Rep. DelBene takes on food stamp budget challenge

SEATTLE -- Could you live on a budget of $4.50 per day for food, $30 per week? For many of us, the thought of such a limited budget is incomprehensible but for those in our area on food stamps, that $4.50 per day budget is a reality.

To get an idea of it's like to be poor in America Rep. Suzan DelBene is living on the average food stamp budget for a week.

DelBene is dining on the food stamp-sized budget this week to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition programs for low-income families and children in our country, DelBene's office said.

"It's critically important to raise awareness and stand up for the millions of families, children and seniors across the county who rely on nutrition assistance programs by ensuring our safety net is adequately funded," DelBene said. "Participating in this Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) challenge is a way to highlight the struggle many people and working families are facing today and to call attention of the need for these life-saving programs."

DelBene will live on a food stamp budget from June 16-22. She will be actively sharing photographs of her meals on her Facebook and Twitter pages using the hastag #SNAPchallenge.