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Food Stamp Usage in the Region
1,135,146 Pennsylvanians use food stamps to buy food every month. That amounts to 9 % of the people in Pennsylvania.
Percentage of Food Stamp Participation in counties within our service area:
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Live on a Food Stamp Budget for One Week
Once a year, many food banks nationwide, as well as members of local government and Congress take the Food Stamp Budget Challenge. This brings about awareness to the plight of the many “working poor.” The average award of food stamps is $21 dollars a week per person.
Philabundance is asking you to take the challenge in September in conjunction with Hunger Action Month 2008. We are asking members of the community to live on a food stamp budget for one week in order to raise awareness and visibility regarding the issue of hunger in the Delaware Valley.
Philabundance is also encouraging participants to donate their remaining regular weekly food budget to help us fill our warehouse for those in need. Donate Now
Facts and Figures
Pennsylvania food stamp households receive, on average, $1.03 per person per meal in food stamp benefits.
About 71 percent of Pennsylvania food stamp benefits go to households with children, many of them in working families.
The usage of food stamps in Pennsylvania increased 46% from 2000 to 2007.
The usage of food stamps rose 15.7% from March of 2005 to March of 2008.
Participation Guidelines
- Each person should only spend a total of $21 on food and beverages during the Challenge week.
- All food purchased and eaten during the Challenge week, including fast food and dining out must be included in the total spending.
- During the Challenge, only eat food that you purchase for the project. Do not eat food that you already own (this does not include spices and condiments)
- You are encouraged to go to a local soup kitchen to augment your meals. (A donation to that organization, to cover the cost of your meal, after the Challenge is encouraged)
- Please keep track of receipts on food spending and take note of your experiences throughout the week.
If you are unable to take the challenge please consider making a financial donation to help those in our community who are in need of food.
 Remember September is Hunger Action Month,
so please show your support and take the challenge. |
