The SNAP Challenge

SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps.
 
Many of us are blessed with the privilege to not have to think too much about how, when and if we will get our next meal. Even today, with the increased cost of food, my own shopping habits have not drastically changed. Sure, I watch my total cost and try to purchase frugally, but I still manage to include some of the sweet and savory snacks my family loves; I’m still able to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits; and, I still plan my meals and then shop, rather than shop the sales and then try to come up with things to make. But for many of our fellow community members in Southeastern Wisconsin, and around the country, trying to provide enough food for one’s family is a daily struggle. 
 
Some of the privileges we may take for granted:

• I’ve been too busy to plan, or don’t have the time or energy to cook a meal
  • Get take out, go out to a restaurant, or swing by the grocery for prepared food.
• I choose fresh fruits and vegetables, or organic produce because I perceive that they are healthier
  • Fresh is more expensive. Not all communities have easy access to fresh produce on a consistent basis. 
• I base my grocery list on what is convenient and what my family enjoys, regardless of cost

 
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, about 41.2 million people living in 21.6 million U.S. households participated in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in an average month.

• The average SNAP household received a monthly   benefit of $297. (The average household size was 1.9 people)
• Households with children received a larger average monthly benefit of $515 due to their larger average household size.
• About 37 percent of SNAP households received the maximum benefit for their household size.
• Ten percent received the minimum benefit ($20), which is only available to households with one or two members.

For many families, the monthly stipend they receive through SNAP is the only money they have for
groceries. The difficulties that low income households experience when trying to provide a balanced diet with enough food to last from week to week can be compounded by:

• Lack of nearby access to full service grocery stores
• Lack of kitchen appliances included in rental units
• Time restraints due to working multiple, minimum wage jobs
• Rising food costs

 
We ask that you prayerfully consider taking on this challenge: 
 
To only spend the average SNAP benefit amount to feed your family for 1 week, 2 weeks or a month; to experience the challenge of trying to shop, cook and eat within a substantially limited budget; and at the end of the experience, take the difference between your typical weekly budgeted amount for food and the amount spent during the experience and donate it to an organization in our community that is fighting to reduce hunger. Some options are:
 

• Hunger Task Force
• House of Peace
• Tosa Food Pantry
• Street Angels
• Nourish MKE

​
 Below is a list of links to budgets, grocery lists, menus and recipes based on a four person or two person household.  

Menus
Two person
​Four Person
​

Grocery Lists
Two Person
​Four Person Week 1
Four Person Week 2
​

Recipes
Two Person 
Four Person Week 1
Two Person ​Week 2

As you take on this challenge, let us know how it is going!  In what ways did you cut costs?  Did you try any new meals?  Send us pictures of you and your family preparing or trying a new meal!  We’d love to feature you in an upcoming bulletin and newsletter. Email your updates and/or photos to Rob Hoffmann in the parish office at [email protected].