For a week, 39 students in a health communication topics course will attempt to live on $29 – the average food stamp benefit for a person in North Carolina.
The assignment, under the direction of Jillian Tullis, assistant professor of communication studies, is one aspect of the course “Health Communication Film and Technology.” Students were introduced to the topic through the documentary “Food Inc.,” a film that examines corporate farming in the United States.
“When people communicate about healthy eating, there are assumptions what that looks like. Some people may say organic, non-dairy or gluten-free,” said Tullis. “Such choices may not be affordable for everyone, and we pass judgment on people who can’t live these lifestyles. In the media, there are messages that portray certain health conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, are the result of dietary choices. But that’s too simplistic of an argument that doesn’t take into account the cultural and geographical differences related to food, as well as its availability.”
Tullis, who is taking the SNAP Challenge along with her students, said the goal is for everyone to better understand the food experience of millions of low income Americans, as well as to understand the role nourishment plays in health and how these topics are communicated.
“This experience will broaden the students’ knowledge and empathy, especially for those students who may end up working in a health care setting,” Tullis explained. “This will give them a glimpse of a different life experience that sometimes health care professionals can overlook – that income can be a problem for patients in the daily choices they make. What we hear in the media are two messages with regard to food stamps - there is a need to increase or we need to reduce the benefit. How do you explore these messages? One way is to experience it first-hand.”
At the end of the challenge, students will complete a written assignment based upon their observations and experiences. Tullis noted the paper will provide students an opportunity to strengthen their critical thinking and communication skills.
Students who have health-related restrictions have the option to conduct an alternative assignment to the SNAP Challenge.