Scrolling through my Facebook news today I came across a photo that Gwyneth Paltrow posted on her page, which was shared by one of my friends (pictured above). According to her she is claiming that this is what $29 in food stamps will get you for a week. I have to ask, though, where’s the meat? Where’s the flavor? The cheese? Is she saying the people on food stamps should only be allowed to drink what comes out of their tap (given they even have one, some people on food stamps don’t even have a place to lay their head)? Where’s the fruit? This photo that she shared is not even close to eating right, even if food stamps aren’t in the picture. Also, what is she saying about those who only get, maybe, $35 a month in food stamps? Not to mention those who have children, as well.
A follow up blog was written about this by Rebecca Vipond Brink (Her Post Here), speaking about this being incorrect. However, apparently this subject needs to be touched by someone who is actually on food stamps, because she didn’t get it correct, either. Even though her post is correct about Gwyneth Paltrow being incorrect, and did give some good suggestions for surviving on a budget, she went on to talk about people using food stamp benefits to pay for meals at McDonalds. Well, anyone on food stamps would know that is absolutely false, it’s written in the rules of what we can and cannot purchase with our cards. Now, I will say, that I don’t live in every state of the USA so I have no idea if, perhaps, somewhere, they would allow that… but, I seriously doubt it.
When I first began receiving food benefits, I will admit, I was not the savvy shopper and it took practice. It took me quite some time to tweak my shopping list into something affordable to my specific situation. So first, I will say, that no matter the amount that’s given to you for food stamps, they need to be used for what you need. I am honestly tired of seeing stories and blogs about people needing to “buy this, not that” and others that talk about what people on food stamps, or live in poverty, should not be allowed to purchase. People that talk about how food stamp recipients shouldn’t be allowed to purchase snacks, sweets, steak, seafood, or anything other than basic staples… that needs to stop. I have never met anyone that’s been able, or willing (even on a tight budget), to not have a treat every now and again. At the polar opposite, though, I do agree that food stamps should not be used solely to cover those items… but, that’s nobody’s business except for that particular shopper. What we choose to eat at home, as a family, is not up to anyone else other than that family and people need to stop putting their dirty hands on our food.
Here are a few suggestions that might help that tight budget stretch a little further, take them or leave them. I’m not here to tell you how to shop for your groceries, but budgeting on food stamps can be difficult:
- Focus more on foods that need to be cooked on top of the stove. Bags of beans and rice will stretch a lot further than Hungry Man and frozen pizza.
- Canned veggies are cheaper than fresh, although I do try to shoot for fresh when I can get it. With the right seasoning, they can be pretty tasty. (My favorite canned veggie is collard greens)
- When my husband and I can’t afford fresh fruit, we sway more towards the bottled Dole fruits; pineapple and peaches to be more specific. The price for them is higher than a piece of fruit, but they will last longer than that piece of fruit.
- And last but not least on my tiny list here… bread (if you buy it). Nobody really needs that special wheat bread with the extra nuts and grains. Get what you can afford. Bread is bread, and it’s filling at its basic form.
A little thank you here at the end, for reading this post. I know this is a difficult topic for many people living on food stamps, and even more so for those going through this with children. I hope this day finds you well and wish you all the best.
Woman Of Many Interests 