Homeless Snap Challenge

In the wake of reduced SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps) benefits, many people have taken the SNAP Challenge - eating for a fixed period of time on food purchased within the SNAP allowance and benefit rules. In most parts of the country, the allowance is  about $4.50. In Alaska, our high food costs means the average single allowance is $5.75 per day.

In addition to widespread issues of food insecurity, Alaska also has a high rate of homelessness. Homelessness offers greater challenges for SNAP recipients - usually there is no place for cold storage and an inability to cook (by stove or microwave) food products.

You are invited to join the Homeless SNAP Challenge as a Lenten discipline. Christians for Equality are focusing on education around homelessness at this time and will offer suggestions, feedback, information and other resources to help you on this journey.

Here are a few things to start your journey:

• Decide on your time - one week, two weeks, all of Lent? Date?
• Who participates? Just yourself or your whole household?
• What is your allowance during this time? $5.75 x number of days x number of people.
• Think about storage? Homeless people normally don't have access to a refrigerator or freezer.
• What foods can you eat? In addition to no cooking or cold storage, here are the SNAP approved categories:
• Meat: poultry or fish (no beef or pork, but it'll be out of reach anyway!)
• Cereals, breads and grains
• Fruits & vegetables
• Dairy
• Think about the frequency that you must shop - or how you'll store your food.

Will you join us? Keep us posted and updated about your experiences!