I read something interesting over at Boston Gal’s Open Wallet. It looks like the governor of Oregon challenged the whole state to try living on $21 for one week for all food expenses. In an effort to bring awareness about hunger and the reality of many who live off of food stamps, even the governor took up the challenge.
Here’s an article from the New York Times with even a list of the food items the governor purchased to live on $3 a day of food. Looks like he ate some chicken and a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
One of the trickiest part of this challenge is that you have to start with an empty cupboard. So even basic things such as salt and pepper need to either be purchased or sacrificed.
I think this is a great idea, something I would definitely want to try with my fiancée. Maybe I can get my whole church to try it as well.
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If you are determine enough to do something, you can achieve it. It’s not really that difficult to live with $21 for the whole week. Just don’t spend on unnecessary things and think before you buy. Here’s a program which might help those who want to start on budgeting and other personal financial stuff. www.parcusgroup.com/index.html
Comment by pesli — May 5, 2007 @ 1:46 am
I agree that if enough people actually took on that sort of exercise, we would learn the plight of the poor and extend our generosity and creative ideas on a whole new level…
Comment by Breadman — May 5, 2007 @ 9:10 am
Thanks Pesli,
I agree that $21 a week is not impossible. In fact, I think it is a challenge that many people would benefit from.
-Savvy Steward
Comment by Savvy Steward — May 7, 2007 @ 10:38 am
Hey Breadman,
Yeah, I agree. The first step for many, including myself, is just becoming more aware of the issues and needs around us.
-Savvy Steward
Comment by Savvy Steward — May 7, 2007 @ 10:39 am