This month, in honor of the re-authorization of the Farm Bill, several elected officials went on a food stamp diet, eating only what an allotment of food stamps could buy. We wondered what people who live on food stamps week in and week out do to survive. Weekend America asked some food stamp recipients how they make Sunday dinner.

Then...
Fixing a Sunday supper can stretch a lot of people's budget but imagine doing it with only $11.44 for four people--that's the amount that most people in California on food aid have to deal with. Weekend America Reporter John Moe gets a lesson about cooking under a budget with Chef Thierry Rautureau in Seattle, Wash.

Tips from Chef Thierry Rautureau on getting tasty nutritious food for cheap

• Befriend the butcher and fishmonger at the local markets. They know what's good and where the bargains can be found.
• Hang out around the farmer's market as it gets near closing time. If you get to know the sellers, you might find yourself going home with something either cheap or free.
• Bruised tomatoes are often very inexpensive and they taste just fine in a sauce.
• Get to know the crops and seasons of the region you live in. An ear of corn might be 89 cents right now but only a dime in July.
• Take the time to cook yourself. A bag of shredded lettuce is expensive but a head of lettuce is cheaper. An ear of corn costs less than a can of corn. Spend a bit more time preparing food, giving up convenience for price, and you'll find the food tastes better, is better for you, and is ultimately more satisfying.
• Don't forget dessert.

Safeway Receipt
Lentils	0.69
Nancy NF Raspberry Yogurt	1.00
Lentils	0.69
Cubed Steak	1.97
Cubed Steak	1.82
Cameo Apples	1.88
Yellow Peaches	1.73
White Corn	0.66
Turnip Greens	0.99
Total	10.74

Ingredients
1 cup of lentils	0.35
1 ear of corn	0.66
1 apple	0.94
2 peaches	1.73
4 steaks	3.79
turnip greens	0.50
crepe batter (3 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 cup flour, 2 tablespoons butter)	1.00
yogurt	1.00
Total	9.97
from the pantry: butter, oil, shallots, garlic