2008 Woodie Awards
A First-Hand Account Of Budgeting For Poverty
Brittany Dorn
Issue date: 4/8/08 Section: News
Last week marked ConnPIRG's first annual Food Stamp Challenge. For six days, about 20 UConn challengers committed to eating only what they could afford for $24, or broken down - $4 a day - which is the nationwide average food stamp benefit, according to ConnPIRG. According to the group, more than 26 million low-income people utilize the food stamp program to provide for themselves and their families. More than half of food stamp recipients are children.
As soon as I heard about the challenge, I wanted in. Mainly, I just wanted to prove to myself (and others) that I could do it. My initial reaction was that the challenge would be hard (after all, a frappucino from Starbucks costs more than the daily food stamp allotment) but that just added to my determination. Here I offer a day-by-day account of my experience.
The Premise:
"I pledge to live off $4/day from midnight Sunday, March 30, to 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 4 … I will only eat food I purchased for the project, not items that I already own, excluding condiments … I will avoid accepting free food or meals from family, friends or coworkers - including meeting or reception drinks, snacks and meals."
Sunday: Day One
My trip to the market ends up being very technical. I check prices, compare bulk to retail and weigh everything that can possibly be weighed. I forego fruits and vegetables for more filling staples: multigrain bread ($2), brown rice ($1.50), potatoes ($3), and beans ($1.50). I also buy anything that seems dirt-cheap (under $1): Three bags of popcorn, a carton of green tea and Easy Mac. I give in and buy green grapes at a price that is really, truly, to good to pass up, and lastly, a jar of peanut butter. The food comes out at $18, leaving me with $6 for emergencies. Everything looks good. Who said this would be hard?
But when I put all the food on the checkout counter, it doesn't look like much. And it all fits into one bag. My sister catches me eyeing it. "Nervous?" she asks. "No," I answer resolutely. "I would be," she says, paying for her snacks that will supplement her trips to the dining hall.
As soon as I heard about the challenge, I wanted in. Mainly, I just wanted to prove to myself (and others) that I could do it. My initial reaction was that the challenge would be hard (after all, a frappucino from Starbucks costs more than the daily food stamp allotment) but that just added to my determination. Here I offer a day-by-day account of my experience.
The Premise:
"I pledge to live off $4/day from midnight Sunday, March 30, to 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 4 … I will only eat food I purchased for the project, not items that I already own, excluding condiments … I will avoid accepting free food or meals from family, friends or coworkers - including meeting or reception drinks, snacks and meals."
Sunday: Day One
My trip to the market ends up being very technical. I check prices, compare bulk to retail and weigh everything that can possibly be weighed. I forego fruits and vegetables for more filling staples: multigrain bread ($2), brown rice ($1.50), potatoes ($3), and beans ($1.50). I also buy anything that seems dirt-cheap (under $1): Three bags of popcorn, a carton of green tea and Easy Mac. I give in and buy green grapes at a price that is really, truly, to good to pass up, and lastly, a jar of peanut butter. The food comes out at $18, leaving me with $6 for emergencies. Everything looks good. Who said this would be hard?
But when I put all the food on the checkout counter, it doesn't look like much. And it all fits into one bag. My sister catches me eyeing it. "Nervous?" she asks. "No," I answer resolutely. "I would be," she says, paying for her snacks that will supplement her trips to the dining hall.
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Laurie
posted 4/17/08 @ 11:44 AM EST
very engaging and truthful article. Better you than me, i don't think i xcould last!
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