Lessons Learned on the Food Stamp Diet

Do you live to eat or eat to live? Eating doesn't only satisfy hunger, as there's much more involved than the simple act of consuming food. Eating is a social activity, and food is a universal language. We cook for loved ones to show our fondness of them; we eat to catch up with friends, to alleviate boredom, and to enjoy the myriad of cuisines in existence. In a society where eating is such a social activity, what happens to those who can't even afford to “eat to live”?

The Food Stamp Challenge encouraged all of us at Northampton Community College's Monroe Campus to gain a personal glimpse into the lives of those who live on the average food stamp allotment-- only $3 per day. The day before the Challenge began, I gorged on more food than was probably normal, as if I could conserve it in a separate part of my stomach for any later cravings. My stomach went to bed blissfully stuffed, then awoke with the knowledge that I'd be eating a small cup of plain oatmeal for breakfast. The reality of eating on only $3 didn't sink in until the morning, so I didn't plan my meals for the first day. This lack of foresight caused me to leave for work with Tupperware filled with more dried oatmeal.

I quickly learned that eating on the “food stamp diet” required choosing between being hungry and being healthy. The cheapest foods are the most unhealthy-- Ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese, the Dollar Menu. Throughout the Challenge days, I needed to choose between being hungry after a fresh salad, or being full from macaroni and cheese, which contains 290 calories and 590mg sodium in a ¼-cup serving. With only $3 per day, I chose satisfying my hunger over eating healthy. I knew that after  three days, I could return to my customary eating habits. I can't imagine how it feels for those who need to face these realities every day of their lives. But I do know that I don't want to see dried oatmeal for a very long time.

About the Author:  Sara Dolcimascolo is a graduate of Northampton Community College's honors program.  She is working with students and faculty at the College's Monroe Campus through the AmeriCorps/VISTA program to raise awareness of the issue of hunger in the community.

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