FRAC Challenge Update

Here is an update at the beginning of the third day of the FRAC challenge. You may recall that FRAC stands for Food Research and Action Center, which is a national non-profit collaborative fighting hunger and undernourishment throughout the United States. On its website, FRAC encourages those who working to combat hunger to take the SNAP challenge, which entails getting by on about $4 worth of food each day, roughly the same amount that is allowed by Food Stamps or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Beginning on Wednesday, Karen and I decided to engage in the SNAP or, as I am calling it, the FRAC challenge.

Here is what I have been eating. Prunes (5), one cup of coffee, a bowl of oatmeal, hard boiled eggs (2), and a bowl of pasta with spaghetti sauce. And, of course, plenty of tap water.  The total cost for this diet is right around $4.31, slightly above what SNAP allows. Last night, Karen traded in her two hard boiled eggs for a small glass of wine (wine worth slightly more - 5 oz. out of a box). I joined her, having already eaten my two eggs. So even after two days, I am cheating, albeit slightly.

How am I feeling? First day was fine. No side effects. A good part of the second day I had a dull, slight headache and felt marginally weaker. By the end of the second day, my headache was more bothersome, and I almost never get headaches. This is probably attributable to consuming less caffeine than usual, but I expect to adjust soon.

Final thought: Imagine a strapping, fifteen-year old male trying to get by on this diet. If I were his parent, unable to afford more, I would feel angry, frustrated, ashamed, bordering on hopelessness. And yet there are people all over this country who have to make do with less. No one should have to live that way.