About this Blog

Welcome! Thanks for checking out On Food Stamps.

I created this blog in 2009 when I began working at the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. My work at this organization opened my eyes to food justice issues in America, and I had a strong desire to better understand the difficulties many people face when trying to access healthy food on a limited budget. So, I embarked on my own Food Stamp Challenge, living on $31/week as a vegan. I used this blog to chronicle my experience.

While my Food Stamp Challenge project has come to an end, you can see what I learned from it by reading the Greatest Hits posts linked to the right side of the page. Please excuse any out-of-date links, as I am no longer updating this blog on a regular basis.

Stay Hungry,

Julie

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Day 1: Already skipping a meal

Today was a great start.
I ate lots of that white pita (probably too much), some of my fruits and veggies pictured above, and I didn't feel too hungry.

I am adding a few more foods to my total this week. Although I bought them last week, I am still using them so I've got to add 'em in:
  • 1 Organic Fuji Apple from Trader Joes = $0.69
  • Several zuccini = $1.50
  • The remains of a package of Raw Almonds = $2.00 (ouch)
  • 1 avocado from Save-a-Lot = $0.50
  • 16 oz. bag frozen peas = $0.69
  • 1 lime = $0.18
Total: $5.56
Total for the Week thus Far:$16.97
That means I have $18.03 left to last me through the week.

I actually feel pretty good about that.
I am cooking up a big big batch of lentils and rice today, and I think I should make it through given the amount of food I still have.

One problem: A dinner invite. Tomorrow night.

Normally, I would just decline on account of this project. But, seeing as I am new to this city, making new friends is important. So, I said yes. Severe food budget certainly takes a toll on the social life.


Going to dinner means the $18.03 I have might be gone quicker than I'd hoped.
I am going to have to order something REALLY cheap.
To make up for tomorrow's dinner I am skipping dinner tonight. I had a few almonds, and I'm tasting the food while I cook it tonight, but I will not eat a full serving at all.
Not fun.
My one lesson from this, Lesson #3: If you have to skip a meal, do something enjoyable to keep your mind off the fact that you are hungry. (Like... Blogging?)

1 comment:

  1. Just a brief comment to remind of us the reality of those that are truly living on food stamps: food stamps will not pay for you to go out to dinner, therefore, skipping dinner tonight, gets you no closer to paying for dinner tomorrow, instead you need to skip paying for gas, buying shampoo, or not use your electricity for a day.

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