Here is an update on the progress of the Farm Bill, for anyone who's interested:

"After contentious negotiations and multiple temporary extensions of current law, Congress is finally poised to vote on the Farm bill reauthorization, (the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007, H.R. 2419).  Anti-hunger advocates were successful in making important improvements that will raise food stamp benefits, increase funding for emergency food, and fund fruit and vegetable snacks in low-income schools.

The House and Senate have grappled with issues that included how to pay for the increased costs in the $286 billion 5-year bill, whether to include a disaster fund for farmers in a few states supported by the Senate but not the House, if and by how much to cut direct crop subsidy payments to farmers, and how to allocate new resources in the nutrition title of the bill.  With all of these issues now resolved by the House and Senate conference committee, a vote is scheduled for the week of May 12.

Advocates are pleased that $10.4 billion over 10 years has been added to the nutrition title of the bill, including $7.8 billion for the Food Stamp Program, $1.26 billion for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which purchases food for emergency feeding organizations, and $1 billion for the free fresh fruits and vegetable snack programs targeted to schools with large shares of low-income families..."

For the rest of this article, CLICK HERE

 DAY SEVEN: May 7, 2008

Breakfast: 2 pieces of toast, lightly buttered; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 apple
Lunch: Peanut butter and banana sandwich on wheat
Dinner: 1 bowl of pasta mixed with .75 cup steamed veggies, seasoned with 1 capful of toasted sesame oil

It’s the end of my Food Stamp Challenge, and I’m feeling a whole lot of things I can’t really describe… but I’ll try my best. For one, I’m surprised that I’m not jumping-off-the-walls-excited to eat other types of food again. Of course I’m looking forward to the wider variety of choices I’ll have, but this week really did reinforce that old cliché that “people can get used to nearly anything,” which I think is equal parts amazing and horrifying. But I suppose that’s a whole other story…

I do have some food left over, as well as some money I did not spend in case of “food emergency.” Tomorrow I am going to use the extra money to purchase some in-demand food items so I can bring them, along with the rest of my still-packaged “Challenge” food (1 tuna can, 2 packages of soup) to the Bakersfield Homeless Center on E. Truxtun Ave. ** If you're interested in donating, you can visit the website for a list of needed items.

As the last installment of my “F.S.C.” series, I’d like to take the opportunity to reflect on the more surprising outcomes of my experience...

 1. I weighed myself the evening before the start of the challenge and again on the final evening, because I was curious to see whether (and to what degree) the diet would affect my weight. I’m a little surprised to learn that I lost four pounds over the week, though I realize that my calorie intake was way down (since I wasn’t able to snack mindlessly or dine out, as I often do). Looking back, I never felt like I was going hungry, but I did cut way down on sweets and late-night snacking, both of which I am admittedly guilty of.

2. This experience did make me more aware of the fact that I often eat when I’m not really hungry… food is not just a necessity or a comfort for me, it’s a pleasure. I love to taste food. Consequently, I sometimes find myself eating just because it tastes good… and my inability to do so for the past seven days really made me more conscious of my eating habits; another somewhat unexpected side-effect. How is it that I am able to complain about the taste or variety of food when there is a global hunger crisis? When millions of people in this, our wealthiest nation in the world, don't have access to anything at all? This is not a matter of finding the resources, but of summoning our political will and the management of those resources.

3. One of the more "challenging" (and I quote, because - really - how hard was it?) parts of the diet was knowing that my options were limited to only what I had bought or could buy with the remaining funds. And still, I know that I was much better off than many people who don’t have the same access to transportation or the time to shop all around the city for good bargains (or the great advice of so many others! Thank you). I know that I will now more fully appreciate the choices I have, but I also think I will choose to eat a little more simply. There are much better uses for the money I’ll save from cutting down on the excess snacking and frequent treats. I have been taking conscious, gradual steps over the past several months to be less wasteful in general, but food is one vital area that so many people disregard. Our culture clearly promotes images of luxury and comfort, and we like the feeling that we have access to large assortments of everything. We take more than we need, we want more than we need, and we waste more than we should. There should be absolutely no excuse for allowing other human beings to starve while our supermarkets are piled high with items that may ultimately go to waste.

4. I was taken aback by how much the diet affected my mood, particularly at the start of the week. I wasn’t expecting the feelings of alienation and isolation at all the social events, and after only two days I felt like avoiding all social activities because the matter of food was always so prevalent. I constantly heard “are you tired?” and “what’s wrong?” from people around me, so it must have shown. Even so, the only things that really required a change on my behalf were my eating habits and routine. I still had the luxury of my computer, phone, car, money for gas, clothing, warm shelter, safe living conditions, TV and digital cable, etc... plenty of opportunities for socializing. I realized that I wasn't so "isolated" after all.

5. I quite stupidly didn't expect to have to make adjustments in other areas of my life. I’m usually a very active, busy person, but it only took a few days for me to realize that I’d have to make some changes. I was absolutely exhausted by the halfway point, and that has a lot to do with the fact that I was exerting too much energy for the amount of fuel my body was receiving. Once my physical activity calmed down again, I was left more content (and dare I say, satisfied) by the day’s ends. I’ll admit that, aside from two 30-minute bike rides and one 20-minute jog, I completely cut out my workouts for the last three days because I was too afraid to burn calories. After some reflection, of course, the choice to exercise can be labeled another one of many privileges. I don't have to depend on manual labor for money to survive, and my life (and diet) does not depend on my type or skill of physical activity. This is a small price to pay; I was simply taken out of my very cushioned comfort zone.

6. One of the most important things I've taken away from this experience is the fact that I will never, ever understand what it's like to go hungry and have absolutely no one to turn to. I have never felt deep, mind-numbing hunger. I have never known what it's like to have no idea where my next meal is coming from, and I hope that I never will. As I stated previously, I complain about the hardships that these people must endure because the privilege and comfort of my own life leaves me with a responsibility to fight for those who cannot.

If you have other questions about the Challenge, my experience, or anything else, please feel free to ask. If you’d like to comment that this is the stupidest thing you’ve ever read, feel free to do so. And finally, I urge you all to follow the ONE Hunger Crisis Petition and Farm Bill for updates on how our government plans to deal with both the national and global hunger crises.

-- Samantha

DAY SIX: May 6, 2008

Breakfast: 1.25 cups of Honey Bunches of Oats w/ almonds; 1/2 cup milk; 1 small banana
Lunch: Turkey sandwich (3 slices deli meat, 1 tbsp mayo); 1/2 apple
Dinner: 1.5 cups of brown rice with steamed veggies; 1 slice of wheat (toasted)

I was able to eat a little more today than I have been, because I know that this challenge ends for me after tomorrow... obviously, families living on this budget week after week can't do that. I actually still have enough food to last about three more days, though ithe leftover items don't exactly make for the most appetizing meal combinations. I was wrong in thinking that I had enough cereal left for breakfast today and tomorrow... I finished the rest of it today (it's probably because I grabbed a few handfuls during the week for snacks) but I still have bread and two small bananas left. I'm actually starting to get used to these meals, which I admit is unexpected, but I am looking forward to being able to eat a variety of foods again. I hesitate to say that, because I don't want this to be perceived as a superficial "game" of sorts... I feel guilty about being so relieved to be able to eat what I want again after tomorrow, though I assume that would be the natural reaction for anyone. I'm literally fantasizing about what I'll be able to eat come Thursday.

Anyway, I want to switch gears a bit and mention something that I've been thinking about all week: being poor can be very isolating. We are clearly a culture that bonds over food... so how does that affect people who can't afford it? The people who can't go out to eat with friends or coworkers? Forget about relying on social networking to move up in your career. It makes for an interesting commentary about our society when we have parents going hungry so their kids can have a decent meal (let alone a birthday cake). "Social eating" has become a very common practice in our culture. I already knew that it was a very frequent activity in my life, but this week of the challenge has certainly confirmed it. A few friends and I were discussing how the rule that we're not supposed to accept free food during the challenge is one of the more unrealistic ones. If I were really on food stamps or an extremely low income, I know I'd accept all the free food I could get my hands on, especially if I had a family to think about. Then again, as a privileged "middle-class," very social young woman, I probably have access to far more free food than the average food stamp recipient. I certainly have the resources (transportation, for one) and opportunities (theatre = cast parties = food and drinks galore). I already mentioned the fact that I probably could have eaten for free this entire week due to all the social events that took place, so here are some examples:

Day 1: I attended a show at Stars Dinner Theatre, and though I did not purchase a dinner, there was still free bread, drinks, and some after-dinner candy. I had some water (tap, I'm sure) and watched everyone else eat.

Day 2: Had a performance of A Chorus Line, and there is always food backstage at the theatre. I opted out of the dinner at Chili's after the show with the rest of the cast, because (a) I was starving, and (b) I didn't feel much like watching everyone else eat food that I couldn't afford, especially since I'd only be thinking about what I could eat once I got home...

Day 3: Bakotopia party at Chuy's, which was fun (for the short time I was there), but again, I couldn't afford to order anything, though a few different people had previously (and very graciously) offered to buy me food. Had another performance of A Chorus Line, and this time I did go to an after-party, but only because it was a friend's birthday. There was a HUGE spread of amazing food, drinks, and birthday cake, and I did waver for a moment: On one hand, if I were really on food stamps and attended a friend's birthday party, I would surely take advantage of the free food. On the other hand, I only know this person (and everyone else in attendance) through theatre, and I probably wouldn't have made their acquaintance (or, subsequently, attended the party) if I were on food stamps, because I wouldn't be spending my time doing non-paying community theatre... I decided not to have anything, but it definitely affected my mood for the rest of the party, and I didn't stay long. The taste of my food when I finally got home was heavenly.

Day 4: Had an afternoon performance of A Chorus Line, after which I rushed home to eat because I then had a four-hour rehearsal that wouldn't be over until 10pm. The rest of my cast went out for pizza after the show (which has become a weekly ritual), and I stopped by for the last 15 minutes they were there (right before rehearsal started) so I could at least say hi and bye to the people I wouldn't see again for a week. I was kind of bummed to not be able to go out with everyone for the whole time, because I wanted to sit, eat, laugh, and socialize too... but of course I couldn't afford the pizza; I wouldn't accept any free food because the food stamp version of me wouldn't have that opportunity; and I knew I desperately needed a little food in my system between the 2-hour show and the 4-hour rehearsal. There were some free snacks at the theatre during rehearsal as well, but again, I couldn't accept anything.

Day 5: It was the first day without any social events, though the rest of my family did indulge in a festive Cinco de Mayo feast in the evening. Sigh.

Day 6: I declined the offer to meet a friend for coffee, knowing that we'd be able to reschedule a few days later. I also had to cancel a lunch date with a friend I usually meet every week, and because it was the only time she was available this week, it'll be a while before we're able to see each other again.

That's all for now -- you can all look forward to (or dread) the last installment of these blogs soon enough, which will probably summarize much of what has already been written :)

DAY FIVE: May 5, 2008

Breakfast: 1 cup of Honey Bunches of Oats w/ almonds; 1/2 cup milk
Lunch: Tuna sandwich on wheat (2 oz tuna, 1 tbsp mayo); 1 banana
Dinner: 1.5 cups of brown rice with steamed veggies

I felt much more energized (or "normal") throughout the day, and I know that is partly owing to the extra protein, potassium, and iron in today's meals. I noticed this morning that all of the mixed fruit is gone, and only one apple is left. Since I didn't spend all my money at the start of the week - I kept some for "emergencies" - I was able to buy four small bananas at Trader Joe's for 19 cents each. I've been pretty good about rationing my vegetables, and I still have some pasta and rice left, as well as one can of tuna and the two Maruchan soups (which I hope to stay away from, if at all possible). I think I have just enough Honey Bunches of Oats left for two more servings of breakfast, but in case I don't, I still have about 1/3 of the loaf of wheat.

One thing I started thinking about yesterday: how would a family fit a birthday cake or a turkey or ham into this budget? The parents don't eat their share for several days in order to provide a birthday cake for their child? I am thankful that there are food pantries and organizations to provide meals for holidays at least, so that some families may have something more to look forward to. There are thousands living on less than half the budget that I get for this week, and thousands more barely surviving on next to nothing... the exhaustion and frustration have got to be just as awful, if not worse, than the physical hunger they must feel. We had a mini discussion on my previous blog entry about how people can manage to make do with what they have; that it's not always so horrible. I think that optimism and hope in the face of hardship is a wonderful thing, and it can be extremely powerful... but it's awful that anyone has to get used to a lifestyle like that to begin with. I complain about the hardships that these people must endure because the privilege and comfort of my own life leaves me with a responsibility to fight for those who cannot.

I wanted to share this message from one woman who was previously on food stamps: "I forgot what it was like at the end of the month when it’s 3 days away from more food stamps and you’re out of milk and bread and you have to make due with pasta and taco sauce (mexican spaghetti…sounds gross doesn’t it?) Or when I would fix food for the kids and the only meal I got was the one I got from the fast food restaurant I was a manager at (Thank God for the free meal policy)." Again, people are incredible to be able to make do on such limited resources, but it pains me that anyone has to experience this. How people can remain apathetic is beyond me.

DAY FOUR: May 4, 2008

 Breakfast: 1 cup of Honey Bunches of Oats w/ almonds; 1/2 cup milk
Lunch: 1 apple; 1 slice of wheat bread
Dinner: 1 baked potato topped with broccoli and a little butter

This is not a very efficient diet. I'm trying to put together the healthiest (and best-tasting) meals I can afford, but it's not hard to see how all these carbs and starches over a period of time might easily contribute to health problems or a substantial weight gain. Then again, the low caloric intake would probably balance it out... regardless, it's not the best way to be eating. And beyond that, I am exhausted. I think it has more to do with a lack of sleep, an afternoon performance of A Chorus Line, and a 4-hour evening music rehearsal for Reefer Madness than my current diet, but I'm sure that's not helping either. I put nearly all my (already low) energy into the show today, so by the time rehearsal rolled around, I was pretty worthless.

I was telling a friend of mine the other day that since taking this challenge, food has been on my mind nonstop... it’s almost like having an eating disorder in that respect. The constant measuring, counting and planning does somewhat interfere with being able to concentrate on other things. I find myself not wanting to work out because I know the exercise will burn calories and make me hungry again. Whenever someone around me is eating, it reinforces the fact that my choices are so limited.

A question I've been asked a lot recently: "Why?" Why am I doing this? I think I've addressed this a few times already, but I'll elaborate a little (and much of this is taken directly from a comment I wrote on a friend's Facebook note, concerning the same question): Truthfully, when I first read about the Food Stamp Challenge one year ago, I thought it sounded gimmicky and somewhat offensive to those who truly struggle with poverty. The thing that ultimately made me reconsider was the fact that it was truly raising visibility for the growing hunger problem. If we don’t take the time to educate ourselves, no one will take the initiative to try to improve things. Some people have commented that there are more proactive ways to make a difference, and I certainly agree, but the process of blogging about the challenge has proven to be a valuable experience. If nothing else, it’s at least opened up forums for people on Bakotopia, Myspace, Facebook, and various other networking sites to discuss the issue. When the Challenge was launched in 2007, participants attempted to raise awareness and understanding around the challenges that millions of low-income Americans face in obtaining a healthy, well-balanced diet under current food stamp benefit levels. I did not take the challenge to “better understand" how the poor get by, necessarily; I can recognize that there are extreme issues within the system without putting myself on a food stamp budget. I don't have to subject myself to eating on $1 per meal in order to realize that it's hard. But as long as this has the ability to influence just a few people to be more conscious about the issue, I think it's a step taken in a positive direction.

PS: I have been reading all the blog comments and profile messages people have been sending, and I thank you for those! I promise I will respond as soon as I have another chance to get online, but for now I'm looking forward to collapsing into bed. More later! -- Sam

DAY THREE: May 3, 2008

I’m going to take the opportunity to address some points brought up here and in personal conversations. This challenge is not about the “horror” of bland meals or repetitive peanut butter sandwiches. Living on $3 a day is about addressing the fact that food becomes an actual survival activity that consumes large chunks of time. Not having money is not simply an inconvenience; it requires an adjustment in all areas of your life. Impoverished people can't afford to come home after a long day of work and simply relax. As far as food is concerned, they must be constantly seeking it out and spending time and effort to prepare for upcoming meals - particularly with the added challenge of providing for an entire family week after week.

Due to my active lifestyle, my regular diet relies heavily on "grab-n-go" sorts of snacks: apples, bananas, granola or protein bars, yogurts, bags of pretzels, etc. Unfortunately, my budget this week didn't allow for much fresh produce or simple snacks because I'm trying to focus on putting full, somewhat healthy meals together. Living on a very low income does not support a habit of higher-cost "convenience foods," and prep time becomes very crucial. Luckily for me, I have only myself to think about, but I am still finding that I'm planning out all the meals well in advance in order to compensate for the amount of time I have available vs. the amount of time the meals (really only the dinners) take to prepare. Usually, when I get busy (as I often do), I end up eating meals in the car or quickly scarfing them down before rehearsal. I might stop on the way somewhere to get a smoothie, sandwich or salad, simply for the sake of convenience. However, a true food stamp budget doesn't really allow for spontaneous eating even at home, because everything must be rationed. The act of consuming a meal becomes a very conscious, planned, measured act. The idea of eating to satisfy an emotional need or a taste craving doesn't even enter the picture.

Moving along... I allowed myself a "pre-performance snack" today because I knew I would need the extra fuel for my show this evening (read yesterday's blog for more on that)... Otherwise, not too much variety in my meals thus far. As you may have noticed, I've kept the breakfasts and lunches very simple so far, which helps with the time constraints, and the dinners have been as basic as possible. I will eventually have to break into the food that takes a little longer to prepare, but I think I've planned it out so I can do that for the evenings in which I have more free time.

Breakfast: 1 cup of Honey Bunches of Oats w/ almonds; 1/2 cup milk
Lunch: 1/2 turkey sandwich on wheat (2 slices deli meat, 1 tbsp mayo)
Pre-Performance Snack: 1 slice of wheat (toasted) spread w/ 1 tbsp of peanut butter; 1/2 cup mixed fruit
Post-Performance Meal: 1 small bowl of pasta seasoned w/ 1 capful of toasted sesame oil

DAY TWO: May 2, 2008

It's the end of day two and I'm feeling okay. One thing I didn't really consider at the outset is how my limited diet would affect my super-active lifestyle. My overall caloric intake has decreased, portions have decreased, there is less variety in my meals, and they are less balanced. As most of you probably know, I do theatre and teach dance classes. I'm currently performing in The Spotlight Theatre's production of A Chorus Line, which is a very dance-heavy show, requiring lots of energy. I try to eat very light before shows, and especially before dancing (otherwise I feel sick), but I didn't really take into consideration the fact that I've been eating pretty light for every meal the past two days. By the end of the 2-hour show this evening (which includes a 10-minute long opening number, a 5-minute dance solo, a 6 or 7-minute finale, and several other fast-paced dance numbers), I was feeling pretty weak. I still have two more performances this weekend, plus the two private lessons I'm teaching and my regular workouts. I definitely wouldn't be able to keep this up on a food stamp budget AND have the energy to get through the day... but then again, I don't think I'd have the luxury of being able to do theatre either. The endless hours of rehearsals and performances (which I DON'T get paid for) could be better spent working and making money.

How many low-income families have the means to pay for music lessons, sports or dance practices, or other sorts of training for themselves or their children? How many people can't afford to do something they really love because they're more worried about where their next meal is coming from? How does this influence their happiness, family dynamics, outside relationships, and attitude toward society? It's a sobering thought for someone who's been fortunate enough to grow up as a queen of extra-curricular activies.

Breakfast: 1 cup of Honey Bunches of Oats w/ almonds; 1/2 cup milk
Lunch: Peanut butter sandwich on wheat; 1/2 apple
Dinner: 1/2 cup steamed veggies; 1/2 cup mixed fruit; 1 piece of toast lightly buttered

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(This was supposed to be yesterday's blog, but it's a little delayed due to some computer issues...)

Food Stamp Challenge
Day One: Reflections

So before I delve into my experience the first day of the Challenge, I'll spend a little time discussing my mentality and preparations going into it.

I went a different route than many others taking the challenge... rather than spending my $21 at the start, I ending up spending $13.80 on the essentials so I can re-stock or add items throughout the week as necessary. I realize that if I were on the budget for several months and had other family members depending on me, it would probably be more practical to stock up on bulk items and just hope the portions lasted, but I'm able to think a little selfishly for this challenge, as I'm only buying for myself for one week.

I started out at Vons, wrote down the prices for items I was considering, drove to Trader Joe's, compared prices, purchased some items there, and then went back to Vons for the rest (whew!). Again, the average food stamp family probably would not have the means (or the time) to drive all around the city and compare prices, so that was perhaps an unfair advantage. Anyway, here's what I got:

$1.19 - 1 quart of fat free milk (Trader Joe's)
$1.69 - 1 bag (2 lbs) of frozen organic vegetable mixture (Trader Joe's)
$0.99 - 1 bag (8 servings) of pasta (Trader Joe's)
$1.47 - 3 large organic apples (Trader Joe's)
$2.49 - 1 package (5 oz) of deli turkey slices (Vons)
$1.19 - 1 loaf of crappy whole wheat bread (Vons)
$1.25 - 1 can (15 oz) of mixed fruit (Vons)
$0.89 - 2 cans of crappy tuna (Vons)
$0.38 - 2 bags of Maruchan ramen noodles (Vons) -- I know, I know, I gave in.
$1.88 - 1 box of Honey Bunches of Oats w/ almonds (Vons)

I'm drinking tap water otherwise, and I'm thinking I'll have to buy another quart of milk unless I'm careful enough with my portions. I'm planning to get a bag of potatoes and a bag of rice for sure, and I may get some more vegetables if I run out. Also thinking about some cheap peanut butter and a box of macaroni & cheese for some variety, though both are very fattening and I'm trying to stay away from that -- remember, the point of the Challenge is to try to put together fairly nutritional, healthy meals on a limited budget. Then again, I did break down and buy the Maruchan soups! I don't know if I can afford cheese, unfortunately.

Since we're allowed to use already-owned condiments and spices, I'm using the mayo I already have for the tuna and on turkey sandwiches, and some oils and spices with the pasta, but I think that's about it.

DAY ONE: May 1, 2008

Breakfast: 1 cup of Honey Bunches of Oats w/ almonds; 1/2 cup milk
Lunch: Turkey sandwich (3 slices deli meat, 1 tbsp mayo) and 1/2 apple
Dinner: Small bowl of pasta with 1/2 cup steamed veggies, seasoned with 1 capful of toasted sesame oil
I also had a couple of handfuls of oats & almonds throughout the day, and drank tap water with everything.

Differences and Difficulties: Looking back, I was pretty happy with my meals, and they weren't too drastically different from what I would normally eat, except that the portions will have to be smaller. I anticipate that the difficulties in doing this only for one week will be the low quality of the food (the $1.19 "whole wheat" bread is awful); deliberate rationing — every single portion of food must be accounted for in the week’s menu options, with no room for mindless snacking or late night indulgences; and the inability to satisfy any specific cravings. This is not how I usually live. I have the luxury of indulging whims and hunger pains on the spur of the moment... but not this week. The rest of my family ate Chinese take-out and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for dinner; even if I could have afforded some of their food, I would have wasted so many precious calories on completely unhealthy, fattening, greasy food.

One huge inequity between the truly poor and the upper classes (I would add "middle class," but who exactly is the middle class these days?) is the lack of choices. I can predict that this will be the most challenging thing for me, simply because of my lifestyle. And even so, I'm still far better off than many typical food stamp families, who don't have the same access to transportation and still have to worry about feeding a whole family.

Another question that came to mind after my first day: what about food storage? After eating only half my apple for lunch, I covered it tightly with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge so it would stay fresh. What about families who may not have a refrigerator, or simply enough storage space to buy in bulk (let alone have access to the some of the discount food chains)? Would they even concern themselves with plastic wrap?

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From MAZON: "Over the past year, a number of local anti-hunger and poverty groups from throughout the country have sparked public awareness about the inadequacy of food stamp allotments ($21 per week) by challenging their community leaders to try feeding themselves on those allotments for a few days, a week, or a month. In May 2007, Members of Congress led by Representatives James McGovern (D-Mass.) and Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.) embarked on a Food Stamp Challenge.

Today, we challenge you to live on a food stamp budget for one week in order to raise visibility and understanding around the challenges that millions of low-income American's face in obtaining a healthy diet under current food stamp benefit levels."

Up for the challenge? Here are the guidelines:

1. The Challenge begins May 1 and ends with your final meal on May 7.
2. Each person should only spend a total of $21 on food and beverages during the Challenge week.
3. All food purchased and eaten during the Challenge week, including fast food and dining out must be included in the total spending.
4. During the Challenge, only eat food that you purchase for the project. Do not eat food that you already own (this does not include spices and condiments).
5. Avoid accepting free food from friends, family, or at work, including at receptions or briefings. (This includes coffee and tea.)
6. (Optional) Please keep track of receipts on food spending and take note of your experiences throughout the week via blog, video blog or podcast and share it with MAZON. Selected entries will be posted to MAZON’s website and Facebook page.
7. Join the group & RSVP to the event!

Although you are being challenged to live on $3 a day, also consider those who are struggling abroad. Of the 6.5 billion people on the planet, more than 1 billion earn less than $1 a day. What would it be like to live off of $1 a day for a week?

My friend Kim, who works for the organization, is the one who turned me onto the idea. In her blog, she wrote:

"I had a meeting at work today about raising awareness of what MAZON does amongst the 'Facebook Generation.' We discussed the best way to reach out to the 'future of philanthropy.' You know, all of us 18 to 24 year olds who supposedly only care about ourselves.

Right.

You and I both know this isn't (entirely) true! For every self-centered Gen Y-er I know, I know two more who are trying to help others every day. Whether it's giving change to the guy on the corner or making change in Sacramento, marching down Hollywood or marching at the Reflecting Pool, I believe we can all do something to make the world a better place..."

And The Food Stamp Challenge is a step toward change that Kim, myself, and dozens of other supporters will face starting May 1st. I will be blogging here, on Myspace, and possibly on Facebook about my experience during the week of the challenge, and I'm now extending an invitation to all of YOU Bakotopians to 1. Join me and 2. Document your experience (either through blogs, video, or podcast). MAZON will also be featuring participants on both their website and Facebook page (do a search for “MAZON’S Food Stamp Challenge”).

Suggested Activities:

• Get your members of Congress, state legislators, and other local leaders to take the challenge with you: As soon as you commit to taking the challenge, you should issue invitation letters to members of Congress, state legislators, and other local leaders to describe what the Food Stamp challenge is, explain why you are taking it, and invite them to take the challenge along with you.
• Record your experiences to share with the community. Each day, keep a thorough diary of your experience including: what you buy, what you eat, how you feel, what activities you participate in, people’s reactions, and other relevant information. The more details, the better people are able to relate to your experience.
• Volunteer in a Food Pantry for one evening that week.
• Arrange to be the op-ed guest in the local paper to write about your experiences.

Visit MAZON's homepage for more information.

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A little perspective for your day -- this is taken from a recent New York Times article (published April 18, 2008):

Across Globe, Empty Bellies Bring Rising Anger

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Hunger bashed in the front gate of Haiti’s presidential palace. Hunger poured onto the streets, burning tires and taking on soldiers and the police. Hunger sent the country’s prime minister packing.

Haiti’s hunger, that burn in the belly that so many here feel, has become fiercer than ever in recent days as global food prices spiral out of reach, spiking as much as 45 percent since the end of 2006 and turning Haitian staples like beans, corn and rice into closely guarded treasures.

Saint Louis Meriska’s children ate two spoonfuls of rice apiece as their only meal recently and then went without any food the following day. His eyes downcast, his own stomach empty, the unemployed father said forlornly, “They look at me and say, ‘Papa, I’m hungry,’ and I have to look away. It’s humiliating and it makes you angry.”

That anger is palpable across the globe. The food crisis is not only being felt among the poor but is also eroding the gains of the working and middle classes, sowing volatile levels of discontent and putting new pressures on fragile governments.

In Cairo, the military is being put to work baking bread as rising food prices threaten to become the spark that ignites wider anger at a repressive government. In Burkina Faso and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, food riots are breaking out as never before. In reasonably prosperous Malaysia, the ruling coalition was nearly ousted by voters who cited food and fuel price increases as their main concerns.

“It’s the worst crisis of its kind in more than 30 years,” said Jeffrey D. Sachs, the economist and special adviser to the United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon. “It’s a big deal and it’s obviously threatening a lot of governments. There are a number of governments on the ropes, and I think there’s more political fallout to come.”

Indeed, as it roils developing nations, the spike in commodity prices — the biggest since the Nixon administration — has pitted the globe’s poorer south against the relatively wealthy north, adding to demands for reform of rich nations’ farm and environmental policies. But experts say there are few quick fixes to a crisis tied to so many factors, from strong demand for food from emerging economies like China’s to rising oil prices to the diversion of food resources to make biofuels.

There are no scripts on how to handle the crisis, either. In Asia, governments are putting in place measures to limit hoarding of rice after some shoppers panicked at price increases and bought up everything they could.

Even in Thailand, which produces 10 million more tons of rice than it consumes and is the world’s largest rice exporter, supermarkets have placed signs limiting the amount of rice shoppers are allowed to purchase.

But there is also plenty of nervousness and confusion about how best to proceed and just how bad the impact may ultimately be, particularly as already strapped governments struggle to keep up their food subsidies.

‘Scandalous Storm’

“This is a perfect storm,” President Elías Antonio Saca of El Salvador said Wednesday at the World Economic Forum on Latin America in Cancún, Mexico. “How long can we withstand the situation? We have to feed our people, and commodities are becoming scarce. This scandalous storm might become a hurricane that could upset not only our economies but also the stability of our countries.”

In Asia, if Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi of Malaysia steps down, which is looking increasingly likely amid postelection turmoil within his party, he may be that region’s first high- profile political casualty of fuel and food price inflation.

In Indonesia, fearing protests, the government recently revised its 2008 budget, increasing the amount it will spend on food subsidies by about $280 million.

“The biggest concern is food riots,” said H.S. Dillon, a former adviser to Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture. Referring to small but widespread protests touched off by a rise in soybean prices in January, he said, “It has happened in the past and can happen again.”

Last month in Senegal, one of Africa’s oldest and most stable democracies, police in riot gear beat and used tear gas against people protesting high food prices and later raided a television station that broadcast images of the event. Many Senegalese have expressed anger at President Abdoulaye Wade for spending lavishly on roads and five-star hotels for an Islamic summit meeting last month while many people are unable to afford rice or fish.

“Why are these riots happening?” asked Arif Husain, senior food security analyst at the World Food Program, which has issued urgent appeals for donations. “The human instinct is to survive, and people are going to do no matter what to survive. And if you’re hungry you get angry quicker.”

Leaders who ignore the rage do so at their own risk. President René Préval of Haiti appeared to taunt the populace as the chorus of complaints about la vie chère — the expensive life — grew. He said if Haitians could afford cellphones, which many do carry, they should be able to feed their families. “If there is a protest against the rising prices,” he said, “come get me at the palace and I will demonstrate with you.”

When they came, filled with rage and by the thousands, he huddled inside and his presidential guards, with United Nations peacekeeping troops, rebuffed them. Within days, opposition lawmakers had voted out Mr. Préval’s prime minister, Jacques-Édouard Alexis, forcing him to reconstitute his government. Fragile in even the best of times, Haiti’s population and politics are now both simmering.

“Why were we surprised?” asked Patrick Élie, a Haitian political activist who followed the food riots in Africa earlier in the year and feared they might come to Haiti. “When something is coming your way all the way from Burkina Faso you should see it coming. What we had was like a can of gasoline that the government left for someone to light a match to it.”

Dwindling Menus

The rising prices are altering menus, and not for the better. In India, people are scrimping on milk for their children. Daily bowls of dal are getting thinner, as a bag of lentils is stretched across a few more meals.

Maninder Chand, an auto-rickshaw driver in New Delhi, said his family had given up eating meat altogether for the last several weeks.

Another rickshaw driver, Ravinder Kumar Gupta, said his wife had stopped seasoning their daily lentils, their chief source of protein, with the usual onion and spices because the price of cooking oil was now out of reach. These days, they eat bowls of watery, tasteless dal, seasoned only with salt.

Down Cairo’s Hafziyah Street, peddlers selling food from behind wood carts bark out their prices. But few customers can afford their fish or chicken, which bake in the hot sun. Food prices have doubled in two months.

Ahmed Abul Gheit, 25, sat on a cheap, stained wooden chair by his own pile of rotting tomatoes. “We can’t even find food,” he said, looking over at his friend Sobhy Abdullah, 50. Then raising his hands toward the sky, as if in prayer, he said, “May God take the guy I have in mind.”

Mr. Abdullah nodded, knowing full well that the “guy” was President Hosni Mubarak.

The government’s ability to address the crisis is limited, however. It already spends more on subsidies, including gasoline and bread, than on education and health combined.

“If all the people rise, then the government will resolve this,” said Raisa Fikry, 50, whose husband receives a pension equal to about $83 a month, as she shopped for vegetables. “But everyone has to rise together. People get scared. But we will all have to rise together.”

It is the kind of talk that has prompted the government to treat its economic woes as a security threat, dispatching riot forces with a strict warning that anyone who takes to the streets will be dealt with harshly.

Niger does not need to be reminded that hungry citizens overthrow governments. The country’s first postcolonial president, Hamani Diori, was toppled amid allegations of rampant corruption in 1974 as millions starved during a drought.

More recently, in 2005, it was mass protests in Niamey, the Nigerien capital, that made the government sit up and take notice of that year’s food crisis, which was caused by a complex mix of poor rains, locust infestation and market manipulation by traders.

“As a result of that experience the government created a cabinet-level ministry to deal with the high cost of living,” said Moustapha Kadi, an activist who helped organize marches in 2005. “So when prices went up this year the government acted quickly to remove tariffs on rice, which everyone eats. That quick action has kept people from taking to the streets.”

The Poor Eat Mud

In Haiti, where three-quarters of the population earns less than $2 a day and one in five children is chronically malnourished, the one business booming amid all the gloom is the selling of patties made of mud, oil and sugar, typically consumed only by the most destitute.

“It’s salty and it has butter and you don’t know you’re eating dirt,” said Olwich Louis Jeune, 24, who has taken to eating them more often in recent months. “It makes your stomach quiet down.”

But the grumbling in Haiti these days is no longer confined to the stomach. It is now spray-painted on walls of the capital and shouted by demonstrators.

In recent days, Mr. Préval has patched together a response, using international aid money and price reductions by importers to cut the price of a sack of rice by about 15 percent. He has also trimmed the salaries of some top officials. But those are considered temporary measures.

Real solutions will take years. Haiti, its agriculture industry in shambles, needs to better feed itself. Outside investment is the key, although that requires stability, not the sort of widespread looting and violence that the Haitian food riots have fostered.

Meanwhile, most of the poorest of the poor suffer silently, too weak for activism or too busy raising the next generation of hungry. In the sprawling slum of Haiti’s Cité Soleil, Placide Simone, 29, offered one of her five offspring to a stranger. “Take one,” she said, cradling a listless baby and motioning toward four rail-thin toddlers, none of whom had eaten that day. “You pick. Just feed them.”

Reporting was contributed by Lydia Polgreen from Niamey, Niger, Michael Slackman from Cairo, Somini Sengupta from New Delhi, Thomas Fuller from Bangkok and Peter Gelling from Jakarta, Indonesia.