Tsunami Em, Amira Malas, Tinia Morris
Imagine feeding yourself on less than the cost of a fast-food combo meal. That is the reality for millions of Americans living on just $6 a day through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It may sound impossible, but with the right knowledge and a little creativity, eating well on a budget is certainly doable. In fact, UNCG’s Recipe for Success is a a team of professionals whose job it is is to help people do just that.
What is SNAP, anyway?
SNAP—formerly known as food stamps—is a federal program designed to help low-income Americans buy food. It began in 1939 as a way to distribute surplus food and officially became a permanent program in 1964. Since then, SNAP has evolved from simple food aid into a broader nutrition-focused initiative. Still, debates over funding cuts loom large, and for those living paycheck to paycheck, even the smallest changes can mean big sacrifices at the dinner table.
Meet Recipe for Success
This is where Recipe for Success (RFS) steps in. Based out of UNC Greensboro, RFS is a SNAP-Education program with a big mission: teach families how to eat healthier without busting the budget. Through hands-on cooking demos, grocery shopping tips, and meal planning workshops, RFS empowers participants to stretch their dollars while still putting tasty, balanced meals on the table.
To really drive home the reality of SNAP living, the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) hosts the SNAP Challenge. Participants try to eat on $6 per day—the average SNAP allotment. It is eye-opening, frustrating, and honestly kind of inspiring.
Food Insecurity by the Numbers
Let us take a look at how big this issue really is:
- 13.5% of U.S. households experience food insecurity.
- Over 14 million children live in food insecure households.
- Black and Hispanic families face food insecurity rates of 23.3% and 21.9%, respectively—double the rate of white households.
Food insecurity does not just mean skipping meals. It means living in constant uncertainty—never knowing if the pantry will be full next week or if tonight’s dinner will be filling enough.
Recipe Sneak Peak
A practical way to enjoy healthy meals on a tight budget is through simple, nutritious recipes, such as the Carrot Ginger Salad from Recipe for Success. This recipe is ideal for individuals relying on SNAP benefits, as it combines affordability with substantial health benefits.
Here is the price breakdown for each ingredient:
Salad:
- Shredded Carrots (2 cups, about 4 medium carrots): $1.96 [$0.70]
- Finely chopped bell pepper (¼ cup): $2.96 [$0.25]
- Raisins or dried cranberries (¼): $1.48 [$0.20]
- Unsalted cashews or sunflower seed kernels (¼ cup): $2.48 [$0.50]
Dressing:
- Orange juice (¼ cup, approx. juice from half an orange): $2 to $5 [$0.20]
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): $3.97 [$0.05]
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): $1.58 [$0.10]
- Ground ginger (⅛ teaspoon): $2.24 [negligible cost]
- Garlic powder or minced garlic (⅛ teaspoon or 1 small clove): $1.16 [negligible cost]
- Sugar or honey (1 teaspoon): $2.67 [$0.05]
Total Approximate Cost Per Serving: $2.05
This salad is packed with health benefits, including vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and healthy fats! Ginger and garlic also provide anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Additionally, this recipe is easy to prepare, requiring minimal kitchen skills and equipment.
Directions:
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
- In a medium bowl, combine carrots, bell pepper, raisins or cranberries, and cashews or sunflower seeds.
- In a small bowl or jar with a tight lid, mix or shake together all dressing ingredients.
- Add dressing to the vegetable mixture and stir to combine.
- Refrigerate for a few hours to allow flavors to blend.
Integrating simple, affordable recipes like this one not only helps individuals maximize their SNAP budget, but also promotes healthier eating habits
A Recipe for Change
While individuals can make smarter choices, fixing food insecurity requires systemic action. Here is what needs to happen: boost SNAP benefits to reflect rising food costs, invest in nutrition education through programs like Recipe for Success, and improve access to healthy food in underserved areas.
Food is a basic human need, not a luxury. Until policies catch up, grassroots programs and community initiatives will continue to fill the gaps, one meal at a time.
References
Economic Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. (2023). Ag and food statistics: Charting the essentials – Food security and nutrition assistance. Retrieved from https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-the-essentials/food-security-and-nutrition-assistance
Feeding America. (n.d.). Map the meal gap: Overall executive summary. Retrieved from https://www.feedingamerica.org/research/map-the-meal-gap/overall-executive-summary
Feeding America. (n.d.). What is hunger in America? Retrieved from https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america
History.com. (n.d.). Food stamps in the Great Depression. A&E Television Networks. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/news/food-stamps-great-depression
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Food insecurity. Retrieved from https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/food-insecurity
SNAP to Health. (n.d.). The history of SNAP. Retrieved from https://www.snaptohealth.org/snap/the-history-of-snap
United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Commemorating the history of SNAP: Looking back on the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Retrieved from https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/commemorating-history-snap-looking-back-food-stamp-act-1964
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