[cripplecreek]

This morning, I will begin living on a food budget of $30 a week / $4.32 per day. This is the financial equivalent of the budget provided to people participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, in the State of New Jersey. I will live only on a SNAP equivalent food budget for the next seven days.

That would be a minimum amount. A single food stamp user I know gets nearly $250 per month. That's not too shabby for a single person who is a smart shopper.

[I Shall Endure]

Here in Jersey it’s about $200 per person. Easily doable if you shop carefully. Even $30 a week is doable if you eat lots of dried beans, brown rice, and frozen veggies.

[momtothree]

You are right, Cripplecreek. I looked up the average SNAP benefits and it is about $200 per month (single person) and $668 per month for a family of four. It is reduced if the person is making an income. Me-thinks this whole experiment is already stacked by using such a low number. IMHO.

[wbill]

$30 a week, for one person?

That's pretty easy to do. He won't be eating steak, but basic staples, at least around here...

Gal of milk - $4, sometimes less

Loaf of bread - $1.50, usually less

Jar of PB - $3

Bag of rice - $1

Bag of Beans - $1

Box of house-brand cereal - $2

Canned vegetables - $1/can, usually less...and fresh veggies are pretty cheap too, depending.

Throw in store specials and coupons, and eating on $30 a week is bland, but easily do-able.