NEW: The 2008 South Dakota Food Stamp Challenge

November 16-22, 2008, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in South Dakota.

What's different from 2007? The average food stamp allotment is $25/week per person, up from $21 last year.

THE CHALLENGE: Eat for a full week on $25 per person.
That is the average food stamp allowance in South Dakota.

GUIDELINES
Spend only $25 on food and beverages during the week for your total food intake.
In other words,
• Include in the total all food purchased and eaten during the Challenge week, including fast food and dining out.
• Do not eat food you already own. (A family fleeing domestic violence would not have garden produce or even seasonings or condiments, though they might pick up salt & pepper packets somewhere.)
• Avoid accepting free food from friends, family, at work or elsewhere.
• Exclude sales tax from your $25. Fortunately, food stamp purchases are not taxed.
• Find ways to report on your experience to others.

Think of opportunities to challenge your groups , churches, committees & boards, media people, public officials, chefs, and yourself to take the Food Stamp Challenge.

Experience first-hand some of the struggle people face on a regular basis trying to piece together a healthy diet. For many, housing, medicine, and other costs gobble up their cash, leaving little or no cash for food but only their food stamps.