HUNGER ACTION WEEK

United Way is challenging everyone to get involved! Go to wwwuwkc.org and you'll find the Food Challenge of United Way King County. January 25-29 is Hunger Action Week. The challenge is to feed yourself on $7 a day for 5 days. This is the maximum food stamp benefit (known as the Basic Food Program in Washington ) for an individual.Why? you might ask. They want you to get involved and have empathy by seeing what it's like to live in someone else's shoes and learn how you can help fight hunger in the community.If you complete the challenge you'll get a free ticket to Disneyland!
Hunger Challenge rules:
Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner spending only $7 per day.

· Salt and pepper don't count but all other seasonings, cooking oils, condiments, snacks, drinks, and everything else do.

· Don't use food you already own.

· Don't accept food from family, friends, coworkers and others. Not even the free samples from Costco!

· Try to include fresh produce and healthy protein each day.

· Keep track of expenses, food choices, etc. and share your experiences on United Way of King County's blog.

· You can choose to do the challenge with your partner or family.

Hunger Challenge Budget For Five Days

For 1 $7/day ----For 2 $12/day--- For 3 $18/day---For 4 $22/day---For 5 $26/day

For 6 $32/day--- For 7 $35/day--- For 8 $45/day

Consider the following:

· Can you feed yourself for only $7 a day?

· If you had to make a choice between buying groceries and paying your rent, how would you choose?

· What compromises will you need to make?

· Will you be able to provide much variety or will you need to eat the same thing all week?

· If you don't know how to cook, does this make the challenge more difficult?

Thank you for joining the Hunger Challenge and please let me know if you have any questions.

Lauren E. McGowan
Associate Director, Ending Homelessness
United Way of King County
Lmcgowan@uwkc.org
206-461-6973