Local Food Pantry Announces 2015 Wheat Free SNAP Challenge

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Aug. 24, 2015 - PRLog -- August, 24, 2015 - Overland Park, KS- Food Equality Initiative, Inc. (FEI) announces the 2015 Wheat Free SNAP Challenge Hunger Action Week, September 21-25. FEI is hosting the event to raise awareness of the unique challenges of food allergies or Celiac disease and food insecurity, particularly to those who receive government benefits, or food stamps.

Like most SNAP challenges, FEI is asking participants to experience subsisting on a SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program- formerly known as food stamps) budget. The Wheat Free SNAP Challenge will highlight the increased challenge of eating on a budget while following a restricted, but medically necessary diet. Participants will have a budget of $4.50 a day to purchase food, the amount of the average SNAP benefit. During the week they will avoid all wheat containing foods so they can experience the challenges of having a wheat allergy or Celiac disease.

WIC does not offer many alternatives when a child has multiple food allergies, and most food pantries do not stock wheat or dairy free items, peanuts and more. While SNAP covers fresh and gluten free foods, the income allocated is not enough to sustain a healthy lifestyle with food allergies.

Registration for the 2015 Wheat Free SNAP Challenge begins Tuesday, September 1, 2015. Visit www.foodequalityinitiative.org to read challenge guidelines, access the shopping guide, print recipes and more.

FEI sponsors Renewed Health, the United State’s first food pantry that offers gluten free and allergy free food to the public. Their goal is to supply food, support, and nutrition education while advocating for those who are low-income and have medically restricted diets.

For those local to Kansas City or the surrounding areas who could benefit from Renewed Health and FEI, their pantry is located in New Haven Seventh Day Adventist Church.

FEI encourages participants to blog or create videos highlighting their challenges and insights. Take action and join the conversation about food insecurity and special diets during the challenge week. Share experiences on social media using #WheatFreeSNAPChallenge @foodequality.