WASHINGTON  -  Beginning Tuesday, May 15th, U.S. Reps. Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO), co-chairs of the House Hunger Caucus, will be living on a food stamp budget for one week in order to raise visibility and understanding around the challenges low-income people face in obtaining a healthy diet under current food stamp benefit levels.

On Monday, May 14th at 4:00 p.m., Reps. McGovern and Emerson, joined by food stamp recipients, will do their food shopping for the week at the Safeway at 415 14th Street, SE in Washington.

On Tuesday, May 15th at 12:00 noon, Reps. McGovern and Emerson will hold a press availability (with their brownbag lunches) in room 443 of the Cannon House Office Building.

MONDAY, MAY 14th
4:00 p.m.
Reps. McGovern and Emerson shop for the “Food Stamp Challenge”
Safeway supermarket
415 14th Street, SE  Washington, DC

TUESDAY, MAY 15th
Press Availability
443 Cannon House Office Building (next to the elevator)

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for administering the Food Stamp Program, the nationwide average monthly benefit in FY 2005 was $92.56, which comes to approximately $3/day or $1 a meal. Reps. McGovern and Emerson will be living on $3 a day for food.

The Food Stamp program is due to be reauthorized this year as part of the Farm Bill.  Reps. McGovern and Emerson have introduced H.R. 2129, which provides for increased funding and eligibility for the Food Stamp Program.