SNAP; the sound a fresh carrot makes

Fresh carrots are a terrific source of vitamins A, C, D, E,and potassium magnesium and calcium.  But can I afford them on the menu?

I am very excited to announce a new project. This month I’ll be contributing recipes for the 3rd annual  SNAP Challenge. For those of you lucky enough not to know, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP), formerly the Food Stamp Program, helps more than 33 million lower income people purchase food for themselves and their families.

For one full week, starting on Monday, February 22, 2010, faculty, staff and students  of University of Connecticut’s Litchfield County Writer’s Project and the Urban and Community Studies Program at the Greater Hartford, Torrington, and Waterbury regional campuses will live on the nationwide average SNAP benefit.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers SNAP, the average monthly benefit for an individual in 2009 was approximately $4 a day.Individuals with earned income are expected to contribute approximately $2.50 a day.

Therefore, the UConn SNAP Challenge is asking individuals to attempt to spend no more than $6.50 a day for the week starting February 22, or $45.50 for the week.

At first I was hoping to gear my recipes towards a family of three persons since more often than not, there are multiple persons with a household in need of assistance.  However there are lots of articles and sites addressing the needs of families. It’s easier for me to work on a budget of  $136.50 but to face the harsh reality of making 3 meals a day for 7 days with a single individual in mind… certainly more of a challenge.

I am going to do my best to adhere to the guidelines of the challenge.   That said anytime an ingredient comes from my pantry I’ll make note of it here and i do realize what I keep on hand isn’t going to be what everybody general considers  ‘kitchen staples’.  I’ll be doing my grocery shopping at PriceRite in  Torrington, CT.  Check back for updates and pictures as the event draws closer and please share you thoughts and experiences with me!