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What is the "Bite of Reality"?

The "Bite of Reality" is a financial reality simulation fair intended for teenagers. This program, created by the Richard Myles Johnson Foundation, assigns an identity to attendees—occupation, salary, spouse, children, etc.—and they must then use these details to make financial ends meet while "purchasing" basic life needs like housing, transportation, groceries and dining, etc from 8 table-top vendors. This exercise allows teens to experience how easy it is to overspend, even with a decent adult-sized income, in a safe environment.

Redwood Credit Union has been bringing a Bite of Reality to local schools and youth groups since 2013, helping more than 15,000 high school students learn real-world financial skills to date. On October 14, 2019, all 700 RCU employees went out into the community to bring Bite of Reality to 15 high schools across Sonoma, Napa, and Marin Counties, reaching more than 3,100 students in one impactful day!

We are excited to partner with individual schools and teen-based nonprofits throughout the year,so if you are interested in bringing a "Bite of Reality" your school or organization , please visit the Financial Wellness section of RCU's Community Requests webpage to complete our online request form.