole situation is that I have choices while others don't. I hope we all get better at caring for one another.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Challenge Report, Day FOUR
from Brian (pastor)
It's day four of the food stamp challenge and I am settling into the routine. While boring and not nearly as filling as my normal diet, it has been ok. I think several things stand out at me.
The first thing I see is the emotional connection I make with food. If I have a rough day, am feeling a little stress, or even have something that I am positive about and want to celebrate, it usually involves food in some way. I connect food with emotions so much that I didn’t realize, until the means were no longer there, of how often I feel pulled to eat because of how I am feeling.
The second thing I have experienced is a periodic sense of hoarding or protecting my food from my family. My young sons do not understand what daddy is doing, and I got a bit defensive when they wanted some of daddy’s cereal, knowing that I barely have enough to make it a week. I was tempted to claim my one year old son as part of the challenge with me knowing that he’d bring in an additional $21 for me for the week even though he wouldn’t require that much! I know it’s somewhat twisted thinking, but I wonder how much of that thinking exists in long term situations.
Finally, the biggest realization for me to date has been that I have options while many on food stamps do not. I may be able to ‘make it’ on this diet, but as someone who doesn’t have to do it, I realize my increased options are luxuries and freedoms others don’t have. I might be able to make it on $3 a day, but I’d also have the option of grabbing some fast food. I might be able to scale back on my food budget, but I have the option of purchasing comfort foods, or healthier foods, or better meats, or whatever. And for me, this has been one of the bigger realizations.
- - - - -
from Dana (low-income. She's on the Challenge, not her children.)
Ok I have to say by the third night, dinner was already harder, because it was my third night eating some sort of chicken drumsticks. I felt like I was walking like a chicken. I baked it with only salt seasoning packets for a long time because I hate seeing the blood veins...ew. I made plain rice which I ate with plain yogurt. My kids had eaten almost all my tea biscuits, (Bear in mind, they have their own food, are eating good AND I am cooking for them.) My biggest problem so far has been my horrible habit of not eating breakfast and only drinking a caffeinated drink all morning. I could see now why I crash so hard in the afternoon and why my diet is so horrible. I will blame the computer for no breakfast.
On the 4th day I also didn't want breakfast and my oatmeal is still unopened. I love oatmeal too, just don't know if I can hack it without milk. I don't know how some people bought Hamburger Helper or hamburger without the extra stuff, but it's ok. I am low-income and am used to and DETEST Hamburger Helper. I don't even know if I would eat it if I was starving, at this point. Anyway, no breakfast and had to make a run to sell beadwork. I cheated. I bought a 20 oz. coke on the way home at about 2pm. I was so tired I needed the caffeine...or thought I did. I took two drinks and it tasted so bad, like syrup. I gave it to my son when I got home.
So when I came home, ramen noodles for lunch which my two youngest immediately thought was for them, so I shared two packs. A couple of my dwindling tea biscuits...and I am telling you, if you never saw them, look for them. Mine were 50 cents and if I knew my kids love them I would have paid the extra two dollars on the Chips Ahoy.
So anyways...supper was purely veggie because if I look at another drumstick today I might puke chicken skin. I ate rice, with lima beans from the can, and spinach from the can. (very small cans, I saved half for later.) I put butter and pepper packets with it all and it was screaming from dill weed but I ate it.
Tomorrow is another day. I made it with only a little cheating. I think tomorrow will be another chicken day if I can get a pack of bbq sauce for it at the local convenience store. Good luck everyone else.
It's day four of the food stamp challenge and I am settling into the routine. While boring and not nearly as filling as my normal diet, it has been ok. I think several things stand out at me.
The first thing I see is the emotional connection I make with food. If I have a rough day, am feeling a little stress, or even have something that I am positive about and want to celebrate, it usually involves food in some way. I connect food with emotions so much that I didn’t realize, until the means were no longer there, of how often I feel pulled to eat because of how I am feeling.
The second thing I have experienced is a periodic sense of hoarding or protecting my food from my family. My young sons do not understand what daddy is doing, and I got a bit defensive when they wanted some of daddy’s cereal, knowing that I barely have enough to make it a week. I was tempted to claim my one year old son as part of the challenge with me knowing that he’d bring in an additional $21 for me for the week even though he wouldn’t require that much! I know it’s somewhat twisted thinking, but I wonder how much of that thinking exists in long term situations.
Finally, the biggest realization for me to date has been that I have options while many on food stamps do not. I may be able to ‘make it’ on this diet, but as someone who doesn’t have to do it, I realize my increased options are luxuries and freedoms others don’t have. I might be able to make it on $3 a day, but I’d also have the option of grabbing some fast food. I might be able to scale back on my food budget, but I have the option of purchasing comfort foods, or healthier foods, or better meats, or whatever. And for me, this has been one of the bigger realizations.
- - - - -
from Dana (low-income. She's on the Challenge, not her children.)
Ok I have to say by the third night, dinner was already harder, because it was my third night eating some sort of chicken drumsticks. I felt like I was walking like a chicken. I baked it with only salt seasoning packets for a long time because I hate seeing the blood veins...ew. I made plain rice which I ate with plain yogurt. My kids had eaten almost all my tea biscuits, (Bear in mind, they have their own food, are eating good AND I am cooking for them.) My biggest problem so far has been my horrible habit of not eating breakfast and only drinking a caffeinated drink all morning. I could see now why I crash so hard in the afternoon and why my diet is so horrible. I will blame the computer for no breakfast.
On the 4th day I also didn't want breakfast and my oatmeal is still unopened. I love oatmeal too, just don't know if I can hack it without milk. I don't know how some people bought Hamburger Helper or hamburger without the extra stuff, but it's ok. I am low-income and am used to and DETEST Hamburger Helper. I don't even know if I would eat it if I was starving, at this point. Anyway, no breakfast and had to make a run to sell beadwork. I cheated. I bought a 20 oz. coke on the way home at about 2pm. I was so tired I needed the caffeine...or thought I did. I took two drinks and it tasted so bad, like syrup. I gave it to my son when I got home.
So when I came home, ramen noodles for lunch which my two youngest immediately thought was for them, so I shared two packs. A couple of my dwindling tea biscuits...and I am telling you, if you never saw them, look for them. Mine were 50 cents and if I knew my kids love them I would have paid the extra two dollars on the Chips Ahoy.
So anyways...supper was purely veggie because if I look at another drumstick today I might puke chicken skin. I ate rice, with lima beans from the can, and spinach from the can. (very small cans, I saved half for later.) I put butter and pepper packets with it all and it was screaming from dill weed but I ate it.
Tomorrow is another day. I made it with only a little cheating. I think tomorrow will be another chicken day if I can get a pack of bbq sauce for it at the local convenience store. Good luck everyone else.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Eat at the local free meal program?
This question has come up: Is going to the free meal program a valid choice?
Our guidelines suggest No, not this week anyway. It's helpful to experience this as a recipient, but this week it would interfere with trying to eat on $3/day.
Of course, many people using food stamps eat there. We'll appreciate this even more after this Challenge.
However, most food stamp participants do not get these free meals. For examples,
The "Love Feast" in Mitchell serves 2 meals a month to under 200 people, while over 1300 people in Davison County using food stamps. The Cornerstone Rescue Mission in Rapid City serves 100-150 people although over 9,000 on the county use food stamps. In Sioux Falls, "The Banquet" serves about 400 people a night, while there are over 10,000 people in Minnehaha County using food stamps. Many people can't get there. Many towns have no free meals.
If you have a different idea, put your comment on here.
Our guidelines suggest No, not this week anyway. It's helpful to experience this as a recipient, but this week it would interfere with trying to eat on $3/day.
Of course, many people using food stamps eat there. We'll appreciate this even more after this Challenge.
However, most food stamp participants do not get these free meals. For examples,
The "Love Feast" in Mitchell serves 2 meals a month to under 200 people, while over 1300 people in Davison County using food stamps. The Cornerstone Rescue Mission in Rapid City serves 100-150 people although over 9,000 on the county use food stamps. In Sioux Falls, "The Banquet" serves about 400 people a night, while there are over 10,000 people in Minnehaha County using food stamps. Many people can't get there. Many towns have no free meals.
If you have a different idea, put your comment on here.
Challenge Reports, Day THREE
from Doug B (pastor)
It’s my third day I think I’m hitting my stride. I’m acutely aware that my menu is going to become very monotonous. I guess with a little practice I could improve on my menu and create more variety. I’m also acutely aware that the vast majority of food marketing is for those with a hugely higher food budgets. From commercials to the placement on the supermarket shelves, those on food stamps have to wade through all the high and over priced items to find the economy products on the shelf closest to the floor. I’ve also become aware that I spend a lot more on food than I need to. Being on this challenge will affect my personal food budget in the weeks to come. Day four…bring it on.
- - - - -
from Dana (most expert foodstamp stretcher, from Pine Ridge)
I had to drive about an hour away to go shopping, because if I had to shop here, 21 dollars wouldn't have stretched as far. I wouldn't have been able to buy my veggies in bulk, found and bargain bins, and I would have had to pay twice the amount on the reservation for everything I was able to buy. In all, I wouldn't have been able to buy as healthy of food here as I would an hour away.
I can smell a clearance sale from a mile away. I bought my veggies in bulk and very few to cook with and to give some chicken drumsticks flavor all week. I found the smallest onion, peeled cloves off the bulk garlic and ripped a small piece of the ginger root off. Almost everything I bought was store brand, and I hit up every clearance food bin I could find.
I already made the southwest chicken chili the first night, last night I had chicken adobo which is chicken boiled in soy sauce and vinegar and seasoned with onion and garlic. I usually don't use salt anyway but if anyone actually NEEDS salt, soy sauce can be used as a replacement and is often a to go condiment in little packets at places to eat.
Good luck to everyone else.
It’s my third day I think I’m hitting my stride. I’m acutely aware that my menu is going to become very monotonous. I guess with a little practice I could improve on my menu and create more variety. I’m also acutely aware that the vast majority of food marketing is for those with a hugely higher food budgets. From commercials to the placement on the supermarket shelves, those on food stamps have to wade through all the high and over priced items to find the economy products on the shelf closest to the floor. I’ve also become aware that I spend a lot more on food than I need to. Being on this challenge will affect my personal food budget in the weeks to come. Day four…bring it on.
- - - - -
from Dana (most expert foodstamp stretcher, from Pine Ridge)
I had to drive about an hour away to go shopping, because if I had to shop here, 21 dollars wouldn't have stretched as far. I wouldn't have been able to buy my veggies in bulk, found and bargain bins, and I would have had to pay twice the amount on the reservation for everything I was able to buy. In all, I wouldn't have been able to buy as healthy of food here as I would an hour away.
I can smell a clearance sale from a mile away. I bought my veggies in bulk and very few to cook with and to give some chicken drumsticks flavor all week. I found the smallest onion, peeled cloves off the bulk garlic and ripped a small piece of the ginger root off. Almost everything I bought was store brand, and I hit up every clearance food bin I could find.
I already made the southwest chicken chili the first night, last night I had chicken adobo which is chicken boiled in soy sauce and vinegar and seasoned with onion and garlic. I usually don't use salt anyway but if anyone actually NEEDS salt, soy sauce can be used as a replacement and is often a to go condiment in little packets at places to eat.
Good luck to everyone else.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Challenge Reports, Day TWO
from Brian S (pastor)
I am on day two of the challenge and it's harder then I thought it'd be. You don't get much with $21 and I had to go to three different stores to stretch out my money. I was able to snag some bread, pb and j, meat, hamburger helper, chips, milk, cereal, spaghetti, and some pop (I won't make it a week on this diet without some caffeine; was able to snag 2 2-liters at HyVee for $.90 a piece (Dr Pepper and Pepsi!) with my money, and we'll see how it goes.
Couple of things already jumping out at me. The first is how people react to the fact that I am on the challenge. I had people that wanted to take me out to lunch this week, give me food, etc, and when you explain the scope of the challenge, you get these 'why would you do that' kind of looks. I was also surprised at how prevalent food is in my world and how much I consume it without really thinking about it. I went to my house and was so tempted to open a cupboard or the fridge and just eat away.
We had our small group over to the house last night and we always serve a snack and it was difficult to pass up the snack. Right now, I am definitely 'hungry' and yet I don't know if it's a physical hunger or a psychological hunger due to the fact that I am consciously passing up on opportunities to eat that I would normally gladly participate in. So day one was psychologically harder then I anticipated and my appreciation and respect for folks who call this a way of life has already gone way up.
- - - - -
From Nina K (our nutritionist)
Day Two - $1.67 1120 calories 45 grams protein
This was the first day I worked and tried to follow my plan. It went well. I pay close attention to beverages. Water is free out of the tap. I bought tea on sale. So my only beverages are water and tea. Tea is considered healthier than coffee, so this is another way that you can save money and eat healthy.
All healthy diets have a foundation of grains, so I planned first to have wheat bread, oatmeal and a dried bean soup mix. These are all the most healthy things anyone can eat and they are very inexpensive. The more you eat beans, they easier they are to digest.
I chose 1 fresh fruit- bananas for .39 a pound- (3 bananas) and 1 fresh vegetable- potatoes 5 pounds for $1.28 (15 potatoes). There is nothing bad about canned fruits and vegetables. They may have a little more sugar or salt but they are still fruits and vegetables and they are very cheap! Buy the store brands on sale. I bought canned apricots and for my vegetable a jar of spaghetti sauce. I mixed it with the bean soup mixture for a sort of vegetarian chili.
I bought walnuts even though they are expensive, you only need a portion size of 2 Tablespoons a day- that’s less than a cup a week- so it is affordable.
Finally, I must admit that even though I am having no problems sticking to this, and I do feel it is pretty healthy, it is boring. And I do have the luxury of knowing it is only a week.
- - - - -
I am on day two of the challenge and it's harder then I thought it'd be. You don't get much with $21 and I had to go to three different stores to stretch out my money. I was able to snag some bread, pb and j, meat, hamburger helper, chips, milk, cereal, spaghetti, and some pop (I won't make it a week on this diet without some caffeine; was able to snag 2 2-liters at HyVee for $.90 a piece (Dr Pepper and Pepsi!) with my money, and we'll see how it goes.
Couple of things already jumping out at me. The first is how people react to the fact that I am on the challenge. I had people that wanted to take me out to lunch this week, give me food, etc, and when you explain the scope of the challenge, you get these 'why would you do that' kind of looks. I was also surprised at how prevalent food is in my world and how much I consume it without really thinking about it. I went to my house and was so tempted to open a cupboard or the fridge and just eat away.
We had our small group over to the house last night and we always serve a snack and it was difficult to pass up the snack. Right now, I am definitely 'hungry' and yet I don't know if it's a physical hunger or a psychological hunger due to the fact that I am consciously passing up on opportunities to eat that I would normally gladly participate in. So day one was psychologically harder then I anticipated and my appreciation and respect for folks who call this a way of life has already gone way up.
- - - - -
From Nina K (our nutritionist)
Day Two - $1.67 1120 calories 45 grams protein
This was the first day I worked and tried to follow my plan. It went well. I pay close attention to beverages. Water is free out of the tap. I bought tea on sale. So my only beverages are water and tea. Tea is considered healthier than coffee, so this is another way that you can save money and eat healthy.
All healthy diets have a foundation of grains, so I planned first to have wheat bread, oatmeal and a dried bean soup mix. These are all the most healthy things anyone can eat and they are very inexpensive. The more you eat beans, they easier they are to digest.
I chose 1 fresh fruit- bananas for .39 a pound- (3 bananas) and 1 fresh vegetable- potatoes 5 pounds for $1.28 (15 potatoes). There is nothing bad about canned fruits and vegetables. They may have a little more sugar or salt but they are still fruits and vegetables and they are very cheap! Buy the store brands on sale. I bought canned apricots and for my vegetable a jar of spaghetti sauce. I mixed it with the bean soup mixture for a sort of vegetarian chili.
I bought walnuts even though they are expensive, you only need a portion size of 2 Tablespoons a day- that’s less than a cup a week- so it is affordable.
Finally, I must admit that even though I am having no problems sticking to this, and I do feel it is pretty healthy, it is boring. And I do have the luxury of knowing it is only a week.
- - - - -
Monday, November 12, 2007
Challenge Reports, Day ONE
(Use the Comments button to send in your thoughts/experiences.)
from Doug B (pastor)
My first day was an interesting one. I found myself realizing just how little $21 really is. I clipped coupons from Hy-Vee and Sunshine and put together a shopping list. My mom would be very disappointed as there are very little greens or fruits on my list. Generic and bulk items were the best prices per pound or ounce. It also dawned on me that I could do a better job of buying food with more money at the front end. I do not know if food stamp recipients get all their food stamps for the month at the beginning of the month, but you can buy much smarter by buying in bulk and that would take more than $21 at a time. There are some great deals out there.
I had some spaghetti for lunch and Hamburger Helper for supper. I feel full but wish I could have some of that ice-cream in my freezer, but that's not in the budget this week. Tomorrow morning I'm looking forword to pancakes and...water (I couldn't afford juice or milk to drink). I can already tell that I would need to get much better at this shopping thing if I had to be this careful.
- - - - -
from Judee (whose children are now grown, former food stamp participant. She is taking the challenge for 5 days.)
As a single, the challenge is to buy economically in small quantities, especially as if you were fleeing domestic violence and didn't know if you might have to pick up and move again. This is quite different than when I was on food stamps before with my children.
It took me a long time to figure out what I could afford with the $15 I had to make it through the five days I will be on the challenge. Because I'm addicted to caffeine (again), I had to purchase something that would curb the headaches since I couldn't afford flavored coffee or soda. A precious .69 went to tea bags! Since I still cannot eat potatoes, I settled on rice and a small package of spaghetti noodles. Normally, I'd have brown rice and whole wheat pasta, but they were more expensive. I realized meat was not going to be a part of the next few days with my meager budget. I was able to pick up some frozen vegetables pretty cheap and a package of cheese to grate and put on top for protein. I purchased a can of spaghetti sauce on sale for $.99, a dozen eggs, a box of oatmeal, two packages of macaroni 'n cheese. I picked up a small bag of apples and then I was done! It will be an interesting five days! I'm going to "cheat" with salt/pepper and something to sweeten my oatmeal. Those are things that can be picked up somewhere along the way pretty easily.
- - - - -
Rich E (former state legislator) sent his first day report:
The shopping is done. My grocery bill came to $20.64 - just under the limit. So what I have now is what I will eat for the week. My breakfast routine won't really change much. That's usually toast with peanut butter or cereal with milk. My lunch routine will be completely different, because I usually eat fast food. Now for lunch I will be eating either a can of chili or a can of beef ravioli or a hot dog supplemented with a banana or bread or a slice of American Cheese. Those same items will be rotated into my evening meal too, but I will also add canned vegetables in the evening. If my stomach rumbles, I can fill it up with PBJ's (the go-to meal) or corn flakes. I did pick up a 12 pack of Diet Pepsi on sale; I won't give up caffeine.
I think the food I bought will stretch for the week, but it will probably get monotonous. I can put together somewhat of a balanced diet with no frills - scrimping on the meat. I will miss potato chips, chocolate and fast food. I think the calories may be sufficient to keep me at my current weight. If my whole family were participating and I had foodstamps for 4 people, I may have been able to buy better quality food. My first regret, I should have bought eggs.
- - - - - -
From Nina K(our nutritionist)
I hope to do a summary of the cost as well as the nutrition. Everyone just generally assumes it can’t possibly be healthy, but that is not actually been documented in any place that I have found.
These are my results so far: Day One - $1.45 1295 calories 41 grams protein
I figure my actual needs are about 1700 calories and 55 grams protein, so it is a bit short. I believe I have been getting 75 – 100% of my vitamins and minerals. My shopping list was: Wheat Bagels and wheat bread purchased at the day old bread store, then a bean soup mixture, spaghetti sauce, penne pasta, bananas, potatoes, walnuts, cheese spread, oatmeal, plain yogurt, honey, apricots and tea. I actually spent $22.13.
Thank you so much for your mission to the poor and for encouraging people to participate in this.
- - - - -
from Doug B (pastor)
My first day was an interesting one. I found myself realizing just how little $21 really is. I clipped coupons from Hy-Vee and Sunshine and put together a shopping list. My mom would be very disappointed as there are very little greens or fruits on my list. Generic and bulk items were the best prices per pound or ounce. It also dawned on me that I could do a better job of buying food with more money at the front end. I do not know if food stamp recipients get all their food stamps for the month at the beginning of the month, but you can buy much smarter by buying in bulk and that would take more than $21 at a time. There are some great deals out there.
I had some spaghetti for lunch and Hamburger Helper for supper. I feel full but wish I could have some of that ice-cream in my freezer, but that's not in the budget this week. Tomorrow morning I'm looking forword to pancakes and...water (I couldn't afford juice or milk to drink). I can already tell that I would need to get much better at this shopping thing if I had to be this careful.
- - - - -
from Judee (whose children are now grown, former food stamp participant. She is taking the challenge for 5 days.)
As a single, the challenge is to buy economically in small quantities, especially as if you were fleeing domestic violence and didn't know if you might have to pick up and move again. This is quite different than when I was on food stamps before with my children.
It took me a long time to figure out what I could afford with the $15 I had to make it through the five days I will be on the challenge. Because I'm addicted to caffeine (again), I had to purchase something that would curb the headaches since I couldn't afford flavored coffee or soda. A precious .69 went to tea bags! Since I still cannot eat potatoes, I settled on rice and a small package of spaghetti noodles. Normally, I'd have brown rice and whole wheat pasta, but they were more expensive. I realized meat was not going to be a part of the next few days with my meager budget. I was able to pick up some frozen vegetables pretty cheap and a package of cheese to grate and put on top for protein. I purchased a can of spaghetti sauce on sale for $.99, a dozen eggs, a box of oatmeal, two packages of macaroni 'n cheese. I picked up a small bag of apples and then I was done! It will be an interesting five days! I'm going to "cheat" with salt/pepper and something to sweeten my oatmeal. Those are things that can be picked up somewhere along the way pretty easily.
- - - - -
Rich E (former state legislator) sent his first day report:
The shopping is done. My grocery bill came to $20.64 - just under the limit. So what I have now is what I will eat for the week. My breakfast routine won't really change much. That's usually toast with peanut butter or cereal with milk. My lunch routine will be completely different, because I usually eat fast food. Now for lunch I will be eating either a can of chili or a can of beef ravioli or a hot dog supplemented with a banana or bread or a slice of American Cheese. Those same items will be rotated into my evening meal too, but I will also add canned vegetables in the evening. If my stomach rumbles, I can fill it up with PBJ's (the go-to meal) or corn flakes. I did pick up a 12 pack of Diet Pepsi on sale; I won't give up caffeine.
I think the food I bought will stretch for the week, but it will probably get monotonous. I can put together somewhat of a balanced diet with no frills - scrimping on the meat. I will miss potato chips, chocolate and fast food. I think the calories may be sufficient to keep me at my current weight. If my whole family were participating and I had foodstamps for 4 people, I may have been able to buy better quality food. My first regret, I should have bought eggs.
- - - - - -
From Nina K(our nutritionist)
I hope to do a summary of the cost as well as the nutrition. Everyone just generally assumes it can’t possibly be healthy, but that is not actually been documented in any place that I have found.
These are my results so far: Day One - $1.45 1295 calories 41 grams protein
I figure my actual needs are about 1700 calories and 55 grams protein, so it is a bit short. I believe I have been getting 75 – 100% of my vitamins and minerals. My shopping list was: Wheat Bagels and wheat bread purchased at the day old bread store, then a bean soup mixture, spaghetti sauce, penne pasta, bananas, potatoes, walnuts, cheese spread, oatmeal, plain yogurt, honey, apricots and tea. I actually spent $22.13.
Thank you so much for your mission to the poor and for encouraging people to participate in this.
- - - - -
Friday, November 9, 2007
Journal available
Bread for the World's faith journal for the Food Stamp Challenge
was created by Trinity Episcopal, Portland OR, and adapted for South Dakota.
>> Put the second page on the back of the first, and continue to double them up like that. Then you have 4 sheets that fold into a booklet.
Click here for the Journal
was created by Trinity Episcopal, Portland OR, and adapted for South Dakota.
>> Put the second page on the back of the first, and continue to double them up like that. Then you have 4 sheets that fold into a booklet.
Click here for the Journal
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
What? No Free Coffee at Work!
A discussion is going on about free coffee at work, so let's let everyone in on it.
We're saying No Free Coffee at Work,
because a lot of lower-income jobs don't get this perk.
Just to be sure, I went out on a survey about this. I checked some lower-income jobs around here.
THE RESULTS:
8 NO (dry cleaners, school, fast food, dollar store, office supply, thrift store, gym, daycare center)
2 YES (convenience store clerk, drug store)
Some of the NO's had a system of buy/bring your own coffee.
So there we have it.
For the Challenge, if you drink coffee at work, pitch in some out of your $3/day.
CathyB
We're saying No Free Coffee at Work,
because a lot of lower-income jobs don't get this perk.
Just to be sure, I went out on a survey about this. I checked some lower-income jobs around here.
THE RESULTS:
8 NO (dry cleaners, school, fast food, dollar store, office supply, thrift store, gym, daycare center)
2 YES (convenience store clerk, drug store)
Some of the NO's had a system of buy/bring your own coffee.
So there we have it.
For the Challenge, if you drink coffee at work, pitch in some out of your $3/day.
CathyB
Challenges in Other States
Several other states have held Food Stamp Challenges this year. A list of interesting articles about them is at
http://www.frac.org/Legislative/fspchallenge.html
http://www.frac.org/Legislative/fspchallenge.html
Weigh yourself
This suggestion came in from Mary: Remember to weigh yourself at the beginning of the week, in case you want to compare at the end and contemplate the nutritional implications of the way you ate.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Article in Rapid City Journal
A Rapid City Journal article featured the South Dakota Food Stamp Challenge last week. Now the RCJ wants to know who are taking the Challenge there, so please sign up for the Challenge and let us know where you are from.
To see the article, go to www.google.com and type in South Dakota Food Stamp Challenge.
To see the article, go to www.google.com and type in South Dakota Food Stamp Challenge.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Don't folks have staples?
I would wonder if folks do not have some staple goods, such as flour and sugar and peanut butter, that they could surely use beyond one week and not have to buy each week. (This question came from Norma.)
Some would, and some wouldn't. When I accompanied a photographer on a tour of cupboards and refrigerators in ten low-income homes, we saw little in the way of staples. One had corn starch. Two had some salad dressing.
When stretching to cover the immediate meals, it can be hard to come up with the extra $1.50 or $2 for something you might use awhile later.
Those fleeing domestic violence start from scratch on everything. That is why we suggest trying this experience without using any food you already have.
However, some people fall on hard times from better circumstances and could have some staples & seasonings on hand. Perhaps you want to use some of your Challenge days to recognize domestic violence situations and some to recognize better circumstances. It's up to you. Adjust accordingly.
Peanut butter might not last long enough to be considered a staple. But as you may be suggesting, for some people, it might last longer than a week.
Some would, and some wouldn't. When I accompanied a photographer on a tour of cupboards and refrigerators in ten low-income homes, we saw little in the way of staples. One had corn starch. Two had some salad dressing.
When stretching to cover the immediate meals, it can be hard to come up with the extra $1.50 or $2 for something you might use awhile later.
Those fleeing domestic violence start from scratch on everything. That is why we suggest trying this experience without using any food you already have.
However, some people fall on hard times from better circumstances and could have some staples & seasonings on hand. Perhaps you want to use some of your Challenge days to recognize domestic violence situations and some to recognize better circumstances. It's up to you. Adjust accordingly.
Peanut butter might not last long enough to be considered a staple. But as you may be suggesting, for some people, it might last longer than a week.
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