(Wow, this really does sound like a challenge. - promoted by atdleft)
I truly appreciate the support and encouragement I have received from colleagues and friends as I started this week to learn for myself if food stamp benefits are enough to eat adequately and nutritiously, while balancing a busy life. I can already tell you that the experience has truly lived up to its name— it really is a challenge.
Yesterday I began the day with a bowl of cereal, which isn’t a huge departure from what I usually eat. But as the day wore on, I began to notice the many food choices that were available to me before the challenge, but are no longer. A generous staff member happened to bring in four dozen hand-dipped chocolate strawberries. An array of cheeses and fresh fruits tempted me in the Assembly member’s lounge. All of it was off limits.
At lunchtime I prepared a bowl of chicken noodle soup. The afternoon didn’t get much easier as directly following session I made a quick stop at an event overflowing with delicacies that a person on food stamps certainly couldn’t afford.
Having not eaten since my lunch soup, I headed back to work for a 7 p.m. continuation of our Budget Conference Committee. A glass of water carried me through to it’s conclusion at 9:30 p.m.
When I arrived home at 10:30 p.m., the evening’s bowl of cereal could wait no longer. The temptation to have a second bowl was tempered by the knowledge that the two boxes of cereal I bought on Sunday need to get me through the entire week.
As hungry as I am, this challenge has gripped me. My intent is to continue it through the week.
