USDA Listening Tour comes to Baltimore City

by Kimberley Chin, Director, Maryland Hunger Solutions

Yesterday the 3^rd Floor Auditorium of the Enoch Pratt Central Library in Baltimore, Maryland was filled with people listening and waiting to testify about the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization process. Yvette Jackson, Regional Administrator for the USDA Food and Nutrition Mid-Atlantic Region and her team listened attentively as approximately 50 people provided their thoughts and insights into the child nutrition and WIC programs.

It was fascinating to watch child care advocates, nutritionists, physicians, state directors, industry representatives, cafeteria service providers, parents, anti-hunger advocates and others speak so persuasively about the need to make these programs as accessible and healthy for all. Among some of the many issues that came up were the need for more nutrition education, greater reimbursements because of the high prices of foods, more investments in equipment to help schools better serve meals and getting more local foods in schools. There were also several industry groups, such as those for dairy, apples, potatoes, and processed meats that pled their cases during the testimony.

Remember, if you have something to say about the child nutrition and WIC programs, it is not too late. USDA is still taking written comments until October 15, 2008. For more information, visit the FRAC website at http://www.frac.org/html/federal_food_programs/cnreauthor/usda-fns_cnr-wic_comment_request.pdf

"Creativity and Collaboration" - a solution to obesity

by Sabina Payen, Maryland Hunger Solutions Summer Intern

Maryland Hunger Solutions was among the large group of health officials, legislators, community advocates and others who came together Tuesday to discuss the issues of obesity and nutrition in Maryland. The Healthy Active Maryland 2008 symposium on the challenges and solutions to addressing obesity was planned by the MD Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyle Coalition. The goal of the event was to empower Maryland partners to address challenges in obesity prevention efforts and to learn the practical programs, policies and solutions.

Ken Stanton, PhD, from the University of Baltimore was the keynote speaker. He made the point that "cheap food" or unhealthy food was a factor in obesity. The unhealthy stuff is the most affordable. I'll admit I live off the $3 meal of a burger, fries and soda instead of going to the market and buying healthy foods and preparing it myself.

Secretary Gloria Lawlah, Maryland Department Aging, one of the panel speakers, gave a moving and empowering speech on the how changes from the past to the present are factors in obesity. I'm too young to remember, but my father reminds me from time to time that he walked everywhere. There were few TVs and definitely no Internet or video games back then. So kids actually went outside to play or found more active things to do than sitting around all day eating. There were really no McDonald's or Burger Kings, so families actually ate home cooked meals everyday. This is very different from today's society of working families and single parent homes. Secretary Lawlah also explained that what we make a habit of now will grow with us into our old age.

The symposium was made up of several different round table discussions on the many issues and solutions to obesity, one of the speakers was Brenda Schwaab from the School and Community Nutrition Branch of the Maryland State Department of Education. Schwaab gave a very informative and interactive presentation on the policy and environment issues involved in implementing school breakfast programs and how to overcome them. She described how school breakfast can promote better eating habits in school age children.

Which brings me back to my title, "Creativity and Collaboration," two words Senator David C. Harrington, Maryland State Senate, District 47, mentioned in the closing remarks of his speech. Creativity and collaboration were his ideas for the solution to obesity. As he explained his take on it, it became clear to me that it was the solution to many issues that involve our youth. Creativity is the idea of restructuring how we do things, and collaboration is realizing that it’s not just a school system problem but a problem for all of us. We have to attack these issues from different angles now to get results in the future.

For more information on the symposium and the coalition visit: http://www.healthyactivemaryland.org.

Farm Bill Passes - and MD Hunger Solutions Is There!

by Kimberely Chin, Director, Maryland Hunger Solutions

This has been an incredibly exciting week. The Farm Bill passed in the House and the Senate with veto proof majorities in both!

With rising prices for food, fuel and housing, this is a great victory for everyone in this country who is just struggling to put food on the table.

The Farm Bill increases the minimum food stamp benefits; updates the food stamp asset rules; ties the asset limits to inflation; and allows families to continue to save for retirement and their children’s education without jeopardizing their eligibility for the program.

This week, in support of the Farm Bill, I also had a wonderful opportunity to speak at a press conference on the Hill on Wednesday, May 14th. Click here for more pictures of the event. Congressional Majority Leader Steny Hoyer from Maryland organized the event with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to highlight how the increased nutrition benefits in the Farm Bill will benefit their communities. I was honored to be invited by Majority Leader Hoyer to represent the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) as the only non-congressional speaker at the event. Click here to see a copy of my statement (pdf).

Photo courtesy of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus's photostream on Flickr.

Farm Bill Discussion Happening Now

With 9.5 percent, or almost 1 in 10 Maryland Households facing a constant threat of hunger, it is critical that Congress act on the Farm bill now! Maryland’s own Representative Sandy Rosenberg co-wrote a great Op-Ed in the Baltimore Sun discussing food stamps and the desperate need to pass a Farm bill right away. The current law was extended (once again) through April 25th, so Congress has one more week to act on the Farm Bill!

Washington Post Covers School Nutrition Finances

Kudos to the Washington Post for their article titled "Schools Get A Lesson in Lunch Line Economics." Maryland is mentioned a number of times. Gist of the story: school meal programs nationwide are feeling the pinch from the sluggish economy and having to make some financial decisions affecting cost and nutritional value of student meals.

My Week on the Food Stamp Challenge

Mark Millspaugh, Assistant Director, Family Investment, Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services

My experience with the Food Stamp Challenge was illuminating. While I must admit that I cheated, it was still a great learning experience for me and those I came into contact with. The first thing I struggled with was not having a morning cup of coffee. I could not justify the expense and adhered to the rule of not accepting offers of free coffee from well-meaning colleagues who observed my grogginess each morning.

I survived the entire week drinking water almost exclusively, which brings me to my second issue. It became very clear to me that to eat a diet entirely funded through the Food Stamp Program, one had to consume fairly unhealthy food and drinks. I could not afford orange juice, thus did not get my daily recommended allowance of vitamin C. I could not drink milk, thus did not get sufficient amounts of calcium. I ate almost no fresh fruit or vegetables. The Ramen noodles I ate for lunch had very high sodium content. The only meats I could afford had a high fat content. The bread I used was not multigrain and therefore had a low fiber content. Much of my dinner each night consisted of simple carbohydrates which quickly turn to sugar in the body. Because of this I cheated and continued to take multivitamins which I had purchased prior to the FS Challenge.

Lastly, I inadvertently became an ambassador and spokesperson for the FS Program. As I stated earlier, when I attended morning meetings I would often receive offers for free cups of coffee. When I declined and informed the offerer of my participation in the FS Challenge the person would become interested and ask questions about the program and its benefit amounts. On Tuesday I chaperoned a field trip for my 8-year-old sons's school to Mt. Vernon, VA. We were instructed to bring a bag lunch (this is another time when I cheated and took a can of soda that I had purchased previous to the Challenge). When the other parents and teachers saw what I had brought, and how little of it there was, I could not help but notice their inquisitive looks. I told them of the Challenge and informed them of the very low monthly benefit levels that people on Food Stamps receive. They were shocked!

Overall, I think the experience opened my eyes and those of others with whom I came into contact. While I regularly bring my lunch to work each day and eat home-cooked meals each night, the food that I purchase at the grocery store to prepare those meals costs far more than a Food Stamp Program recipient can afford. It is amazing to me how many people routinely stop in Starbucks for a cup of coffee in the morning or go out to a fast food restaurant for lunch or order takeout for dinner. These are things that a Food Stamp Program recipient could not possibly do. Yet the majority of these recipients are employed and caring for children and have the same need for simplicity and expediency in their daily lives as the rest of us do.

My Food Stamp Challenge Experience & Lessons Learned

by Peter Buesgens, Director of the Worcester County Department of Social Services

What I learned was it is hard to eat healthy on that amount [$21 per week], fresh meats and vegetable/fruits are cost prohibitive. High carb foods tend to be the cheapest. Also, buying in bulk is difficult. I could have gotten a good deal on ten cans of Ravioli for $10 but that would have taken half my budget for just one type of food. $21 is not conducive to the efficiency of bulk buying. I probably lost a few pounds in the process despite eating a lot of high carb food. I didn't keep a list but I ate: many cereal breakfasts, sometimes with milk, sometimes without. Red beans and rice got me through about half of my dinners. A jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread was my staple for lunch. Spaghettios was my change of pace meal at .89 cents a can. Non-brand-name soups were also good for a change of pace or to have something a little extra with a meal. Glad it's over, I'm heading for a Chinese buffet for lunch today!

The Food Stamp Challenge - I'm Still Hungry

Dr. Rebecca Bolton Bridgett, Director of the Charles County Department of Social Services

I spent $14.85 for five days ($3/day x 5 days). I purchased peanut butter, jelly, bread, yogurt, two bananas and soup. I did well the first day. The second day, however, my son was ill and we went to the doctor. Due to the unpredictable schedule, I purchased a sandwich for lunch. I found the difficulties to include:

1.) poor selection,
2.) unable to complete nutritionally balanced meals,
3.) spontaneous decision-making was impossible.

Thank you for the opportunity to experience the Food Stamp Challenge. It was a real eye-opener!

My Food Stamp Challenge Journey

by Ellen Payne, Assistant Director, Worcester County Department of Social Services

I emailed Yolanda at the last minute agreeing to participate “in some way” and when she emailed me back and asked me what I was going to do, I told her “the $21 thing.” So, on Sunday March 9, I went to the Walmart Superstore and put my food stamp groceries in the top of the cart and my family groceries in the bottom of the cart. My food stamp bill was $15.64. I bought generics wherever possible, spaghetti, chunky peanut butter, tuna, raisin bran, spaghetti sauce, ground beef, loaf of bread and quart of milk.

On day one, I had bananas for breakfast, tuna sandwich for lunch and cereal for dinner. After I had raisin bran for dinner, I read the instructions for a procedure I was having on Friday and found out I was not supposed to have bran or nuts. And no food on Thursday. So, on day two I called the doctor’s office, told them what I had eaten (bran and nuts), and they told me it would be OK to proceed on Friday if I didn’t do it again. So, I had to go to the store (Food Lion) to buy a different cereal and smooth peanut butter (I spent $4.38, so I had .98 left). I agonized over the generic cereals, trying to find one that was reasonably healthy and also cheap.

I settled on generic Special K, which I had for dinner that night. Day three (Wednesday) I had cereal for breakfast, a peanut butter sandwich in the car for lunch, then sat through lunch with friends without ordering anything, and spaghetti for dinner which I shared with my husband (he had garlic bread). Day four I could not eat any solid food, so I drank only water until 5PM. When I began to feel light headed, I broke down and had sugar free jello and apple juice I bought a few weeks ago in anticipation of the medical test I was scheduled for on Friday. So I only lasted until Day four, 5PM.

I shared my grocery receipts and my experience with my staff. Diane Reddick, a Long Term Care Case Manager on my staff, said she tried it for one day ($3 for food). I learned that I could not buy the healthy food or the variety I was used to on the food stamp allotment. I learned what it was like to agonize over purchasing groceries, instead of just throwing what I want into the cart. I sat in a restaurant without ordering while my friends had a delicious lunch. And, I didn’t make it past Day four, 5PM!!

The Food Stamp Challenge - My Biggest Challenge Yet

By Brenda Rupp, The Family Investment Administration, Maryland Department of Human Resources

Day 3:

On Wednesday nights during Lent, my family and I eat soup and salad before my church's Lenten Service, which includes dinner. I completely forget to eat my dinner before going to Church because I am not accustomed to cooking dinner on Wednesdays. I had to sit there hungry, watching everyone eat. When asked why I was not eating, I said I was on the Food Stamp Challenge and could only eat the things I bought. Everyone was shocked when I said that people on food stamps have to eat on about $3 per day or $1 a meal. Everyone said they could not be able to do it. I challenged everyone that night to try it for a week. However, I was not able to focus on the sermon as I was hungry and thinking only of food and kept looking at my watch to see if it was time to go. It was 8:30 when we got home. I hate my cup o’noodles and was still hungry so I made myself two scrambled eggs.

My Last Day

On my last day on the challenge, the only food left is oatmeal and eggs. My lettuce mix only lasted 3 days and I went through my fruit in the first 4 days. I ate oatmeal for breakfast, two hardboiled eggs for lunch and leftover rice (a very small portion) for dinner. I am still hungry.

My challenge is over. All I can say is that it was truly a humbling experience. My kids saw how little food I ate during the week compared to what they ate. The experience put a new perspective on “left overs,” and my kids appreciated what they had to eat. Not once this week did they complain about what was on their dinner plate.

The Food Stamp Challenge - A Week in Review

by Kimberley Chin, Director, Maryland Hunger Solutions

The last days of the Food Stamp Challenge: In many ways getting through the weekend was more difficult than it had been during the week. Without a strict work schedule, I constantly felt the need to snack or wander into the kitchen for something to eat. Crackers and carrots aren’t as exciting on the weekend when you face a kitchen full of different foods! Throughout the week people asked me if my mood had changed because of hunger or my change in diet. My family and coworkers would probably agree that I was slightly more moody than usual, but I don’t know if I can truly attribute that to this Food Stamp Challenge. My first meal off the challenge was a dinner at a community meeting and I thoroughly enjoyed the meal. When I got home, however, in the privacy of my kitchen, I felt like someone who had been rescued from a deserted island and sampled (gorged on?) many of the foods that I had missed throughout the week! I have now officially completed the Food Stamp Challenge and look forward to eating a wider variety of more nutritious food, but for so many others, there is no choice. This Challenge has raised my awareness of the difficulties that people face every day to feed themselves and their families. Food stamps are the first line of defense against hunger, but the benefits are not sufficient to help people eat healthy meals throughout the month. We must ensure that congress acts quickly on a Farm bill that can help make food stamps more accessible and adequate to the needs of hungry individuals and families in this country.

The Food Stamp Challenge - Spilling the Beans

by Kimberley Chin, Director, Maryland Hunger Solutions

The bean fiasco seemed to spill over into the morning. Once again I wonder when people have the time to prepare food, care for their children, keep the house relatively clean, maintain relationships and work full-time jobs. I threw the beans into a container to take with me for lunch, made my now daily breakfast sandwich of egg on toast, put some carrots into a bag and prepared for the day. The boys were fed, clothed and though a few minutes late, I flew to the car to get to work. As I was driving down the highway, it suddenly came to me that I had forgotten my lunch on the kitchen counter. On a normal day I would simply shrug and go out for lunch at a nearby eatery. Today I just thought about how hungry I would be if I didn’t have my food. I turned the car around and headed back home. As I picked up my lunch and prepared once again to head back into traffic to get to work, I thought about the choice that I had made. If I worked in a position where I had to punch a time clock, got docked for coming in late or had the threat of losing my job for coming in late, I can imagine making another choice. It would be better to go hungry than lose my job. It might be better to use a little of the rent or electricity money to buy a small snack than turn back and end up late for work. This exercise has been about the choices we are forced to make when we have limited resources. It is also about the choices this country can make to ensure that people have enough to eat and don’t have to worry about hunger. By the way, although edible, I think that my beans could probably be cooked some more!

The Food Stamp Challenge - My Challenges Go On

By Brenda Rupp, The Family Investment Administration, Maryland Department of Human Resources

My Second Challenge

Day 1:

I was able to get through the first day but felt hungry at dinnertime. It was challenging cooking dinner for my family, as they are not doing this with me. Oh how I wanted so badly to eat what I had prepared them for dinner. I prayed to GOD for strength and will power to not cheat.

My Third Challenge

Day 2:

By the lunch the second day, I was very sick. I realized it was because I was using my tap water to drink rather than Deer Park Spring Water that I usually drink. We have well water and it is full of chemicals and not only tastes bad but has a funky smell. When buying my groceries, it did not dawn on me to buy bottled water. Even if I had remembered, that would have taken up most of my budget. As much as I wanted to continue to drink the tap water, I had to cheat and drink the deer park water for health reasons. One of the things my doctor told me 7 years ago when I was diagnosed with Chron’s disease is that well water can be debilitating to the disease. I had to use the water from my deer park cooler at home. I felt so so bad for cheating (not buying the water) but had to for my health.

My Food Stamp Challenge Journey

By Brenda Rupp, The Family Investment Administration, Maryland Department of Human Resources

I wanted to participate in the Food Stamp Challenge for two reasons. One is to bring awareness to the “powers that be” that people with special dietary needs due to health reasons (Diabetes, Chron’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, etc.) need to eat a healthy, whole foods diet. Essentially, this means eating fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, protein, beans/legumes and nuts – no processed foods. This is very hard to do on $3 a day. My second reason for taking this challenge was because not to long ago, my family and I prepared and served a meatloaf dinner at the only overnight homeless shelter in Harford County. We do this on the 15th of each month with our Church. I did not eat dinner that night with the people we served because I do not eat red meat because of my dietary issues. When asked by one of the ladies who was staying at the shelter why I was not eating, my response was “I can’t eat this food”. I said it assuming she would understand what I meant (because of dietary issues), however this was not the case and she was offended. She said, “When you are hungry and homeless you take what you can get and don’t complain about it”. She then said something that really stuck with me, “Everyone should have to walk a mile in the shoes of those less fortunate”.

My First Challenge

Before going to the grocery store, I prepared a menu for my meals. I realized immediately that I would not be able to afford to eat that way I am accustomed. I have Chron’s disease and have it under control for the most part by eating a whole foods diet. I stay away from processed foods as much as possible. I knew I would not be able to afford to by fresh vegetables and fruit on $3 a day, let alone meat. I thought of some foods that would make me feel full but still healthy. I went to Food Lion and was happy to say that most of my purchases were on sale. Thank goodness or I would have not had much at all in my cart. I purchased eggs for my protein because I could not afford meat. I can’t have lunch meat because it's processed. I bought oatmeal, brown rice, bananas, two apples, pre-packaged lettuce mix, salad dressing, cup o’ noodles and rice cakes. I actually had boxes of macaroni and cheese that were on sale for $0.33 a box. I was so excited I put 3 in my cart and then realized I had to buy milk and butter to make it, so I put it back. At the check out, I told the cashier I was taking the food stamp challenge. He laughed when I told him I had only $3 per day to spend. He said the items in my cart are what he consumes in a day. He looked to be about 21 and about 6ft. 4in so I think he was probably right.

Tomorrow: My Second Challenge

My Final Day of the MD FS Challenge

by Kevin McGuire, Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Department of Human Resources

This is the last day of the Challenge! I still have two conferences left to go and a business lunch as well.

I had a grapefruit, toast with marmalade and a big glass of water. I arrived at the first conference just as they were serving a continental breakfast. Oh, I can just smell the coffee. In fact, all I did was smell the coffee and look at the fruit salad, four different types of juice (orange, grapefruit, cranberry and apple), bagels and croissants galore as well as assorted danish. I found a seat and drank some water from a pitcher and passed on the bowl of candy at my table.

Next was a business lunch except that yours truly didn't have lunch. If that wasn't bad enough I needed to enter the second conference by the buffet lunch. If that wasn't bad enough dessert was cheesecake, carrot cake and black-and-white cookies. I don't know if I wanted to laugh or cry.

The Food Stamp Challenge

Last week, a number of prominent Baltimore citizens enrolled in the Maryland Hunger Solutions Food Stamp Challenge and agreed to limit their food spending and consumption to $21 for an entire week, the total buying power of an individual's weekly allotment of food stamps. Click on the following names to read their experiences and thoughts:

Kimberley Chin, Director, Maryland Hunger Solutions. Kimberley organized the Challenge and participants while opening up the new Maryland Hunger Solutions office.

Kevin McGuire, Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Department of Human Resources.

Father Joe Muth of St Matthew's Catholic Church, Baltimore City.

Yolanda M. Dockery, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Maryland Department of Human Resources.

As this is a blog, the entries are published and stored in reverse chronological order, with the most recent entry close to the top of the page. To read entries chronologically from the beginning, scroll down to the end of the page and read up. And please feel free to comment!

Fr. Joe Reflects on His Final Food Stamp Challenge Hours

by Father Joe Muth - St Matthew's Catholic Church, Baltimore City

Yesterday morning was Palm Sunday. I finished my box of cereal and milk, and last night I finished the box of crackers. Yesterday at lunch I finished my last can of tuna fish. I still have some peanut butter left and two tangerines. Last night I went to a family gathering for the ninth anniversary of my father's death and there was lots of food there. I had great conversation but just had a glass of water with ice for the evening. It was strange especially with many people encouraging me to eat. The food was plentiful and right before my eyes. Many poor people would have devoured the table if they had the opportunity, but the opportunity is not as readily available for them as for me. So even my holding off from eating last night was kind of a luxury because I knew I only had one more day of this and I could go back to food whenever and wherever I want. I have also been touched by waiting for my next meal and trying to time it so that I will feel "full" until the next meal. I put the word "full" in quotation marks because I don't think I ever felt full this whole week. And the few times I felt hunger pangs I looked for a clock to see when my next "meal" would be, even if my "meal" was crackers and peanut butter. So I learned a lot this week. Thanks for asking me to join the challenge. I know it has changed my awareness and I wonder how I will be different now. Peace and blessings, Fr. Joe

I Almost Stayed Home from Work Today to Eat

by Yolanda M. Dockery, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Maryland Department of Human Resources

Let me tie up a few loose ends of my Challenge experience. As you know, I discovered yesterday that my husband had been a Challenge participant and I hadn’t realized it by looking at the items he’d been consuming. By Sunday morning he’d dropped out of the challenge again because I saw cupcakes wrappers and traces of other non-Challenge foods in our trash.

After church on Sunday I had my heart set on eating tomato soup with a piece of toast for lunch. However, by the time my husband ran all of his after church errands I didn’t have time to fix it so had to settle for two PB&J sandwiches. Can I tell you I am sick of PB&J? Normally I’m not a big bread eater so eating all this bread was a bit much for me. By Sunday the bread wasn’t even still fresh and soft. I think the only thing that helped me make it through the day was knowing that it was the last day of the challenge. For dinner last night I had my mac & tuna salad. Even eating more of that was a bit challenging. I ended up throwing a little bit of that away as well. I can’t wait to cook a real meal that is satisfying and nutritious for my husband and I.

I truly hope that after this that policy makers are "challenged" to seriously consider increasing the food stamp grants. I believe that everyone should have an opportunity to purchase healthy food and drinks for themselves and their families. Over the last seven days I’ve been able to get a laugh here and give a laugh there but for many this is no laughing matter because this is how they live and the challenges they face on a daily basis. The Food Stamp Program is supposed to help 26 million low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health each month. I believe that when you have to choose between eating healthy or eating daily because you only have $3 a day, most people would choose to eat daily. The Food Stamp grants need to be increased for needy families everywhere. Thanks for following my Food Stamp Challenge Journey. I must admit - I’m glad it’s over.

Sunday - Is it Over Yet?

by Kevin McGuire, Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Department of Human Resources

I am still at the conference and there is yet another luncheon meeting! This time I can get a glass of water. I made a decision to not eat at these meetings and to just eat at home or not at all. Today I decided to just hold off until dinner. Everything was going fine until the break when they served ice cream! I really had to question taking the Food Stamp Challenge. I will be glad when this is over tomorrow. However, the challenge of having enough to eat will not end for over three hundred fifty thousand of my fellow Marylanders tomorrow. For them, the struggle continues to plan meals and eat healthy for not much while we live literally in a land of plenty.

Well, I finally got out of the conference and went home. My wife told me that she was making lasagna so I better make something if I was going to eat. So I went ahead and made up some spaghetti with meat sauce. Lucky for me I just love pasta and could eat it every day. Unfortunately, I didn't buy any eggs or cheese or I would make spaghetti pie with the leftovers.

Attending a Conference & Continuing The FS Challenge

by Kevin McGuire, Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Department of Human Resources

I am still in the Challenge. Saturday was really bad. While breakfast went well (grapefruit, toast with marmalade and a glass of milk), lunch was a challenge. I went to a conference and attended a lunch which consisted of shrimp and a tilapia filet crusted with almonds and a lemon butter sauce served with asparagus on a bed of risotto. I had some real problems with passing this up as they served whole wheat rolls and coffee. I thought I was going to lose it when the cheesecake with whipped cream arrived. I couldn't even have water as the water pitchers were filled with iced tea and the only water available was in bottles. Dinner was better. I made up a really big bowl of pasta with a meat sauce that also included carrots and onions. I included a lot of black pepper with this and wound up having a real spicy and filling dinner. Later on I had a grapefruit for dessert.

I Survived! I Survived!

by Yolanda M. Dockery, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Maryland Department of Human Resources

I am happy to report that I made it through my leadership meeting today where they were serving food and it was a rather painless experience. I was much easier than I thought it would be. I took my can of fruit cocktail, a bowl and my water bottle with me the the meeting. Once we arrived at the church I changed my mind about actually taking the fruit cocktail in with me. There were 400 people in attendance. I figured if I really wanted it I would go out and sit in the car and eat it. I didn't want to draw attention to myself. I just took the water bottle in. Well once we registered for the meeting we were given our food tickets. I said to my husband at the time "You can have my ticket and eat my food because you know I can't eat it."

I nearly fainted when he said "I can't eat it either I'm with you on this." I replied "With me on what?" and he said "The Challenge." I couldn't help but think to myself "where had he been on Mon - Fri when I was starving & struggling" and he was eating oatmeal, fried chicken, biscuits, pizza, drinking turkey hill orange drink and tea?" You know I had to ask him. He's so funny - he replied something about him needing to stick to his $21 allotment. I then remembered he initially did say he'd do the challenge with me when he was with me or something like that.

Here's how I got through the meeting: When one of the teachers that was teaching a class entered the dining room I agreed to go set up her class while she ate breakfast. She was a senior citizen so she thought that was a fabulous idea. So, my husband and I quickly ran off from the dining room with the smell of eggs, bacon, croissants, juice, coffee and other breakfast goodies in the air to her classroom down the hall and set it up. We just made it because as we left they were calling our table to the buffet. By the time we returned most were done eating and we didn't have to answer any questions about why we weren't eating.

After the meeting I decided to go visit my friend at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. Her sister came in with lots of fresh fruit for my friend. She had pineapple, mango, green grapes and papaya. I love fruit and I hadn't had anything to eat all day. I never would take a patient's food but I really thought about it. I was asked if I'd like some, and I hungrily said "no thank you" and continued drinking my water.

I ended up visiting with my friend for about two hours. By then it was two o'clock when I got back to the car, and I could get to my fruit cocktail fast enough. I offered my husband some of the fruit cocktail and he refused, saying he wasn't hungry. I had to ask him if he'd been somewhere eating hamburgers and french fries while I was visiting my friend. He said he had not, but I guess I'll never truly know.

We finally got back home at 6:00. I was thinking all the way home what I could eat that would fill me up. I decided on oodles of noodles. I cooked two packs this time because last time I was still hungry after eating one pack. I wanted to save my tuna mac with the evaporating mayo for my special Sunday meal. So, I ate two packs of oodles of noodles and five lemon cookies. I wanted to rush up to the computer after eating to update you on my Saturday.

Did anyone see my husband at any fast food joint between 1-3 pm yesterday near Sinai Hospital eating hamburgers, french fries or pizza?

Meatless Friday

by Kevin McGuire, Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Department of Human Resources

Wow, it is Friday and I am still on the Challenge. Last Night I had two burgers on bread with a whole lot of broiled onions (no fries). I topped that off with a large glass of milk.

This morning I was in a rush and had a grapefruit. I traveled off to Annapolis (again) this morning for a meeting. After that I had lunch which consisted of another grapefruit and a carrot. I expect to have either lentils or pasta tonight (maybe both). I am feeling pretty good and have noticed that I lost a few more pounds. I guess that smaller portions is the trick. I did have one low point today. After my meeting I got a real craving to go have a slice of pizza. Luckily, I had my lunch in the car so I ate lunch right in the parking lot before heading back.

Coming up is the ultimate test as I have to attend a conference in Washington, DC this weekend. I don't know how I will fare will all the free food, luncheon and reception invitations I just received. I guess I will just pack lunch and some snacks. How I will avoid the coffee is another matter altogether.

It should be an interesting weekend.

It's Friday - Just 2 More Days Remaining

by Yolanda M. Dockery, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Maryland Department of Human Resources

I'm a little late with my blog post today. I had lots of things I needed to do. Well, I didn't get to eat my applesauce until 12 noon today and that was supposed to be breakfast. I was able to drink lots of water again today while I awaited the opportunity to eat. I ate one of my two PB&J sandwiches that I made for lunch as I was driving in the car. I'll save the other for a mid day snack since I ate my breakfast really late today and it's already made and in my car. The first thing I noticed when I woke up this morning and opened our refrigerator is that my husband's tuna mac salad was gone. I immediately feared mine would now be in danger of disappearing. I'd better find/cook something additional for him and QUICK! or the end result could be HUNGER FOR ME!!! if may salad disappears. I was amazed that the first thing I looked for as I reached for the PB&J to make my sandwich was my long awaited/desired tuna mac salad.

I think tomorrow is going to be my largest challenge because of the leadership meeting at church with food. I think I'll combat the temptation by taking a can of fruit cocktail with me to the meeting for breakfast along with my bottle of water. I have one can of fruit cocktail remaining. I only purchased two cans and I've used one for my jello/fruit cocktail "breakfast combo". I think I still may sit in the hall while the meeting attendees eat or that could be the "DEATH OF MY CHALLENGE". I'd hate to have one day left and fall off and get run over by the wagon! Sat. and Sun. both may be hard simply because normally that is when I cook the really nice meals. I think I'll use a portion of Sat. and Sun. to run around to all my grocery stores and pick up all my favorites for next week. I noticed when I'm busy running around I don't think about food as much. I'm satisfied simply by drinking my water.

Last night I had tomato soup for dinner and the remaining jello with fruit cocktail for a snack. Tonight I'll have either more of my tuna mac salad or oodles of noodles. I'll have to see how I feel at dinner time. Speaking of tuna mac salad something "really weird" happened to my tuna mac salad between Weds. night and lunch on Thurs. I think all of my dollar store pasta drank up all my dollar store mayo because my salad was pretty dry when I had it for lunch yesterday. It was much more moist when I made it and tried it on Weds. night.

I went to the dollar store last night as a do every week and the cashier asked me "if I was still doing that thing for work"? She was talking about the FS Challenge. I told her yes and told her I was glad she remembered and that I would put her in my blog. She knew about the Challenge because I'd done a portion of my shopping there and I'd mentioned the forthcoming challenge to her. I was so surprised that she remembered.

NPR Covers the Maryland Food Stamp Challenge

Food Stamp Challenge Highlights Need for Reform

BALTIMORE, MD - Try spending no more than 21 dollars on food and beverages over seven days. That's what people taking Maryland's Food Stamp Challenge are doing this week. This national campaign sets out to raise awareness about living on the average food stamp benefit of three dollars per day. WYPR's Stephanie Marudas reports.

On Day 1 of the Food Stamp Challenge, Kevin McGuire is shopping at Santoni's -- a family-owned supermarket in East Baltimore. Grocery basket in hand, McGuire is Maryland's Food Stamp director. He paces the aisles looking how to spend 21 dollars on food that will last him seven days. (Click here to read the rest of the story...)

The Food Stamp Challenge - Pressures on the Working Mom

by Kimberley Chin, Director, Maryland Hunger Solutions

This morning began as it does for many households with a full-time working mother with young children – with me getting ready for work while getting the three boys dressed, fed and ready for the day. The difference was that in addition to quickly making an egg sandwich for breakfast to carry to work with me, I also had to soak a bag of beans if I wanted any real variety in my diet tonight.

To make beans and rice, I usually use the cooked cans of beans that don’t need to be soaked, so this was new for me. I felt as though I was doing what my mother and generations of Caribbean mothers had done many times before me (but what I generally avoid doing) – soaking beans for the main meal. I quickly read the package and put the beans in a pot with water to soak for the day. I anticipated coming home to find beans that were ready to be used to create dinner. It didn’t quite work out that way. I came home, started preparing the dish, and realized that I heard beans clinking against the side of the saucepan. I don’t recall my beans clinking before. I quickly pulled the empty bean bag from the garbage and realized that I hadn’t put enough water in the beans. It looked as though I wouldn’t be having beans for dinner. I then did what any self-respecting, grown mother of three would do in that situation. I called my mother. She confirmed that I would have to boil the beans for a very long time for them to be edible.

I was told that the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan, which is the national standard for a nutritious meal for a minimal cost and a basis for maximum food stamp allotments, allocates 3 hours of cooking time a day. I actually think with the planning, preparation and cooking time it is much more. How are working mothers of small children supposed to “do it all?” How are they supposed to “do it all” with limited time and on an incredibly limited budget? And with the cost of energy and food going up, the budgets will get even tighter. Food Stamps are the first line of defense again hunger and with the rising costs of food, they need to be adjusted to adequately help people feed their families a nutritious meal. Anyway, I will eat another small salad as I sit here waiting for my beans to cook.

The Food Stamp Challenge - Questions

by Father Joe Muth - St Matthew's Catholic Church, Baltimore City

Yesterday was the first day I began to worry if I had enough food to last for the week. I have $1.74 left from my original $21.00 and I already have started thinking about how I want to spend it. Yesterday was also the day I really started feeling hungry in the afternoon. I also have begun to wonder if I run out of food before Sunday do I have the guts or courage or humility (or whatever it takes) to go to a soup kitchen to supplement my food for the week. If I have to do something I think I would prefer a soup kitchen to getting a bag of food from a food pantry because I'd feel like I was taking food from someone else. There has been food all around me this week but I haven't participated because I am trying to be faithful to the challenge. I told myself that the only food I can have this week is the food that I bought with my $19.26. So even if I have a snack at night I have the peanut butter and crackers that I bought. However, I ask myself when I snack, if I have this snack now will I still have enough food to get to the end of the week, so I am cautious about how much I snack.

I have never asked these questions before. I think the challenge has already had its effect on me.

My Fourth Day on the MD Food Stamp Challenge

by Kevin McGuire, Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Department of Human Resources

Well, I gracefully exited the reception and went home last night. I had a good dinner consisting of two large bowls of pea soup with hot dogs, a honeymoon salad ("lettuce alone"), two slices of bread and a large glass of milk. I later had a snack of warm milk.

This morning I had a grapefruit and some water. I knew I had to travel to Annapolis today so I took a couple of carrots and ate them on the way. One other thing to note: I have lost about four pounds so far taking the Challenge.

I miss my coffee and will be glad when this is over.

Yes, I'm still in the FS Challenge - I have just been busy with many meetings

by Kevin McGuire, Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Department of Human Resources

On Tuesday 3/11/08:
I woke and had a pink grapefruit, a piece of toast and a glass of water. No coffee! I miss my coffee. The rest of the morning I drank lots of water to just fill me up. Lunch came none too soon and I had a marmalade sandwich and a glass of milk. I snacked on a carrot later in the afternoon along with lots of water. Dinner was two hamburgers, cooked carrots, lettuce (no dressing) and, a slice of bread and a glass of milk...followed by a few more glasses of water. I am certainly well hydrated. However, I am probably drinking water as if I was in the Sahara. Time will tell if I can keep this up.

On Wednesday 3/12/08:
Breakfast was just a slice of toast and marmalade. I have decided today to hold out as long as possible before I eat something substantial. Everything went well until I went to a meeting. As I entered the meeting you could smell coffee and brownies. Oh, the coffee! How I miss the coffee! I realize that I usually spend more for a cup of coffee at Starbucks than what I am spending a day during the Challenge. Now I have to get through a reception before I go home to eat.

MY NOSE IS TELLING ME IT'S TIME TO EAT

by Yolanda M. Dockery, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Maryland Department of Human Resources

Okay, It was 10:00 am. and I had not eaten my applesauce yet. I was trying to hold off as long as possible. All of a sudden it hit me. My Exec. Director (Mr. McGuire) was in a meeting in a conference room just off from my office with his Directors behind CLOSED DOORS and the sweet aroma of a "juicy pink grapefruit" started seeping from underneath the door. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT I COULD SMELL HIS GRAPEFRUIT FROM BEHIND A CLOSED DOOR? WELL I COULD. I must be hungry so I decided it was time for my breakfast. I'm now enjoying my applesauce. I'm starting to think that when you are food deprived your sense of smell is amplified. I've been having similar experiences all week.

The Food Stamp Challenge - What Your $21 Per Week Buys

The Food Stamp Challenge - Variety and Cravings

by Kimberley Chin, Director, Maryland Hunger Solutions

As the days go by I realize that in addition to the fewer choices of nutritious food that can be bought on the food stamp allocation, there is also a problem with variety. After an egg on toast breakfast, eaten in the car on the way to work, and a spaghetti lunch, I just couldn't face spaghetti again for dinner. I had a banana and a salad of lettuce, carrots and cheese with crackers on the side when I got home. I'm fairly healthy, but definitely not someone who is obsessed with healthy eating, so it was funny to have such a craving for a salad. I am now really grateful that I bought lettuce and carrots. And of course cheese makes everything better. At the beginning of this challenge I received an email from someone who told me that the food stamp benefits that her uncle receives is very low - even compared to this challenge. With the increase in food prices, I can't even imagine how people make it work.

3/13/08 Day Four of the Challenge

by Yolanda M. Dockery, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Maryland Department of Human Resources

Well, I learned some new things about myself yesterday. When I am unable to properly nourish myself I can drink a whole two-liter bottle of water in an attempt to make up for the missed food. I was amazed. AND there are 37 cookies in a pack. Yes, I had to COUNT THEM on day ONE of the challenge to ensure that I properly rationed them out so I’d have a few each day. I don’t think I’ve done either thing before in LIFE! At least not that I know of. Okay, I FINALLY had the time to make my much anticipated and desired Tuna/Macaroni salad. Unfortunately my four cans of tuna were not enough to adequately season the whole two pounds of elbow macaroni but I was able to utilize a little over half of the bag. I was sure to boil and taste test the dollar store macaroni BEFORE I put my tuna in it. If the macaroni didn’t taste good I was going back to plan “A” which was to have tuna sandwiches. I only decided to add the macaroni because I thought it would be more filling and allow me to stretch my four cans of tuna. Well, the macaroni tasted fine to me. I ate a little of it for my dinner last night along with my water and a few of my lemon cookies I thought to myself you mean all this time I’ve been paying $1 or more for macaroni and I could have been getting it for $.50 at the dollar store. I’ll have to keep that in mine. I couldn’t believe it. I decided to “share” the remaining pasta up for my very HUNGRY husband who has not had a real cooked meal since the challenge began. I thought cooking might be too much of a “challenge” for me during THE CHALLENGE. So, I have opted not to do it. So, he’s been dining at the “Left Over Diner” all week. Poor, man. You’ve gotta love him! I’ll be sure to cook some fabulous meals starting next Monday. So, needless to say when I was done preparing the salads there were two separate containers of macaroni/tuna salad in the refrigerator. I put one on the top shelf for him. The top shelf version had all the ingredients that should be in the tuna/mac salad. The bottom shelf version which was mine had only the basics that I could afford on my budget, tuna, mac, mayo and relish – no onions, mustard or special seafood seasoning etc. I decided to switch up a bit today and have some applesauce for breakfast. I must admit for the first time ever this week that I’m looking forward to my lunch today. As I was making my lunch this morning I was paying special attention to how much I was putting in my container and thinking at the same time how many days remain on the challenge. Also, I think I’m being “BLESSED” for standing up for such a good cause. I looked at my grocery store circulars last night and all my favorites will be on sale next week. I CAN'T WAIT TO GROCERY SHOP NEXT WEEK! I’ll get my grapes, salad, tomatoes, yogurt, salmon, cracker barrel cheese, Pepsi, Stouffer lunch meals etc. WOW!!!!!!!!! I was SOOOOOOO EXCITTTED. You think if I go to sleep now when I wake up it will be Mon. and the FS Challenge will be over and I can shop and eat normally again????? I’ll be sure to make up for lost time next week. Well, that's all for now.

Day Three of the Challenge

by Yolanda M. Dockery, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Maryland Department of Human Resources

Peanut Butter must be the preferred and "affordable" staple this week. I too had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for mid evening snack last night and I have PB&J for lunch today. This morning I was a little pressed for time and I did not have anything readily prepared for my lunch. I quickly scrambled to make PB&J sandwiches for lunch and still strived to be out the door by 5:40 a.m. I thought to myself how much quicker and easier it would have been to throw a bag of salad in my lunch bag along with a yogurt or piece of fruit as I normally would have done if I wasn't a participant in the challenge. None of the previously mentioned items were affordable this week with my $21 stipend. My co-workers and I agree planning meals that are "some what" desirable and sustainable are not the easiest thing to do on at $21 budget. I had oodles of noodles last night at 10 p.m. for dinner. I've lost 3 lbs. since beginning this challenge. I hope I haven't also acquired high blood pressure from all the sodium that I've been consuming with the soup and oodles of noodles. Hopefully all the water I've been consuming has been keeping my system flushed. WE SHALL SEE! My breakfast remains the same. Jello & Fruit Cocktail. I also have applesauce so maybe tomorrow I'll switch up a bit. I mean variety is the "spice of life" right or does that only apply to people that aren't on food stamps who can make daily choices about their menus. I hope to have time to make my tuna/mac salad for dinner tonight and possibly lunch tomorrow. As I was driving to work this morning I was dreaming about having one of my favorite lunches next week which is a salad of any kind (spinach, regular garden salad). I sure hope the end result of this challenge is a higher Food stamp allotment for needy individuals so that they can make healthier food choices for their families and themselves. If not we could be inadvertently spending less in Food Stamps and more on Medical Assistance. Do we really want to trade one for the other? I must admit, I'll be glad when this is over. I want to eat healthy again. I can't imagine being in a position such as many of our customers where this is what they have to do day in and day out, where is is no light at the end of the tunnel.

The Food Stamp Challenge - Feeding the Children

by Kimberley Chin, Director, Maryland Hunger Solutions

I have determined that I do not like white bread and peanut butter! I had optimistically brought a peanut butter sandwich with carrots for lunch, after a breakfast of a scrambled egg on toast. Not only did I have to try to eat the sandwich, I had to do it in front of about eight other people who were having a wonderfully catered lunch for a meeting. The good news is that I then had the opportunity to talk about the Food Stamp Challenge and the issue of hunger at this meeting. The bad news is that I was then starving by the time I got home and had my dinner of spaghetti and meat sauce. Also, since my children are not on the challenge, they are very curious about my separate meals. Today they said that they wanted spaghetti and meat sauce also, so of course I served them some of my dinner - realizing that this will cut into my supply for the week. I wonder how many mothers make the same choice every day to ensure that their children have enough to eat.

The Food Stamp Challenge - Lunch, Early in the Week

by Yolanda M. Dockery, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Maryland Department of Human Resources

Well, lunch has come and gone and I'm actually full. I can't believe it. That was NOT the case yesterday after my little bowl of oodles of noodles. Today I had chicken and rice soup with carrots and five lemon cookies. Water continues to be my drink of choice this week, I mean the drink I can "afford" this week. I'm supposed to make macaroni tuna salad this evening for dinner which I'll have a few days this week. If I don't get home in time, I'll have another PBandJ sandwich.

The Food Stamp Challenge - Meals and Meetings

by Father Joe Muth - St Matthew's Catholic Church, Baltimore City

Yesterday I attended three meetings at which food was served. One meeting I left before the food came and the other two served the food during the meeting and I did not partake. As everyone was eating I felt like an outsider. I was not a part of the normal process of the meeting experience. I wondered if this is how people feel who are marginalized and outside of the society process of daily life. Even though I was at the table, I felt like I was an outsider looking in. This morning I just had cereal and then at an early meeting someone did offer me a cup of coffee and I thought it was ok to take it.

My Food Stamp Challenge Journey

by Yolanda M. Dockery, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Maryland Department of Human Resources

Tuesday 3/11/08
Today is day 2 of the challenge. I’m actually suffering with slight stomach cramps now because I have eaten my breakfast yet and I got in very late last night and only had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dinner. Under normal circumstances if I got home at 10:00 p.m. or so at night I’d just forfeit dinner and replace it with a late night snack. However, since I’m on the challenge and that was not an option I decided to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich instead. I was afraid to just go to bed without eating because I hadn’t eaten very much all day and I thought that doing so would set me up for failure today. My menu yesterday consisted of: Jello w/fruitcocktail for breakfast, oodles of noodles for lunch with 4 lemon sandwich cookies and P&J sandwich for dinner. Not too bad. Not too good either but I made it. This morning for breakfast I will have my jello & fruit cocktail again. I decided that in the mornings I’d hold out as long as possible before eating breakfast and that way it wouldn’t be too long between breakfast and lunch. I’ve been drinking lots of water. I REALLY missed all my favorite Turkey Hill drinks and Pepsi yesterday. It’s been water, water and more water. That’s okay though. This morning I put a 2-liter bottle of Pepsi in my refrigerator so it will be nice and cold for next week. J. I haven’t eaten breakfast but I’m already looking forward to lunch. I’m having soup. That should be filling. (I HOPE!) I really tried to put things on my menu that would give me at least a temporary filling. I must admit when making my menu I tried to do whatever I could to stretch my food purchases and have a somewhat fulfilling meal at the same time. Oh my husband is officially out of the challenge. He woke me up last night to ask me if the homemade spaghetti that was in the refrigerator was part of the FS Challenge food. Of course, it was not. Oh yeah, I forgot one thing. My Sister in law told me she was going to participate in the challenge with me. She was all excited she told me how fabulous her menu was and everything. I later talked to her on Fri. I believe at which time she told me she had to go away this week to Atlantic City for her job. I casually reminded her that she needed to take her food and not eat in any of those fancy casinos or restaurants. She told me she didn’t know how she would do that. I haven’t heard from her since. I guess she dropped out. I experienced a similar event myself. I realized that my husband and I have to attend a big leadership meeting at church on Sat. morning where food will be prepared for attendees. I guess I’ll have to sit in the hall and read or work on some assignments. There is NO WAY I can sit in the Grand Fellowship Hall while they eat fabulous meals. I guess my only saving “GRACE” will be if I’ve quit the challenge by then. WE SHALL SEE.

The Food Stamp Challenge - Another Shopping Tale

by Father Joe Muth - St Matthew's Catholic Church, Baltimore City

Well I went shopping yesterday and I spent $19.26 on my food for the week. I had to forego coffee and creamer because I just couldn't make it happen. Shopping also took about 30 minutes longer than usual going back and forth from one aisle to another to check prices and put things back that put me over my budget. So I had a tangerine for breakfast and a bowl of soup for lunch today. The store had a large box of Cheerios on sale for $1.49 and I was able to get some milk so I will start on that tomorrow. Cans of Tuna Fish were also on sale and so were crackers and of course Peanut Butter I think I did all right but now I will see how long it and I last.

The Food Stamp Challenge - Hitting the Ground Running

by Kimberley Chin, Director, Maryland Hunger Solutions

Today I went with Kevin McGuire, the Executive Director of the Family Investment Administration of the Department of Human Resources, to a wonderful local supermarket in Baltimore, Santoni’s, to shop for the Food Stamp Challenge this week. With $21 to spend for the week, I had to take time thinking about and planning what I would be eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the next seven days. I spent $18.41 at Santoni’s today, so I still have $2.59 left to play with in case things get desperate at the end of the week. The shopping trip took much longer than normal because I really had to think about how much money I had to spend, what foods would make a meal together, and what was on sale. I also kept thinking about how hard this would have been if my three young sons were with me on this trip. Usually I just run in quickly and get what we need. This prolonged trip could potentially have been a nightmare with three cranky little boys five years old and younger. As to my purchases, I had to get white bread instead of wheat because that was on sale. I also chose iceberg lettuce over other greens because of the price. Some of my other purchases included spaghetti, tomato sauce, black beans, rice peanut butter and a few other items . Bringing the food home was an interesting experience. Although my sons are not taking the challenge with me, they were fascinated with my purchases. They watched me make a large pot of spaghetti and meat sauce tonight and asked me if I was making a spaghetti casserole to take to church – the last time they saw me make such a big pot, we took it to church for the food pantry. They were also confused about the white bread – they are used to seeing wheat. Finally, our household usually gets baby carrots because they are easier to eat and serve, they thought the regular carrots that I bought were “the largest carrots in the world!” It was also difficult to resist snacking with my three boys during the evening as I was cooking. All this is interesting for the first day, but the reality is that this is just a week for me and I can see an end. For so many, this is not a game – it is their reality.

Starting Out on the Challenge

by Kevin McGuire, Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Department of Human Resources
Today I started the Food Stamps Challenge. I hope I know what I am getting into. We went out to buy our food at Santoni's Super Market here in East Baltimore. It was a lot of fun. Everyone seemed very nice. We created a bit of a media circus with a reporter from the local public radio station WYPR tagging along. I actually was able to buy what I hope will be enough to eat for the week. I got sixteen items including meat, fruits and vegetables, dried beans, some pasta, spaghetti sauce, powdered milk, bread and a jar of marmalade. It all came out to 20.62 so I still have all of thirty-eight cents left to "splurge". That said it is clear that twenty-one dollars does not offer a heck of a lot of options or variety in one's diet. In addition, I have discovered it is very hard (and time consuming) to plan on something inexpensive, yet nutritious to eat. While I have committed to the Food Stamp Challenge for one week I am all too aware that this is not an option for over three hundred-fifty thousand of my fellow Marylanders who receive Food Stamps. They are "challenged" with having enough to eat every day.

Enough of that. Time to go eat.

My Food Stamp Challenge Journey

by Yolanda M. Dockery, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Maryland Department of Human Resources

Monday 3/3/08
Today I decided to participate in the Food Stamp Challenge with my Exec. Director and co-workers. This evening I began outlining my menu. I didn’t think I could go to the store and stick to my $21 limit if I did not first have some idea of what I’d like to have.
I was really excited about the challenge. I touched basis with my mother and mother in law to gain support and momentum. I talked to my father in law who after hearing about the contest told me “Just quit now”. Not exactly the support I was seeking. My mother and mother in law on the other hand assured me that it could be done and even offered me some meal suggestions. I then mentioned the challenge to my husband and told him what my budget was. His reply was “$21 a day – Oh I can do that”. I then had to give him a reality check and say “No $21 a week”. He then replied “Oh I’ll do it with you – When I’m with you” which meant to me he’d be sneaking things that weren’t actually on our menu and in our budget. My mother told me one thing that I’d already realized myself and that is the an actual food stamp recipient might not have the ability to run around and bargain shop as I am doing for a variety of reasons. They may even have to shop at ”corner stores” stores as opposed to actual grocery stores where prices are significantly marked up. I must admit I am a bargain shopper and I always look for sales but trying to maintain a $21 dollar for 7 days limit really tested my bargain shopping and meal organization skills. I had to make decisions regarding what was affordable and what would be filling at the same time. I had to go to at least three stores trying to get the best price on peanut butter and jelly. I finally found it and could afford it at the last store. I purchased the generic brand. I noticed right away that I would not be able to purchase my usual fruits and vegetables or my budget would be exhausted and I wouldn’t have something to eat for three meals for seven days. This evening I spent $15.93. I went to four grocery stores looking for my sale items. I realized I only have $5.07 left. I then realized that some of the things on my menu needed other items to complete the meal such as butter, salad dressing, mayo, relish etc. At one point I realized I needed to purchase approximately 6 additional items and doing so would exceed my budget. At that point I revisited my menu and determined what I could do without. Decisions, and more decisions. I decided to cut the butter, I decided to get rid of the salad because I’d also need dressing for the salad etc. I even contemplated not having one of the three meals that I’d written on my menu each day. Oh yeah, I also noticed that next week I can’t sit at work and drink my Dasani water that I normally drink because that’s outside of my budget. I guess if I don’t buy a gallon of something from the dollar store I’ll be bringing water from my sink at home for my drinks with meals. I also noticed that I’d have to try a lot of generic brands of things on my menu because I can’t afford the brands that I would normally. And who would have ever thought I’d be considering how many pieces of bread were in a loaf to ensure that I had enough for all the meals that included bread on my menu. The things we often take for granted.

Tuesday - 3/4/08
I decided to revamp my menu. I am now selecting something that I can have for two meals as opposed to one meal. I haven’t spent my last $5 yet because I have to make wise choices and some things I need to purchase at the last minute prior to the challenge so they will be fresh such as the bread.

Wednesday - 3/5/08
I contemplated revamping my menu again to get more bang for my buck and hopefully have a more filling meal. I actually went to the dollar store to pick up my last few items. For some reason it was hard to spend my last $5 so I decided to hold off on getting anything additional until I was positively sure regarding what I wanted.

Friday - 3/7/08
This evening I completed my shopping. I was so excited about my last purchase. I was able to get a 2lb. Bag of elbow macaroni, a small jar of mayonnaise and a small jar of relish for $2.50. I was so happy about that purchase that when I went to buy my bread I also picked up a pack of cookies. Now my $21 is gone. I went home a revamped my menu again trying to ensure that I got the biggest bang for my buck and for my stomach.
I got home and added up all my receipts and would you believe all my groceries totally $21.03. I was over budget. Back to the drawing board. Initially I thought I’d cut the cookies but then I decided to cut one of the packs of oodles of noodles. They were .20 each that would bring me within budget.

Sunday - 3/9/08
Today I finalized my menu and ensured that I ate all my favorites since the challenge officially begins tomorrow. I decided that I would combine the jello and the fruit cocktail that were on my menu and I could have that for either a breakfast a few days during the challenge or for a snack. I also filled a 2 liter bottle with tap water to carry to work for the challenge since I will be unable to drink my usual bottled water.

Monday - 3/10/08
Well today is the first day of the challenge. Normally prior to the challenge I would have eaten a piece of two of fruit and probably ate a cup of yogurt. Today, I could have neither. I wasn’t able to purchase them on my budget. So, instead I had jello with fruit cocktail in it. It was pretty tasty but not very filling at all. Now I’m drinking water trying to make it until lunchtime. I’m also used to snacking on all kinds of items such as popcorn, crackers etc. between breakfast and lunch. None of those items were part of my budget either so today it will strictly be ONLY THE ITEMS I PURCHASED FOR MY MEALS. I think with out all my “filler foods & drinks” it’s going to be a LONG WEEK.

MD Hunger Solutions Gears Up for the Food Stamp Challenge

by Kimberley Chin, Director, Maryland Hunger Solutions

Next week, I start the Food Stamp Challenge. I will be living on approximately $3 worth of food each day for a week (the average food stamp benefit amount.) At the recent FRAC conference I heard Representatives Jo Ann Emerson and Jim McGovern describe their experiences with the Challenge. After hearing them speak, I started to worry a little, but still didn’t think that it would interfere too much with my daily functioning. Then I started trying to schedule meetings for next week and realized that lunch meetings would not be great if I had to bring my own lunch while meeting with someone at a restaurant. A friend of mine from Albany, NY who I haven’t seen in years will also be in town next week, and we were starting to schedule a relaxing dinner to catch up when I remembered the challenge. I had to warn her that I wouldn’t be able to eat with her, but would bring my own meal. I'm already starting to rethink how I'll live my life while I'm on the Challenge. I will need to research food prices and see how I can make and stretch meals for seven days. I think that this may be harder than I first anticipated.