98.1 WKDD radio personalities Toni Foxx, Keith Kennedy and Krissy Taylor and Foodbank president and CEO Dan Flowers took the Hunger Challenge from Sunday, November 29 through Saturday, December 5.
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What is the Hunger Challenge?
- Participants commit to spend a maximum of $32 for food for the entire week.
- $32 = an average weekly benefit provided for one individual by the Food Assistance Program (formerly food stamps) in the Foodbank service area
- All food purchased and eaten during the Challenge week must be included in the total spending, including fast food and dining out.
- Participants can only eat food purchased specifically for the Challenge. Perishable food items purchased prior to the start of the Challenge may be eaten to prevent waste, but the value of the food must be subtracted from the $32 weekly allowance. Previously purchased spices and condiments may be used.
- Participants cannot purchase alcohol, tobacco, prepared hot meals or meals-to-go, as these items may not be purchased with the Ohio Direction Card (a debit card provided through the Food Assistance Program to access benefits).
Why Have the Hunger Challenge
- Raise awareness of the Ohio Food Assistance Program
- Explain importance of local food programs as a supplement to state and federal assistance programs
- Demonstrate how the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank supports local food programs
How Can I Get Involved?
- MAKE A DONATION to help feed those in need
- Read the BLOGS from Toni, Keith, Krissy and Dan about their experience
- Take the Challenge yourself and encourage your friends and family to donate in your name
- If you know someone who is out of work or in need of food, encourage them to apply for food assistance through their local county Department of Job and Family Services or the Ohio Benefit Bank
Hunger Challenge Facts
- 1 in 8 Ohioans use the Food Assistance Program (formerly food stamps)
- 160,000 people in the 8-county area served by the Foodbank use the Food Assistance Program
- An additional 36,000 people in the 8 counties are eligible, but are not using the program