What is the SNAP Experience?
The SNAP Experience challenges participants to shop and eat nutritious meals on the daily equivalent of the average SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) benefit in Nevada. It is an opportunity to learn about the realities of living on a limited budget and the importance of healthy eating choices.
Although living on a SNAP budget for just a week could never come close to experiencing the struggles of low-income families, it offers participants a new perspective and a deeper understanding of the difficulties thousands of Southern Nevadans face.
How to Participate
- Spend no more than $4 per day, or $20 worth of food for five days.
- Decline free food and beverages, e.g. no sponsored lunch or dinner meals.
- Share your experience on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Publish at least three posts with the hashtag #SNAPExperienceNV over the course of five days.
Your social media posts can be about the following topics:
- The foods you bought along with a receipt of your purchases.
- The food item that was your "splurge."
- Nutritious foods that you usually purchase/consume, but could not afford.
- The estimated amount of time needed to plan meals.
- Strategies for stretching your food supply.
- Revelations you had as a result of the experience.
What foods cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits?
- "Hot" prepared foods (e.g. rotisserie chickens that are fully cooked, hot and ready to eat).
- Alcohol.
- Fast food.