The Food Stamp Challenge: Progressive elected officials are going on food stamps for one week. That’s the equivalent of $3/day; Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s solution was plenty of Ramen. NPR stories here and here. Kudos for Oregon Governon Ted Kulongoski for starting this whole thing off. I think I might take up the challenge the week before Yom Kippur in the fall (ending with the pre-fast meal before the 24-hour, no-food-at-all endeavor) — that’s probably the most appropriate time. Yes, as Schakowsky admits, the challenge is a bit gimmicky, but I think it’ll be a good personal experience and will help spread the word about the need for increased food stamp appropriations.