April 13, 2015
The Food Bank for New York City is challenging people to try to survive on $29 for all of their food for one week.
That number is based on how much New Yorkers using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, receive weekly for their groceries. Participants are urged either to try to get by on the budget for seven days or donate to the food bank.
Movie star Gwyneth Paltrow decided to participate in the challenge after celebrity chef Mario Batali nominated her to do so:
I nom @GwynethPaltrow @OfficialSting @BlondieOfficial 2 take a #FoodBankNYCChallenge or don8! http://t.co/IPblQlaPyA https://t.co/6Plq0lyRdQ
— Mario Batali (@Mariobatali) April 3, 2015
Paltrow obliged, and she posted her purchases on Twitter on Thursday:
This is what $29 gets you at the grocery store—what families on SNAP (i.e. food stamps) have to live on for a week. pic.twitter.com/OZMPA3nxij
— Gwyneth Paltrow (@GwynethPaltrow) April 9, 2015
You'll notice in the picture that Paltrow interestingly enough decided to buy seven limes as a part of the challenge, an odd choice for sustenance considering the restrictions. Twitter noticed, too.
@GwynethPaltrow @moorehn why would anyone buy 7 limes when on a budget?
— Daryl Tremblay (@DarylT) April 9, 2015
@GwynethPaltrow why'd you buy so many limes if you're on that tight of a budget? wtf?
— katrinks (@kathyrinkes) April 9, 2015
@GwynethPaltrow @steenfox that seems like a lot of limes relative to the rest
— North by Noreast (@northbynoreast) April 9, 2015
If you have $29 for food for an entire week, you're not buying limes for some flavor. #FoodBankNYCChallenge
— Ricardo Esquilin (@EsquilinMusic) April 12, 2015
My real question about this Gwyneth Paltrow this is why did she buy so many limes? #FoodBankNYCChallenge
— Jenn Finn (@rufusroxmysox) April 12, 2015
Couldn't Buy 1 Pound Of Meat Or Anything...But Got 7 Limes & Corn Tortillas.. That Kind Of Meals Are You Planning? #FoodBankNYCChallenge
— E-$$$ Rosé (@ehBONITArose) April 9, 2015
While Paltrow's grocery list is strange to say the least, it was to raise awareness for charity. If you're looking to assist Philadelphians who need help feeding their families, donate to Philabundance here.
