Congressman Kindle Begins Food Stamp Challenge
Today, I began the Food Stamp Challenge. I did this not because it is easy, but because even in a prosperous district like mine, there are many people who are hurting. There many unemployed and underemployed people who rely on food stamps to feed their families. I read today that 80% of Walmart employees are on food stamps and I wanted to know their struggle first hand. Please check out the challenge for yourself.
According to the challenge, the food stamp benefit in California is only about $31.50 per day. I've seen Rachel Ray survive on $40 per day, but that was a few years back. I knew right away that some luxuries would be off limits this week. I would not be able to afford my favorite 1.5 pound lobster stuffed with a smaller 1 pound lobster and even a second glass of wine at dinner would be a stretch. I knew reducing tipping down to 5% would help, but for one of the first times in my life I would know real hunger.
According to the challenge, the food stamp benefit in California is only about $31.50 per day. I've seen Rachel Ray survive on $40 per day, but that was a few years back. I knew right away that some luxuries would be off limits this week. I would not be able to afford my favorite 1.5 pound lobster stuffed with a smaller 1 pound lobster and even a second glass of wine at dinner would be a stretch. I knew reducing tipping down to 5% would help, but for one of the first times in my life I would know real hunger.