Press Release Says, Legislators Take the Food Stamp Challenge Hunger Action Month Features Elected Officials on Meager Budget

ANCHORAGE – Senators Bill Wielechowski (D–Anchorage), Johnny Ellis (D–Anchorage) and Lesil McGuire (R–Anchorage), and Representatives Lindsey Holmes (D–Anchorage) and Scott Kawasaki (D–Fairbanks) will spend one week learning firsthand the challenges faced by Alaskans who receive Food Stamps.

The Food Stamp Challenge is hosted by the Food Bank of Alaska and will take place from Saturday, September 12, to Friday, September 18, 2009. The purpose of this challenge is to raise awareness about the need for increased funding for Food Stamps. One in nine Americans receives food stamps, including more than 70,000 Alaskans. The national economic downturn has reached Alaska, and thousands of people have been added to the rolls, including many families with children.

“This will be a sobering first-hand experience to see how tens of thousands of Alaskans live every day,” said Senator Wielechowski. “We hope this will raise some awareness about this issue.”

Participants in the Challenge must feed themselves on the equivalent of one week of food stamps – $34.47, with an additional $15 for produce, dairy and other perishables. This equals approximately $2.30 per meal. During the seven day challenge, only food purchased using these funds may be consumed.

“Due to the weak economy, too many children and families have become dependent on the generosity of others for the minimal needs of life – including basic nutrition,” said Senator Ellis. “I hope that this challenge will inspire each of us to do what we can for our friends and neighbors who could use a helping hand.”

“It’s certainly going to be a challenge eating a balanced diet for an entire week on less than $50,” said Representative Holmes. “But it’s important that we’re aware of the challenges so many Alaskans face every month.”

Representative Kawasaki added, “I’m looking forward to participating in this challenge and helping to raise awareness about this issue. Hopefully this will encourage more people to open their pantries and freezers to friends and neighbors who just need a little extra help.”