My Experience on the Challenge

The challenge was presented to me, first as a tease, then once I thought about the real effect, experience, and knowledge it would give me, it was on.  I started by planning what foods were healthy, but less expensive and where to buy, I tried the closest market or food stores that offered fresh and some forms of sale items (by using coupons from the papers, computer, etc.) After I purchased my food, I had to be creative in cooking, (by the way, I'm a great cook, smile) the amount of what I would eat, then became an issue. I prepared for 4days (lunch and dinner). I would eat boiled eggs (yolk free) in the AM. Everything was fine, until Sunday, it was my sister's birthday and I took her out, something we planned in advance, before this challenge, so I have extended my time. The overall challenge has enlighten, created my awareness for the complete use for vitamins, and it has shown that having the ability to find ways to change my eating habits, helped eliminate access pounds, mission accomplish, I feel great. (I LOST 4lbs)  However, for those who are during this on a daily basis, more is needed, the knowledge of where to get fresh foods at low cost, convenience of locations, access to coupons for discounts, and increase the funds for food stamps.  This was a small eye-opening of the real challenge of the Food Stamp Program; can we afford not to do more?

--Valerie, Legislative Aide