Anti-Party
Tea Is The New Kool-Aid
I actually don't have an issue with someone on SNAP having a 'blow out' of sorts, as long as planning is involved. I guess I've not given into endorsing payment in kind, yet.
I'm educated, disgustingly so. For the past three years have had a miniscule budget. For 2 months, 2 years ago got SNAP. Haven't been hungry other than by choice and have always had good nutritional food in the house. As I said, I've the degrees, from Top tier universities to boot. However I'm 58, severely hearing impaired since birth, both take a toll on re-employment after being RIF'd at 55. That is what it is.
It doesn't take a HS diploma to recognize that produce and proteins are better for your body than candy, cookies, cakes, chips and pop. So, let's make the assumption that most get that.
Now let's say that one wants there limited food budget to stretch as far as possible. Look for sales on expensive part, proteins. Better yet, look for 'Clearance/Managers Specials.' 30-50% off. a 3# piece of meat can be cooked with a pound-1 1/2 pounds of veggies and a pound of starch for 12-15 generous servings of lunch/dinner. Freeze into individual containers for self or family.
Breakfast? Oatmeal, eggs, toast with peanut butter. I watch both cholesterol and sodium. I'm big on oatmeal, though I hated it for most of my life. I use steel cut oats from Aldi. I add 2 T brown sugar, handful of dried blueberries, cranberries, raisins, and nuts to single serve. I use nonfat milk instead of water. It's a fruit compote with crunch and fiber. Very filling and helps my blood pressure.
I live in a very competitive area for groceries. Nearly always can find lunch meat on sale for $5 lb or less. While mostly I can make sandwiches from what I've cooked, there are times the deli comes in handy. Mostly I do wraps, usually on sale and I freeze extras. I use hummus or guacamole in place of mayo or butter. Include low fat cheese, tomato and spinach as condiments.
I eat at least 2 non-fat yogurts per day, as I do not like milk. Snacks are nekkid veggies, cheese, crackers.
Over ripe or molding veggies/produce I use for facials/scrubs/or hair treatments. I try not to throw away anything I can use.
Great post Annie.
I changed my mind due to information like most should be able to do.
I thought EBT should only be used on basic healthy foods that provide substance and nutrition. But when hearing Annie say she was "severely hearing impaired since birth" I realized that I was assuming everyone on EBT is in a temporary position and didn't think about the permanent conditions like the blind/deaf. You struck a cord with me because people were spreading "People on welfare shouldn't be allowed to buy alchol or cigarettes" and my response was always "If you were blind and unable to work you aren't allowed to have a glass of beer?"
You are correct. Americans should set the amount, and the person should budget this. If the person wants a beer or two let them budget around it with cheaper foods. My focus was on the abusers and not on the people who truly need it. Thanks for correcting me.