[Washington Department of Social and Human Services (DSHS) Secretary Susan Dreyfus was kind enough to take the Hunger Challenge along with hundreds of others in the community.  As head of DSHS, Dreyfus oversees the food stamp program and so obviously she has a unique perspective on the issue.  Here are her thoughts on the challenge so far:]

One of every 13 people in Washington use the DSHS Basic Food program to supplement their monthly grocery budget, so I needed no coaxing to accept the United Way hunger challenge.  The Department of Social and Health Services administers the Food Stamp program and, as secretary, it is important that I never lose my ability to see our programs and services through the eyes of those we serve.

I began my challenge by spending $34.87 for five days worth of meals. That’s 13 cents short of the $7-a-day equivalent that a one-person household would receive from the Basic Food supplement program.

Having raised a family, I am not new to the challenge of leveraging my dollars to stay within the family budget.  However, it was quickly clear that over the long term, most families would need additional help through food banks, school lunch and breakfast programs and local meal programs to sustain their nutritional needs.

I had to reduce my meat consumption and bought  two chicken breasts for the week. I saved money by purchasing generic brands and less expensive staples, such as rice, beans and noodles.

However, I could not afford fish and had to limit my fruit and vegetable variety and portions. What struck me was the intersection between basic food nutrition and prevention and control of chronic illness and disease.

As we reform health care, we can’t forget nutrition.

It is so vital to use all the food budget supplements – Basic Food, food banks, free or reduced school lunch and breakfast programs and prepared meals for the elderly – to help low-income families be healthy.

So on day four, I am doing fine. This week is teaching me a lot, and I am thankful to the United Way of King County for asking me to participate in Hunger Action Week.

We are a blessed state with kind and generous people. Let’s all make sure we are supporting our food banks and meal programs.  They are critical to our low-income neighbors.