Eating Healthy Without Breaking the Bank – a (non-scientific) CAFB experiment.

We’re excited to see so much blogging about food stamp challenges around the country. From our friend Ed Nicholson from Tyson Foods to CNN news anchor Sean Callebs, to our own President & CEO, David Davenport who did the challenge for almost a month, bloggers are changing people’s perceptions about living on a food stamp budget and exposing the emotional toll of living on the cusp of food insecurity.

Photo courtesy of USDA

One theme emerging from food stamp challenge participants is how difficult it is to eat healthy on a limited budget.  Low-income families often must balance the need for nutritious foods and the need to feel satiated at the end of a meal. That in part, is the inspiration for our legislative agenda to provide healthy foods to low income children.   It also inspired us to do our own (non-scientific) experiment.   Is it possible to choose healthier foods without breaking the bank?  Is it true that choosing healthier options is prohibitively expensive for low-income families? Our AmeriCorps VISTA, Carrie Gibson, volunteered to gather data.  To make this as true-to-life as possible, we followed a few simple rules:

1. The shopping must be done at a grocery store in a low-income neighborhood, easily accessible to public transportation. 

2. We chose foods that had both a low-nutrition/quality version and a high-nutrition quality version.

3. For the high-nutrition/quality foods, we did not choose organic options, even if they were available, since most low-income neighborhoods do not offer organic products.
 

Here’s our list:

16 oz bag of white rice: $0.64	16 oz bag of brown rice: $0.86
16 oz bag of ground beef: $2.79	16 oz bag of ground turkey: $1.49
14.5 oz can of tomatoes: $0.69 ($0.04/oz)	Fresh roma tomatoes: $0.98/lb; ($0.06/oz)
15 oz Can of peaches in syrup: $0.92 ($.06/oz)	3 fresh peaches= 15 oz @ $1.49/lb = $1.39
Can of spinach: $0.59	Bag of fresh spinach: $3.49
12 oz Imitation maple syrup: $1.09 ($.09/oz)	8.5 oz real maple syrup: $5.45 ($0.64/oz)
64 oz. 10% fruit juice: $1.89	64 oz. 100% apple juice: $2.19
Box of generic sugar cereal loops: $1.89	Box of whole grain Cheerios: $2.52
Packets of oatmeal with artificial fruit flavors: $1.99 ($0.15/oz)	Box of plain oatmeal with no additional packaging: $1.49 (bigger size; $0.08/oz)
Bag of shredded iceberg lettuce: $1.69	Bag of shredded romaine lettuce: $2.89
Boxed frozen fish with breading: $3.39/lb of fish sticks	Fresh cut tilapia filets: $6.99/lb
32 oz sweetened Yoplait yogurt: $2.15	32 oz unsweetened yogurt with acidophilous: $4.09
12 oz white spaghetti: $1.04 ($0.08/oz)	13.25 oz whole wheat spaghetti: $1.29 ($0.09/oz)
7 oz canned jalapenos: $0.62 ($0.09/oz)	Fresh jalapenos $0.84/pound = $.05/oz
Loaf of white bread: $0.69	Loaf of 100% whole wheat bread with no high frutcose corn syrup $1.93
17 oz vegetable oil: $1.00	17 oz olive oil: $4.19
.5 gallon of orange juice from concentrate: $1.79	.5 gallon of orange juice not from concentrate: $2.99

 

The total for low-nutrition foods: $26.75

The total for high-nutrition foods $45.97

The difference: $19.22, or a little less than three hours extra work for Texans earning the minimum wage($6.55 per hour).

What do you think? 

Have you compromised on making healthier choices in your shopping list? Please comment, and pass it on.

Food Stamp Challenge Week 4 – Late Night Challenge

David Davenport, President & CEO – The digital clock flashed from 2:05 a.m. to 2:06 a.m. – well past this blogger’s bed time. Since the little hamster won’t stop turning the wheels in my head, I’ll recap my day and share some thoughts I’ve finally been able to express.

Earlier Wednesday evening, I drove up to Dallas with two missions in mind. First, a scheduled doctor’s visit, and second, to meet with the Texas Food Bank Network. As the TFBN Finance Committee Chair, I lead the regular summer meetings on Friday mornings. Ok, not quite as exciting as a trip to Six Flags, but my doctors are good people, and it’s always good to see my TFBN friends.

I enjoy picking new spots to take a short break each time I go to Dallas. At this particular rest stop, there were no strange or interesting characters to chat with, so I entertained myself with a sun-weathered Houston Chronicle I found in my back seat.

Dr. Norman Borlaug

The Houston Chronicle, has a special interview section called “Sunday Conversation”. The featured guest was Norman Borlaug, one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met.

From the introduction:

Norman Borlaug won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his work in developing more productive strains of wheat and working to ensure their adoption around the world. During a recent phone interview with science writer Eric Berger, the 94-year-old distinguished professor at Texas A&M University said there are no simple solutions to the current crunch in food prices.

What the author failed to mention is that, in addition to winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr. Borlaug was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. He’s known as the “Father of the Green Revolution” and, back in 1970, his work was credited with saving a billion lives from starvation.

Yes, that’s billion with a “b” – It is not a typo.

While I encourage you to read through the interview with Dr. Borlaug, I wanted to make sure you saw this important exchange:

Q: Are you surprised at the price increases in wheat, corn, rice and other basic foodstuffs, some of which have tripled in just a few years?
A: I’m not surprised. The energy problem and the food problem are tangled up together. Many of the things that go into our food production system, like fuel for tractors and machines, and for fertilizer, have energy costs. Then there’s the transport system for delivering goods. In addition, there may be speculation also. It’s hard to isolate all of these factors. One change in government policy won’t rectify all of these interacting complications.

In a recent interview with FOX 7, I highlighted the challenges Central Texans face, and how it affects our organization. It’s what I call the “New Normal.” – no more $1.50 a gallon for fuel, and the inevitability of increasing food prices.

Although many of us are hurting financially, we can not forget what these challenges are doing to the soul and foundation of Texas – the working poor. While as Texans, we enjoy boasting about our grandness, and unique way of life; often, it’s the working poor that quietly, and unseen, supports that possibility.

We are all in this together.

But what does that really mean in practice? Some of our Partner Agencies are struggling with 20-30% increases in people served each month. To support these agencies, CAFB is reorganizing and reprioritizing business practices to ensure the flow of food isn’t interrupted or slowed. We’re also impressing upon the community that in good times and bad, hunger is simply unacceptable.

Let me say it again. Hunger is unacceptable.

Why such a bold statement? Because this problem requires urgent action. Take a moment to think about societal norms that we deem as unacceptable – slavery, drunk driving, child abuse, to name a few. Hunger, the inability to access food in socially acceptable ways to survive and thrive, should absolutely be in that category.

My Food Stamp Challenge this past month taught me a great deal about hunger. I now challenge you to say out loud “Hunger is unacceptable” and act on it. For some ideas on what you can do, just give us a call, or visit the “how to help” section on our website.

Food Stamp Challenge Week 4 – The End?

David Davenport, President & CEO – Unlike the recent New Yorker cover, sometimes there’s truth in humor.

Mike Smith - Las Vegas Sun - July 11, 2008

I stepped on the scale on Monday, and my heart sank. My weight dropped below the lower weight limit set by my doctors. Despite my fevered addiction to peanut butter and Ritz Crackers, I could not keep the weight I needed to continue the Food Stamp Challenge. Unfortunately, I must stop the Challenge. With a total weight loss of 18 pounds, four pounds beyond what my doctors allowed, I know I’m in for some serious discussion at my next doctor’s visit.

Trust me when I say there will be little celebration this evening. I am not happy about this decision; especially since I was a mere four days short of making the entire month.

So how do I feel now? Frankly, a little ashamed. For the past month, I was motivated by the extraordinary strength and courage of the families I met living with food-insecurity. I was inspired by stories of success and struggle from my colleges at Mobile Loaves & Fishes and Meals on Wheels and More as I traveled with them the first week of the challenge. I was uplifted by the many emails, blog comments, and phone calls from friends and concerned community members. I had the council of medical experts at my fingertips. How many food-insecure people have access to this kind of support? But amidst all of this passion and support, I couldn’t finish the job.

To those who have supported me through this endeavor, thank you. Your kind words delivered me this far, and I appreciate every one of them.

Please stay tuned for more. I have much more to say.

Food Stamp Challenge Week 3 – Taste Buds Defeat Common Sense

David Davenport, President & CEO – They say never go to the grocery store hungry. As I enter week three, I don’t seem to have a good handle on the hungry part. I’ll add to that rule, David’s Food Stamp Challenge Corollary – NEVER go to the grocery store craving meat with only $21 to spend for the week. As I shopped, the hungry little devil on my shoulder was egging me on to make a mistake. He berated me as I went through the check-out line. James, my local grocery store associate, raised his eyebrow as I said, “Something tells me, I’m making a mistake.”

I made a mistake.

My mistake wasn’t the month-long Food Stamp Challenge. I am learning something new and valuable every day. My mistake was not purchasing anything for lunches this week. I assumed my supply of Ritz crackers and peanut butter would stretch, and, at best, hoped that my chili and pasta dinner leftovers would supplement.

My bill for this week was $20.46. One of the dinners I decided I could squeeze three days out of was a big batch of chili. I love good chili. Even with a modest batch, I looked forward to enjoying this meal. Until I realized my mistake.

(Cue dramatic mistake music here.)

I didn’t buy any tomato sauce.

I contemplated the consequences of eating chili without tomato sauce. It was probably best to appease the culinary gods (and my sense of what’s right and decent in chili-making) and get some tomato sauce. And then I discovered …

(Cue dramatic mistake music here.)

…tomato sauce costs 55 cents. I had 54 cents to spend.

I was hungry and frustrated. It was 10:30 p.m., and I was facing the crisis of tomato-less chili. The conversation with the hungry little devil on my shoulder went something like this:

“I haven’t spent $21 exactly on the previous two weeks. I could certainly use an extra penny from my roll over funds.” There was about 30 minutes of additional dialogue, which I won’t bore you with; plus I don’t want you to think I’m becoming delusional.

Week three food purchases.

I realized I was trying to justify my way out of my situation. I wasn’t going to do that. Not even for $21.01. The real weakness in this Challenge is that I could step out if I wanted. I could claim health issues, fatigue, the ol’, “I’ve learned my lesson” excuse, and the list goes on. But I’m not going to do that. I won’t quit on this process. Besides, I just spent a halfhour at the store talking to a can of tomato sauce.

“You’re going to have to do better than that,” I said defiantly. “I’m in it for the long haul.”

The tomato sauce was speechless.

I then went back to my place, returned with one can of kidney beans, and swapped the .55 cent can of beans for a .55 cent can of sauce.

I’m going to enjoy that pot of chili. I hope, it’ll last for three days.

Food Stamp Challenge Week 2 – Medical challenges on the Challenge

David Davenport, President & CEO – I’m halfway down the road on Week 2 of the Challenge. To complicate matters, I am resting at home after yesterday’s minor surgical procedure in Dallas. The doctors weren’t too keen on my Ritz cracker and peanut butter diet, so I was told to eat something substantial and healthy before my procedure. I compromised with a salad, throwing me off budget. My doctors, concerned and cautious, are following me closely during this month-long endeavor.

In my last entry, I mentioned some health issues that made shopping a bit of a challenge. In April 2007, I had a bi-lateral lung transplant. My lungs were failing for a long time, and the transplant was my last chance. Even with an employer health care package, I still spend a great deal on medications, tests and clinic visits.

As I take this Challenge, I’m reminded daily of those struggling to get by on Food Stamps (soon to be renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) without heath coverage. Unlike too many Americans without adequate access to health care, I had amazing care in Dallas prior to my procedure. There’s a department of medical experts at my disposal to answer questions and help me with my aftercare. Yesterday’s team of doctors checked and doubled checked on me and made sure I was well cared for. In the state of Texas, where 27 percent of working adults don’t have health insurance, I feel blessed to be able to receive such care.

So, how difficult has it been to eat well enough to ensure that my medications work and maintain my on-going treatment? Well… nearly impossible. I take steroids as part of my medical routine and one of the long-tem side effects is diabetes. I use additional medicines and diet to control my blood sugar. This challenge is increasingly a fine balance between nutritional quality and calorie density. As I shopped last week, I noticed how much more expensive foods that are not filled with processed flours and sugars are. Nutritional foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are not always the most calorie-dense. And when you’re on a $21 a week budget, calories count. A recent study done by the University of Washington further explains this issue and how it’s affecting consumer choice, and ultimately, consumer health.

This 14 minute video was created last year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Food Stamp Program, and gives a nice history and introduction to the program. Decide for yourself if the intent and purpose of the Food Stamp Program has kept up with contemporary economic conditions.

My research and medical issues leads me to linger in the grocery store even longer, as I poured over the nutrition labels and kept calculation to ensure I stay on budget. It’s not the most exciting way to spend an evening, but critical to supporting the “active healthy lifestyle” needed for food security. After last week’s excitement and motivation for the Challenge, my mood has changed to frustration and, unfortunately, constant hunger.

I look at my pantry, and try to look on the bright side. At least I haven’t lost my taste for low-carb low-sodium crackers and peanut butter. I just have to make it through lunch.

I know I can.

P.S. Thank you, to those who have taken the time to comment online and offline. Your support means a lot to me. Please pass this on.

Food Stamp Challenge Week 1 – the confessions, the concessions, and the lessons

David Davenport, President & CEO – I’m six days into my Food Stamp Challenge, and I realized that I haven’t shared the basics with you.

First of all, for those not familiar with the Challenge – here are the rules I’m following:

• I can only spend $21 a week on food and beverages for 30 days.
• I will not eat food I already own.
• I will not accept food from family, friends, coworkers and others. Not even the free samples from Costco.
• I will keep track of my expenses and share my experience with you, including when I fall off the wagon.

To get started with the Challenge, I gathered all the food in my little place, boxed it and taped it shut. It’s deep in my closet, away from casual glances, and too difficult to access for late-night temptations. (Dear wife: There are no perishables in that box, so you don’t have to worry about bugs or other multi-legged guests). This was actually pretty simple for two reasons. First my family is still in Houston and will not be moving to Austin until later in the summer. And second, I have found that my personal grocery shopping process had not evolved much since college. Although the quality of the food is better, I am not a complicated shopper.

On Sunday, I spent $17.21 at the grocery store. I left a little room in the event my calculations were off. I used most of my remaining budget to buy water on the way home from Waco on Wednesday. It seemed like a bad call at the time, but I was REALLY thirsty.

So it’s Friday and I’m doing ok. What have I learned so far?

• It is almost impossible to eat a healthy diet on $21 a week. I have some medical challenges which make it absolutely necessary that I eat a low-sodium, low-carbohydrate, and somewhat balanced diet, or the medications I take will not work appropriately.
• Food stamps, as the program was designed by the government, are not supposed to be the sole source of a food budget. But for folks like me, who do have high medical prescription costs, food stamps can be, and often are, the entire food budget. I’m learning that balancing nutrition and medicine is a tough task.
• I am more aware of the power of food advertising. Although I don’t usually eat fast food or junk food, I can’t drive home from work without the enticing neon glow from fast food restaurants reminding me of their low-priced goodness. Now, I constantly crave a hamburger or a slice of pizza. I find myself observing people at the grocery store spending a great deal of money on food or people walking in and out of a restaurant. Not in a stalker, green-eyed-monster kinda way, but I’m much more aware of this activity.
• Two weeks ago, I was amazed at how little I could get at the grocery store for my typical food budget. Even with conscious shopping for this challenge, my $17.21 shopping trip yielded one bag of food; not quite half-full (or, for the pessimists out there, half-empty).

Alright, here’s my confession. I broke the rules, but for good reason. Honest.

During my recent trip to Waco on Wednesday, I had the opportunity to meet the folks at the Gospel Cafe, a small agency in Waco doing amazing work. Founder, (and passionate force of nature) Sherry Castello, opened the kitchen back in 1996 as a unique and special ministry to those in need. If you are ever in Waco, I highly recommend a visit to this special place. Everyone who walks through their door is valued. They’ll be glad to welcome you and feed your body and spirit.

Ok, so back to my confession. Sherry would not stop asking me what I wanted to eat. She was both caring and relentless at the same time. I confess, she wore me down. But accepting the meal also gave me the chance to sit and visit with some of her guests as we ate together. What a wonderful place! – THANK YOU, SHERRY, and a special thanks to your team for all your hard work on behalf of those in need.

Last night, I broke the rules again. This time, my accomplice was Alan Graham from Mobile Loaves & Fishes in Austin. Alan took me along on a truck run around town to help distribute food to our homeless neighbors. The four hours I spent with Alan in that little white truck, sharing stories, distributing food, and talking to clients was life-changing. Because this meal was more about breaking bread with Alan, and those who benefit from Mobile Loaves and Fishes, it was a special moment I felt I needed to experience. THANK YOU, ALAN. It was a special ride.

I cannot mention my friend Alan without giving equal time to one of my other new friends here in town, Dan Pruett at Meals on Wheels and More. Dan and Alan both share the unique ability to communicate their passion for making our community a better place. Today, I rode with Dan to deliver meals to a handful of their East Austin senior clients. It was very clear that we were really delivering love, respect and dignity. Meals on Wheels and More does more than deliver food. I cannot tell you how powerful and deeply personal it is to take part in delivering such a gift. THANK YOU, DAN. I won’t soon forget our visits.

What a week! The kids are coming up from Houston for the weekend and I cannot wait to see them. I know these posts are long, but I can’t help but express how much I owe to all those who I’ve spent time with this week. In the end, I know it will help me become a better person, better father, and a better professional.

I will be back soon to give you another update. ‘Till then, I encourage you to give my friends Dan, Alan and Sherry a call or send them an email. Thank them for being who they are and for the incredibly important work they do to make Central Texas a special place for all.

Then sign on to volunteer. You’ll be glad you did.