SNAP Challenge
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or as it used to be known as Food Stamps, is a program available to those who financially qualify for food insecurity.
While working for AARP Illinois, I did some research on the program itself and spoke to some local agencies on the availability of SNAP as well as how to screen older adults for the program. Too often I heard stories about these people who had to make the decision of paying medical bills and/or paying for prescriptions or buying meals for themselves and their families. I cannot imagine having to sit there with my pile of bills and prioritizing my child's medication over food. What a heart-wrenching decision!
Thankfully, there is help. SNAP is available to those who qualify, and many communities have local food banks to help ease the pain of those suffering from food insecurity, which affects far too many people. One in six Americans (and one in five children) suffer from food insecurity.
To heighten my own family's awareness of food insecurity, we will be taking part in the @PaneraBread SNAP Challenge. What does this entail? SNAP allots $4.50 per family member per day. $4.50 does not seem like much...hopefully, my creativity will come into play so I can provide nutritious and delicious meals. I will be updating you with recipes and how this process has affected my family over the course of the week.
Interested in doing your own food insecurity challenge? The Food Research and Action Center has some wonderful information about food insecurity and those who are raising awareness in their communities.
Let's continue #HungerActionMonth by feeding our community. I could still use volunteers for my event at the Central Illinois Foodbank on Thursday, September 19 if anyone is interested!
While working for AARP Illinois, I did some research on the program itself and spoke to some local agencies on the availability of SNAP as well as how to screen older adults for the program. Too often I heard stories about these people who had to make the decision of paying medical bills and/or paying for prescriptions or buying meals for themselves and their families. I cannot imagine having to sit there with my pile of bills and prioritizing my child's medication over food. What a heart-wrenching decision!
Thankfully, there is help. SNAP is available to those who qualify, and many communities have local food banks to help ease the pain of those suffering from food insecurity, which affects far too many people. One in six Americans (and one in five children) suffer from food insecurity.
To heighten my own family's awareness of food insecurity, we will be taking part in the @PaneraBread SNAP Challenge. What does this entail? SNAP allots $4.50 per family member per day. $4.50 does not seem like much...hopefully, my creativity will come into play so I can provide nutritious and delicious meals. I will be updating you with recipes and how this process has affected my family over the course of the week.
Interested in doing your own food insecurity challenge? The Food Research and Action Center has some wonderful information about food insecurity and those who are raising awareness in their communities.
Let's continue #HungerActionMonth by feeding our community. I could still use volunteers for my event at the Central Illinois Foodbank on Thursday, September 19 if anyone is interested!
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