About the Challenge

My name is Erica, and I am a graduate student at the University of Tennessee.  I am pursuing a Master of Social Work and this blog is part of my grade.  Beginning tomorrow, Sept. 27, 2010, my family will be undergoing a Food Stamp Challenge.  Basically, we will only be able to spend $21.00 per person for food for a week.  There are 4 people in my family, so the grocery bill must not surpass $84.00. 

I've made out my menu and checked the local sales papers - much like I do every Sunday - so be sure to come back and follow our progress during this challenge.  I will say that my husband is quite leery as he says that he doesn't see much difference in what I have planned for this week than what I generally cook.  Oh, and I do cook - almost every night - during the week, so we aren't going to have to sacrifice much in terms of eating out.  We all know that to eat out as a family of 4 daily would drain the budget fast!  We live on a pretty tight budget anyway, so I really am wondering if my family will whine or fuss about the week's challenge.  I'll keep you posted!

Oh, and just so you'll know how it works with meals for the children.  Our daughter is in daycare everyday, so her breakfast, lunch, and snack do not count towards the allotment because the children who are actually receiving government assistance do not pay for these meals.  Our son is in kindergarten and his lunch doesn't count either for the same reason that his sister's doesn't.  So, we will have breakfast for 3, lunch for 2 adults, and supper for the entire family.  Let's eat!