March 6, 2012
One in six Americans are concerned about whether they will have enough food to eat. In a country as prosperous as United States, this statistic is unacceptable. Therefore, as part of a collaborative Graduate Student Government initiative called Trojans Unite Against Hunger, we are taking a stand against hunger in our country and in our community. During the month of April, we are asking fellow USC graduate students and campus administrators to learn, advocate and get involved in activities to fight hunger.
To kick off our month-long initiative, we invite you to take part in an important experiential activity called the “Food Stamp Challenge.” The Challenge will take place from Monday, April 2nd until Thursday, April 5th, ending with a free event Thursday April 5th, at 6pm at The Lab Gastropub.
Those who participate in the Food Stamp Challenge live off of the average food stamp benefit – approximately $1 per meal or about $4 per day for four days ($16). Although we encourage participants to take part for the full four days, we understand that this may not be possible. In that case, please consider living on a “food stamp budget” for just one or two days. Just like the over 45 million people on food stamps currently (1 in 7 Americans), Challenge participants are forced to make tough choices when shopping for groceries, and often realize how difficult it is to avoid hunger, afford nutritious foods, and stay healthy
In the past, the Food Stamp Challenge has been utilized by public officials to call attention to the importance of financing nutrition programs for low-income individuals and understanding the struggles of food stamp participants. Almost half of those enrolled on food stamps (47%) are children, while 8% are elderly and about 20% are disabled. Public officials who have taken the Challenge include former Utah Governor John Huntsman, Jr., U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln, U.S. Representative Barbara Lee, CA Assemblyman Mark Leno as well as many others.*
While living on a food stamp budget for just four days cannot come close to the struggles encountered by low-income families week after week and month after month, it does provide those who take the Challenge with a new perspective and greater understanding. If you are interested in taking part, please email USC Social Work student Jason Lipeles at jalipeles@gmail.com. He will send you the official guidelines and will also give you other updates on the events that will accompany the Food Stamp Challenge.
Fight on to end hunger!
Graduate Student Government Community Service Committee
* The Hatcher Group & Food Research and Action Center. (2007). Take the Challenge: Living on a Food Stamp Budget. Retrieved from frac.org.
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