NJ Lawmakers take Food Stamp Challenge

As The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge dies down, a new challenge has emerged. From Sept. 8 through Sept. 14, two New Jersey Assembly members will take part in the Food Stamp Challenge.

Assembly members Nancy Munoz (R-Summit) and Mila Jasey (D-Maplewood) will have to survive on the amount of money food stamp recipients get, and it's not much.

"For an individual, the food stamp program provides $29.40 per week which actually divides out to $4.20 a day," Munoz said. "This (Food Stamp Challenge) is a really good thing to go through to understand what others are feeling and how difficult it is and the challenges they face."

With recent cuts to the U.S. Farm Bill, New Jersey is likely to be one of the hardest hit states in the country, and hunger is already a very real issue here, Munoz said.

"Over one million New Jersey residents suffer from a lack of a constant food supply and that's really worrisome. This is bringing an awareness to that so that we can see what we can do as a state and as a nation to make sure that our people are well fed," Munoz explained.

The legislators have sent a letter to their colleagues asking them to join in the Food Stamp Challenge. Munoz said she plans to give updates on her Facebook page throughout the week.