SNAP Challenege Day 5 in Review

In Illinois, over 200,000 seniors are using ‪#‎SNAP‬. However, 3 out of 5 seniors who qualify for SNAP do not participate, and 44,983 seniors in Suburban Cook County are food insecure.

SNAP Challenge Day 4 In Review

What are some common misconceptions or myths associated with SNAP?

Stigma associated with the SNAP program has led to several common misconceptions about how the program works and who receives the benefits. For instance, many Americans believe that the majority of SNAP benefits go towards people who could be working. In fact, more than half of SNAP recipients are children or the elderly. For the remaining working-age individuals, many of them are currently employed. At least forty percent of all SNAP beneficiaries live in a household with earnings. In fact, the majority of SNAP households do not receive cash welfare benefits (around 10% receive cash welfare), with increasing numbers of SNAP beneficiaries obtaining their primary source of income from employment.

Source: SnapToHealth.Org

SNAP Challenge Day 3 In Review

SNAP benefits the economy. SNAP can be a powerful source of economic stimulus. USDA research shows that for every $5 in new SNAP benefits, $9 of economic activity is generated. When families receive their benefits, they use them to purchase groceries and necessities for their family, which not only meets family food needs but also keeps local businesses running smoothly.

SNAP Challenge Day 2 Review

What can you and can't you buy with SNAP benefits?

Households CAN use SNAP benefits to buy:

Foods for the household to eat, such as:  

breads and cereals;  

fruits and vegetables;  

meats, fish and poultry; and   

dairy products.

Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat.

Households CANNOT use SNAP benefits to buy:

Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco

Any nonfood items, such as: pet foods, soaps, paper products or household supplies

Vitamins and medicines

Food that will be eaten in the store

Hot foods

SNAP Challenge Day 1 in Review

Did you know that SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program?

SNAP Challenge grocery list and meal plan for the week

SNAP FACT: In Fiscal Year (FY) 2014, 82 percent of benefits were redeemed in super markets and superstores.

Hello!

Just when you probably thought that this blog was done, I have returned!

Well, it's been almost 2 1/2 years since my last post.  

What have I been up to?  Well...