Tolland Takes the SNAP Challenge

When representatives from the Tolland United Congregational Church came to Foodshare for a special interfaith event over the summer, they came away excited to get involved in Foodshare’s Bridging the Gap campaign. Volunteer Program Specialist Keith Varriale visited the church and spoke with them about a variety of options. The church began fundraising among their members, and joined the Tri-Town (Vernon, Tolland, Ellington) Hunger Action Team. Then they chose to take the SNAP Challenge, and 100 members of their congregation lived for two weeks on the average SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) benefit of $4.15 a day. Here is the report about that activity from Reverend Judy Medeiros:

Tolland youth leader Gary Lotreck accepts a Mohawk hairstyle in honor of 100 SNAP Challenge participants at United Congregational Church. Photo courtesy Judith Medeiros

One hundred people took the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Challenge at the United Congregational Church UCC of Tolland in recognition of Foodshare's Hunger Action Month. Participants pledge to spend only $4.15 a day on food and drink without relying on gifts from friends and family -- and to eat as healthily as possible.

Eating on $4.15 per day ($29 per week) for two weeks, church members were challenged to see if they could persevere on the restricted calories and diet of Americans who rely on SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) for their daily bread. They also pledged financial support for Foodshare's Feed a Family program.

In celebration of reaching their goal of one hundred participating members, Gary Lotreck, co-Director of the Youth Fellowship, had volunteered to have his hair shaved into a Mohawk. The congregation gathered round while Gary's Mom, Betty Nova, shaved his head and his daughter Serena gelled and spiked his hair. Gary wore an orange T-shirt in solidarity with Foodshare's Hunger Awareness program.

Participating at various levels, members witnessed to the hardships they experienced emotionally, physically and mentally when they did not have proper nutrition. "Suddenly it became very clear to everyone," said Associate Pastor the Rev. Judith Medeiros, "that not enough food makes one unable to concentrate, do physical work, feel emotionally secure, or be able to think of anything other than your hunger. What better way to truly understand the needs of another than to walk in their shoes?"

Tolland's members took the Challenge in recognition of Hunger Action Month (September), but the SNAP Challenge is open to groups and individuals at any time of the year. Learn more about it from Foodshare, which serves as both a food bank and hunger advocacy agency in Connecticut's Hartford and Tolland counties.

The Rev. Judith Medeiros is Associate Pastor of United Congregational Church UCC in Tolland.

You can get your own faith organization involved in the campaign in a variety of ways. Contact Keith Varriale at kvarriale@foodshare.org to learn more about those opportunities.