Imagine living on just $4.06 per day for food.
That's a reality for more than 300,000 Nevadans part of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada's SNAP benefits program.
For five days, Food Bank employees are seeing how difficult it really is living on just $20. They started on Monday and so far, they say it's been an eye-opening experience.
"What's hitting me today is I'm pretty sick of eating the same thing all week," says Jocelyn Lantrip with the Food Bank.
Employees have been eating a diet of proteins and veggies.
"I've been a lot of rice and beans and some chicken," says Lantrip.
What they miss most is snacking throughout the day. They say without those small midday meals, their bodies and minds start slowing down.
"I'd like to have more snacks," says Lantrip. "I'd like to eat a little bit more."
Do Reno shoppers think they could live on a little more than $4 per day? We talked to a local chef who says it wouldn't be easy.
"Food costs are going up and up," says April Woodward. "It makes it very difficult for people to get a balanced meal and to eat well."
Shoppers say with just a few bucks to work with everyday, the best approach would be to stick with the essentials.
"I suppose rice," says Paul Altrocchi. "I like fruits and vegetables, I would try to get some fruits and vegetables in there. Get some protein."
Lantrip hopes people recognize just how necessary the SNAP benefits are here in the Silver State.
"I know there's a lot of myths about SNAP, that people get these enormous benefits, and it isn't the case," she says.
After the work week, the employees will go back to their normal diets, but for more than 300,000 Nevadans, that's unfortunately, not an option.
"This is ending for me on Friday, and for so many people in Nevada it's not," says Lantrip.
Written by Adam Rasmussen
