Design Ignites Change - Projects - Frugal Food: Eating On SNAP

Kansas City Art Institute

It has become increasingly difficult for low-income homes to sustain themselves in an economy like today's, in a food desert like Kansas City. Health concerns like obesity and nutrient deficiencies are continuing to grow, with low quality food and poor eating habits at the source. By using a specially designed cookbook, menu planner, and grocery list, this system aims to change the way families on Supplemental Nutritional Assistance programs (SNAP) eat. This system, rooted in preparation and repetition, hopes to remove stress and consequences of over-processed pantries and food insecurity by reclaiming the possibilities within fixed budgets

Morgan Ashley Allen
Frugal Food process blog
maallen8605@gmail.com
816 863 7929

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December 8, 2011

Each component works closely with another. Directed by visual connections, each part points to another.

The system together, comprised of a specially designed cookbook, menu planner, and grocery list maker.

On the back of each of grocery list is a directory for Kansas City farmer's market. Beyond supplying the address and number, an icon denotes whether a market accepts Supplemental Nutritional Assistance programs (SNAP).

WIC mom, picking out recipes and recording them with the menu planner. She's designated "rice" as the ingredient of the week, planning around that to save money on her grocery bill.

Planning is crucial, as well as saving-time, so allowing families to check out a premade list create convenience while allowing for some freedom with blanks to fill in.

Many SNAP families buy groceries less often and purchase highly processed food because of many of restrictions—no car, time, or cooking know-how. Research suggests SNAP recipients gain weight on food stamps, and BMI increases the longer enrolled. We need a change to empower low-income families to consume healthful foods.

Families are more likely to choose foods that are compatible with long term health goals if purchasing decisions are made before shopping. With a cookbook written to enable budgets (rather than demean them), and lists that practice planning, this 3 part system educates while establishing a method that becomes second nature.