Comments on: The Hunger Challenge

By: SF Food Bank

SF Food Bank — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:12:24 +0000

Thanks so much for participating in the Hunger Challenge and writing so well about what it’s like to live on a food stamp budget. You have helped a lot of people gain a better understanding about what it’s like to survive with a constant fear of going hungry.

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:54:46 +0000

I’m actually pretty dis-appointed with all of the slip ups. That is in no way a realistic reflection of what happens. When someone without spare cash accidentally leaves the house without her/his lunch or dinner; there is no lunch or dinner, not an accidental calamari salad, rum punch and creme brulee. And frankly, this is true now for a whole lot more than the extremely poor or for those on food stamps. Just a thought.

By: Jules Fox

Jules Fox — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:00:10 +0000

Nice article, Brooke. There are other resources in San Fran that can offer meals for people who are not using food stamps just to supplement their meager income. There are churches and shelters that offer meals; but the main issue is eating well on such a limited income. Like you said, getting enough greens and proteins is a major issue with a limited budget.

By: Brooke Minters

Brooke Minters — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:21:13 +0000

You’re absolutely right. Food stamps are a supplement, which is why food banks are so vital. Many people work and have incomes while receiving food stamps, but SF is so expensive it makes you wonder how far THAT money goes. The challenge was to see if you could do it without supplemental income, but I know I found myself growing resentful during the week thinking, “People have other resources besides food stamps, so why can’t I eat this or that?” The fact of the matter is some people do have other sources, but a lot of people don’t.

By: PWG

PWG — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:17:57 +0000

Neat, good article. $4 a day is surprising, but are people on food stamps supposed to have that set their food budget or use them to supplement their income? Either way, I usually feel like if I spend $6-10 on a *meal* then that’s pretty cheap.

By: Rigoberto Hernandez

Rigoberto Hernandez — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:53:53 +0000

I really liked this article. You gave me much to think about.

By: Gayle

Gayle — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:25:17 +0000

Congrats on hanging in there all week! I have to agree that the challenge isn’t just financial – it’s also an emotional challenge, particularly when you feel trapped by lack of options and freedom. Really enjoyed your post!

By: toby

toby — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:21:23 +0000

nice read. and it touches on a point that so many people forget when pushing the organic/local/slow food movement: food is expensive!!