Food Assistance Challenge

HUNGER FACTS:

More people than ever before are seeking help to put food on their tables for the very first time. According to the most recent Feeding America Hunger Study, 37 million people seek emergency food assistance from food banks each year, including nearly 14 million children and 2 million seniors. This represents a 46 percent increase in the number of people receiving emergency food assistance compared to the Hunger Study four years ago.

WHAT IS FOOD ASSISTANCE? (FOOD STAMPS) CLICK HERE 

One way low income families can get help is through applying for Food Assistance, formerly called food stamps. Qualified applicants (household income must meet certain criteria and there is a screening process) can receive an electronic debit card with a monthly allotment of money to purchase groceries.

WHAT IS THE FOOD ASSISTANCE CHALLENGE? CLICK HERE
The maximum an individual in Colorado can receive in food stamp benefits is $200 a month- about $5.06 a day.

We challenge you to live on $5.06 a day for your food and drink needs for a week. It may be tougher than you think when you are forced to make meal choices based on a budget. Don’t’ worry!  We’ve got some tips to help you along the way. Note: Do not have to use the $5.06 for non-food items such as medicines, paper products and household supplies. Food stamps cannot be used to purchase these items. Sample Menu Click Here

RULES:
1. You can eat and drink only what $1.69 per meal per day or $35.40 a week can buy.
2. Food that has been purchased previously should not be consumed. We are not encouraging you to let food go to waste. If you have perishables at home, figure out what they would cost and add them to your budgeted food.
3. Spices and condiments purchased previously can be used.
4. All food purchased and consumed, including dining out, must be included in the $46.62 amount.
5. Free food from friends, family, and work should be declined.
6. The following should not be purchased for consumption, because you cannot buy them with Food Stamps: ready-to-eat hot foods, foods to be eaten on the store premises, and alcoholic beverages.
7. What you consume should equal $35.40. For instance, you may buy a loaf of bread, and eat only half the loaf. Your seven-day consumption equals the dollar value of the half loaf. This is to facilitate rule number 8.
8. You should strive to maintain a healthy diet during this week.

Resources for Planning Healthy Meals on a Budget

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
For more information about the food assistance challenge, or to sign up, contact the Care and Share’s Food Assistance Coordinator at 719-528-1272 x4602 or email Alegra@careandshare.org .