The CNY SNAP Challenge appropriately calls attention to the issue of living on food stamps—particularly with recent cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

InterFaith Works, an organization that seeks to support the dignity of individuals and faith communities, hosted the CNY SNAP Challenge from Feb. 9-15. The program challenges Central New Yorkers to live on $29.40 worth of food for one week. This dollar amount is approximately how much money people on food stamps are allotted per week, according to the CNY SNAP Challenge website.

In November, $5 billion was cut from the program, reducing the amount of money families receive from SNAP across the board. The CNY SNAP Challenge reflected these changes in funding, as last year’s participants were challenged to spend $34 per week.

The CNY SNAP Challenge is an effective way to express how difficult it is to rely on food stamps. Participants are forced to make tough decisions, weighing the importance of nutrition up against expense. Participating in the challenge is likely an eye-opening experience for people who are not accustomed to making these decisions.

There is often a stigma around food stamps as some people see them as an overly generous handout. The challenge shows people the real struggles that come along with food stamps and also the necessity of the program.

The CNY SNAP Challenge does not just send this powerful message to people who take on the challenge; the website also has a blog where participants document the struggles they endure throughout the week. In this way, the challenge can further extend its reach beyond its participants.

Though the program calls attention to the problems people on SNAP face, it should be taken a step further by asking participants to get friends and family to sponsor them during the challenge. The money that is acquired from these sponsorships could then be donated to local food banks.

Many people may think they recognize the importance of SNAP, but experiencing the difficulties of living on food stamps first hand can be far more effective. Thinking twice before putting an item in your grocery cart or feeling your stomach rumble illustrates the true struggle of living off of food stamps.