{Bloggers Against Hunger} $4 Lentil Soup

Food bloggers nationwide were challenged to answer a simple question today: What would you do if you were hungry?

Some of you may have caught on by now that I'm passionate about the issue of hunger. And it really is a big issue – even here in our own country. 1 in 5 kids in America suffer from hunger. That's 16 million kids who are not getting the food they need. If you're surprised by these figures, I hate to tell you that it gets worse. Kids who don't get the food and nutrition they need suffer long-term consequences. Hungry kids are more likely to experience serious short- and long-term health issues. They tend to have trouble learning and are more prone to behavioral and emotional problems. And these kids may look not different from other children. Child hunger in America is often invisible.

Millions of Americans who participate in the nation’s food stamp program are limited to an average of $3 or $4 per person each day to supplement their food budget. Additionally, the government subsidizes products like soy beans, wheat, and corn instead of fresh produce, so the most affordable food is often the unhealthiest.

That all said, I took today's question as a literal challenge. Although I'm generally a strict budget follower, our grocery budget is typically... well, more than $4 a day. So I headed out to our local Fred Meyer grocery store to go about creating a meal with $4 in cash.

Scroll down to see the recipe I came up with. Interested in taking action on this issue? Here are two simple things you can do:
1. Click here to send a letter to congress asking them to support anti-hunger legislation. It takes 30 seconds people.
2. Watch the trailer (at the top of the post) for A Place At The Table, and then watch the film in your city (or demand it to come to your city through iTunes and Amazon).

Thanks in advance for your help making a difference.

$4 Lentil Soup

Serves 6-8

1 pound dried lentils (cross check bulk vs. pre-packaged in your store)
1 can chicken broth
6 cups water
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalk, diced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 T olive or vegetable oil
Salt + Petter

Extra add ins:
- dried or fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme or bay leaves
- garlic
- substitute water for chicken or veggie broth (should equal approx. 2 cups of water per 1 cup dried lentils)
- cumin or curry powder
- spinach or collard greens

Heat oil in large pot. Add onions, carrots and celery. Season with salt and pepper and let cook for 3-5 minutes until onions begin turning clear. Add chicken broth, tomatos and juice, water and lentils, and bring to a boil. Then cover and turn down heat to low. Cook for 40 minutes until lentils are soft.