by Mark Leno [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

I truly appreciate the support and encouragement I have received from colleagues and friends as I started this week to learn for myself if food stamp benefits are enough to eat adequately and nutritiously, while balancing a busy life.  I can already tell you that the experience has truly lived up to its name? it really is a challenge.

Yesterday I began the day with a bowl of cereal, which isn?t a huge departure from what I usually eat.  But as the day wore on, I began to notice the many food choices that were available to me before the challenge, but are no longer.  A generous staff member happened to bring in four dozen hand-dipped chocolate strawberries.  An array of cheeses and fresh fruits tempted me in the Assembly member?s lounge.  All of it was off limits.