Food Stamps Challenge Day 1

This post is a series for The Food Stamps Challenge. You can read about what that is here and also follow along as my oldest son and I try to eat for a week on $56, or $28 a person for a week... or $4 a day per person. Will we starve? Maybe...

The first issue I ran into with the Food Stamps Challenge is that I already bought our food and spending more money just for a challenge isn’t realistic when your income is $744 a month. Instead, we are tallying up our food cost by what we are eating, keeping a careful inventory and pretending we had to buy each package or thing we’ve used.

The second problem with the Food Stamps Challenge… oh yea! I remember why I don’t shop solely here. They don’t carry the foods we can eat. While the stores in our small town tout the “Shop Local” plea to the locals, I have had too many problems getting them to order foods or coconut milk, or anything we ask them to, like we requested.

How can we solely support our local store when they WON’T support us? The month we shopped local, we spent very hungry.

Our solution? Let’s pretend we don’t have a car. Let’s also pretend, for a moment, that we actually want to eat something other than lettuce and apples for a month. What would we do?

Oh yea! We would shop Amazon.com because of the Amazon Prime free 2-day shipping. I get nothing for saying this, I just love Amazon. So, for this week, we will figure out how much it would cost per item on Amazon and pretend we had it mailed to us.

We’re also counting the total and taking it off the weekly price of $56 because, really, who buys 1 egg?

Our Meals for Today (with Prices)

Breakfast: I know… major faux-pas but, we don’t eat breakfast. I had a cup of coffee. I buy whole beans and grind them for coffee.  My son had a cup of green tea. 

SO… 1 pound of coffee beans is… EGADS! $12.99 a pound. Luckily, this week it was on sale for $9.99 a pound. I searched the internet and found this helpful page. I figured I drink about 41 cups a week (or about 6 cups a day?) and the rest of the time I will be drinking water. Since I can buy coffee here, I am stuck with the local prices. Also, I drink my brew much weaker than regular coffee and grind it fine. I will probably only use 1/4 pound of coffee. 

One fourth pound of coffee is $2.50. Damn. Ouch.

Green tea comes in a box of 40 tea bags for $3.89 here. That’s .10 per cup of tea.

I was going to have coconut milk in my coffee but I priced it on Amazon. I found So Delicious Coconut Milk for $36.98 for a package of six. Or $6.19 a box. SWEET BABY JESUS! Did they milk a golden coconut? Okay, no coconut milk for me. 

I then found that they sell So Delicious Coconut Milk at our local store in the refrigerated section for $4.19 a half gallon. I may need that later in the week but for now, black coffee it is. No sugar either. I can't afford to sweeten my coffee.

BREAKFAST TOTAL: 6.39
AMOUNT OF FOOD STAMPS LEFT: 49.61

I better start planning a little better. 

Lunch Menu and Pricing

For lunch we decided to splurge and have Annie's Gluten-Free Rice Pasta and Cheddar Mac and Cheese. That's $2.30 a box. Not bad. That's better than I can get at the out of town store. And since they refuse to sell it here, $2.30 it is!

We made it with, crap!, I had to buy Coconut milk for $4.19 but I'll be using it to cook other dishes too.

LUNCH TOTAL: $6.49
AMOUNT OF FOOD STAMPS LEFT: $43.12

Let's recap, I have coffee, tea and coconut milk for the week. And we aren't having mac and cheese again for the week because... ouch, that is pricey!

Dinner Menu and Pricing

We decided to have tortillas for dinner and bought Garbanzo Bean flour to make them. What we wanted looks like this. What we ate was chicken on flatbread with a little mayo (remember condiments don't count toward your total). We have 4 chicken tenders left for tomorrow too!

Chicken tenders were $4.99 for 8 pieces. This is why I don't shop here...

Garbanzo bean flour was $3.49 for a bag. We can use it the rest of the week too. I left of the flaxseed meal that I like to add for flavor and only used water to make the flatbread.

DINNER TOTAL: $8.49
AMOUNT OF FOOD STAMPS LEFT: $34.64

Well, at least we'll have chicken wraps for lunch tomorrow. So that will be a "free" meal. And I will keep track of the coffee consumption throughout the week.

Stay tuned!

The Food Stamps Challenge

Read about Day 1 on the Food Stamps Challenge here.

For those of you who don't live in the USA, foods stamps are vouchers that you can get from the government that you can exchange for food.

Although, now they are electronic debit cards instead of paper vouchers. They changed the program name to SNAP also, which stands for “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program”.

What is a food stamp/ SNAP challenge?
Oh it’s easy. Pretend you are on food stamps and only buy food on the budget you would have if you were actually receiving food stamps.

How much is that?
For the Houston Food Stamps Challenge, introduced to me by my writing friend, Michy, that is only $4 a day per person.

But I have a tiny advantage. I am actually on food stamps. My family of three gets $526 a month for food and most of the time, that is all we have for a food budget.

I did the food stamps math
$526 a month X 12 months = $6312 a year for food

$632 a year for food / 365 days a year = $17.26 a day for food for three people.

OR $5.76 a day for one person to feed themselves 3 meals a day (assuming you eat three meals a day)

OR $1.92 a meal per person. Hungry yet?

Well good! Because my oldest son and I are going to do the food stamps challenge Houston style. Our meal budget will be $1.33 a meal!



The Food Stamps Challenge Rules
From the Houston Food Bank SNAP Challenge page, the guidelines are

SNAP Challenge Guidelines

1. Each person should spend no more than a total of $28 on food and beverages during the Challenge week.
2. All food purchased and eaten during the Challenge week, including fast food and dining out, must be included in the total spending.
3. During the Challenge, only eat of that you purchase for the project. Do not eat food that you already own (this does not include spices and condiments).
4. You may not accept free food from friends, family, or at work, including at receptions, meetings or parties.
5. Keep track of receipts on food spending, and take note of your experiences throughout the Challenge week.

Considering that we are two people doing this challenge together, our weekly food budget is $56. This includes all drinks and food bought, even eating out. We don’t eat out, so that isn't problem.

So what’s the catch?
Here’s the part that will throw us. We have many food allergies, so we can’t just buy top ramen and call it good. We still have to plan our meals around foods we can eat.

Wait? There’s more?
AND In the spirit of the challenge, we are going to shop only locally. Usually we buy some foods locally and do a lot of our shopping out of town. But I know from my friends around here, that people can’t always afford to drive out of town to buy cheaper food.

We will be shopping at our local stores, on $4 a day per person, and posting our experiences throughout the week with menu plans. 

Who’s with us? Want to try the Food Stamps Challenge?

Almost All Moved In!

I am so exhausted! We have been moving this month and all my blogging went out the window because of it.

BUT by this weekend, we will be fully moved in and I can finally get back to blogging. So next week will look normal again!

And once I find my camera, I can post pictures of my new apartment.

Oh the joys of moving… I am never doing this again!

K**’s Fun Questionnaire

My friend, K**, saw that I was slacking on my blog and sent me a fun questionnaire to fill out and post. It’s 100 questions long. Here it goes…

Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
I don't have a closet

Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?
No. I am no-pooing it.

Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
I don't use sheets. They make my skin crawl.

Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
LOL, there was this time that... Wait… Does my local police department read this blog?

Do you like to use post-it notes?
OMG! YES! My desk looks like a piñata!

Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
All. The. Time!

Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?
Bees, I would be dead. Bear... I would still be dead. So... BEES! Because I would die faster.

Do you have freckles?
Yes.

Do you always smile for pictures?
Sometimes. Depends on the picture

What is your biggest pet peeve?
I can only pick one? Okay… People who argue over stupid stuff.

Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
Only when doing walking meditation.

Have you ever peed in the woods?
Yes. Yes I have. Several times. Okay, HUNDREDS of times. We lived in the country. Leave me alone.

What about pooped in the woods?
Yes. I have. We lived in the freaking woods... what was I supposed to do? Hold it until we went to the store.

Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?
You mean you can dance WITH music playing? I have got to try this!

Do you chew your pens and pencils?
You bet! That's called thinking juice!

How many people have you slept with this week?
Zero. Unless you count the GYN check up. Then... Yea, no.

What size is your bed?
Couch or chair.

What is your Song of the week?
All my family thinks I'm gay... Bo Burnham!

Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
Well, yea. That was a silly question.

Do you still watch cartoons?
No. I don't watch much of anything anymore.

What's your least favorite movie?
Romance movies.

Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
If I told you all, it wouldn't be secret, then when I die, everyone would find it in, like, a day and all my fun would be over.

What do you drink with dinner?
Wine. Blackberry wine is my favorite. But if someone wants to buy me a bottle of Bitch wine, I would be SO HAPPY!

What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
The trash can… I don't eat chicken nuggets.

What is your favorite food?
Weird stuff that makes people gag.

What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
None of them. I would get sick of the movie after round 2.

Last person you kissed/kissed you?
Do my kids count for this? Cuz if you're asking about a man... I haven't had any in YEARS. (Pssst, I'm available)

Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
I got kicked out of Girl Scouts. Does that count?

Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
If they paid me enough, SURE!

When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
Uhm, it's been YEARS.

Can you change the oil on a car?
Yes I can because I am AWESOME like that.

Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
Yup. I was flying low through Emporia, Virginia. The cop was really nice though.

Ran out of gas?
Oh yes. Story of my life.

Favorite kind of sandwich?
OH! I love chicken wraps with avocado and Annie's Roasted Red Pepper dressing. THE BEST!

Best thing to eat for breakfast?
Coffee. Oh! You said “eat”. Uhm, coffee beans.

What is your usual bedtime?
Between 2 and 5 in the morning.

Are you lazy?
No. I am motivationally challenged.

When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
What? Like every year? You want me to remember that far back?

What is your Chinese astrological sign?
How the hell am I supposed to know that? Hold on... Google says "Rabbit".

How many languages can you speak?
English, Pirate, Sarcasm, Profanity and some ASL

Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
No. But I do like buying National Geographic.

Which are better Legos or Lincoln logs?
Legos! By far!

Are you stubborn?
Very. When I want to be.

Who is better...Leno or Letterman?
Leno. HAHAHAHAHA! I love that guy!

Ever watch soap operas?
Oh gawd NO!

Afraid of heights?
Terrified.

Sing in the car?
All the time!

Dance in the shower?
Are you kidding me? I'd slip and crack my head open.

Dance in the car?
Really??? HOW!? No really, tell me h... okay, yes, I do. They call it the "Dotchi Dance".

Ever used a gun?
Sure have! Hand gun, revolver, .303 British Enfield and .22 rifle.

Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
Oh, way back in, like... 2002 or something like that.

Do you think musicals are cheesy?
Some of them. But I love them for it.

Is Christmas stressful?
I hate that whole month. It sucks. I wouldn't have the holiday but my youngest son celebrates it.

Ever eat a pierogi?
YES! I love those. SO delicious!

Favorite type of fruit pie?
Apple pie made by my best friend, Nikky. (It's gluten-free)

Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
A bird (I was 5), a race car driver, a writer, a circus clown, a nun, a nanny, a cook and many more.

Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes.

Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
Yes. And Deja-moo… I think I saw that cow before!

Take a vitamin daily?
When I remember to. Does that count as "no"?

Wear slippers?
Sometimes. But not usually.

Wear a bath robe?
Sometimes, but not usually.

What do you wear to bed?
A smile.

First concert?
Uhm, it was... some 80's singer, I think. I can't remember.

Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?
Wal-Mart or Costco

Nike or Adidas?
Aussie Dogs.

Cheetos Or Fritos?
Terra Sweet Potato Chips.

Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
Pecans

Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?
I have now. Thanks.

Ever take dance lessons?
Nope.

Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
Police Officer... frisk me baby! I've been naughty! Where’s my handcuffs!?

Can you curl your tongue?
Yes

Ever won a spelling bee?
Noep

Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
Yes, it was weird

Own any record albums?
No

Own a record player?
I don't think so

Regularly burn incense?
Asthma attack, anyone?

Ever been in love?
Unfortunately, yes

Who would you like to see in concert?
No. Just no. I want to keep what hearing I have left.

What was the last concert you saw?
1812 Overture and Some orchestra in San Diego on the lawn.

Hot tea or cold tea?
None. Coffee will do.

Tea or coffee?
COFFEE

Sugar or snicker doodles?
WHAT? Where is chocolate chip? What kind of options are these???

Can you swim well?
Yes, very well.

Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
Uh, yes.

Are you patient?
Sometimes. But not usually.

DJ or band, at a wedding?
DJ... I think. Can we have techno?

Ever won a contest?
Yes I did! ONCE

Ever have plastic surgery?
No. I am all me. Fluff, wrinkles, folds and all!

Which are better black or green olives?
Green with pimento.

Can you knit or crochet?
Both. But I am better at crochet.

Best room for a fireplace?
Living room.

Do you want to get married?
I would have to meet the right person.

If married, how long have you been married?
19 years. We were together for 14 years. We’re separated now.

Who was your HS crush?
Didn't have one.

Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
LOL, no.

Do you have kids?
Yes. three boys.

Do you want kids?
I already have kids. I can't have anymore.

What's your favorite color?
Avocado green, burnt orange and pee pee yellow.

Do you miss anyone right now?
Leslie. Always.

Did you watch, Next Great American Band on FOX?
Never heard of it.

So, now that I had fun with that one… email me your questions for the next questionnaire that I will post in about a month. And thanks to K** for starting this

We are MOVING!

I was going to spend this week catching up on blogging and getting some ideas down on paper that I was toying with. Instead, we ended up moving. There are a lot of reasons why. The big one is we are in an apartment building with family and friends now. It’s like a small commune. Just up my alley!

We’ll continue moving in throughout the week and next week will be cleaning up the old apartment. I’ll try to update (with pictures!) by mid next week. I have not fallen off the planet. Just getting into a better place; mentally, physically, and spiritually.

And YES! I got the fun questionnaire from a reader (HI, K**) and I will try to get that posted this weekend during the yard sale.

Happy Blogging!

Dotchi