In Illinois, more than 1.5 million people live on food stamps - a total daily food allotment of $4.50. [Ed's Note: A report released today by the U.S. Census Bureau claims the poverty level in America is the highest it's been since the 1960s. - M.G.] If you're not one of those people, do you think you could make it? No cheating, now - and remember, all that nice stuff you have in your fridge would be gone in a couple of weeks. No morning coffee from Starbucks. No steak, no Whole Foods, no bottled water. Many people spend more than that on lunch every day. more ›

Gas prices continue to rise and food prices are right behind, riding the bumper. As a result, not only is the move toward fresh, local ingredients (which require less transport) becoming more important but food banks are finding themselves in short supply. America's Second Harvest, the nation's largest charitable hunger-relief organization, is teaming with Epicurious.com to sponsor an event that will not only raise money for hunger relief, but also give attendees a taste of farm-fresh ingredients prepared by MK Restaurant's Chef Michael Kornick and Pastry Chef Amy Sampson. (See our review of MK here.) more ›