Local Faith Community to Take the Food Stamp Challenge - January 2014

An interfaith group of Eugene/Springfield area clergy and lay people will be participating in the Food Stamp Challenge, also known as the SNAP challenge. SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as "food stamps." 

From Monday, January 13 - Sunday, January 19, 2014, individuals who sign up will commit to limiting their personal budget for food to just under $27 for the week - an approximation of the current typical level of food stamp support available for Americans in need. 

For several years, various national religious organizations have encouraged clergy and laity in around the country to take the Food Stamp Challenge. As new cuts to the program took effect November 1st, it is especially timely for people who are not SNAP recipients to join in this week-long challenge and get a better sense of what it takes to feed oneself or one's family on a Food Stamp budget.

On Sunday, January 12, 2014, at 3 pm, a number of participating local clergy and religious community members will gather at a local supermarket and do grocery shopping for the week. This event is a media opportunity and we'll be seeking local coverage of it. More details will be announced about this soon.

We invite you to join us in taking the challenge. To sign up, email us at lanesnapchallenge2014@gmail.com.

For a glimpse of one person's recent experience with the Food Stamp challenge, check out this video: