Anthony Weiner Begins Food Stamp Challenge

By Megan Riesz

Mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner began the Food Bank for New York City-sponsored Food Stamp Challenge on Wednesday, in which he will live on a grocery budget of $31.08 per week to highlight the trials of living in poverty.

“In New York City, there’s an enormous amount of need right under our nose,” said Mr. Weiner according to Observer.com’s political blog, Politicker.

Weiner shopped for groceries at a Morton Williams supermarket near his Park Avenue residence, buying $1.69 white bread, peanut butter, five pounds of potatoes, a dozen eggs and tuna for a total of $12.79.

Weiner said he would make food stamps “more accessible” if elected mayor. He also encouraged New York City residents who are qualified for food stamps to enroll in the city’s program, and argued that food stamps should be increased in value when used to buy fresh produce.

The Food Bank for New York City also announced that Comptroller and fellow mayor hopeful John Liu will be participating in the challenge.