Hungry Americans and SNAP (FoodStamps)

1 in 8 Americans use SNAP. 1 in 4 children use this program. We seem to be using this program more and more each year. I thought that I would share the following items with you:

Food Stamps and American Hunger

Food Stamp Use Soars, Stigma Fades/A Program Once Scorned

What are your thoughts on these things?

In my area, it is cheaper to purchase highly processed foods that fresh produce, and our food cupboards’ ‘fresh’ produce is not so fresh. When the produce is not so fresh, it has less (if any) nutrients left in it. It should also be noted that, with all of the chemical use, regular food is not really healthy. Organic foods are far healthier, giving the customer many more nutrients and safer food. How does a family of two make this system work on $214.00 a month in SNAP Benefits, and no other money left for food?

Shannon

SNAP Has Resources You Will Find Helpful

Still researching the SNAP and other nutrition programs. I wanted to pass along a link to the resource site so that everyone can look for useful information.

Maybe we can get our food budgets in order for the holiday season.

Do you have any resources that will be helpful to us? If so, please share them.

Shannon

Dear Frugal Diary 11/29/2009

It was nice to take some time off. Monday, Zowie skipped school and I skipped work to go see New Moon. We went to the matinée to save a few bucks, thought the movies is not frugal. We went out to lunch first. It was a nice day.

Then I was sick for days, and did not get to make blog posts at all. I was feeling better on Thanksgiving, and my sister and nephew came to eat with us. It was a pretty frugal meal, with the basics. Nothing real fancy. The visit was great just the same.

I am finally starting to earn a bit more money from my writing. I am happy with my freelance writing career accomplishments this far. Before long, I should be able to pay all the bills off.

It was hard being out of work most of the year. There is no savings left on my part, and I have had to visit the food cupboard more than I was hoping. I only receive so much in SNAP benefits, and MaineCare.

I hope everyone is doing well.

Shannon

10 Steps to Help Fill Your Grocery Bag Through SNAP

10 Steps to Help Fill Your Grocery Bag Through SNAP is an article that I found while investigating the SNAP program today. This program has replaced the FoodStamp program.

The article explains how to go about getting the benefits offered, helping you to purchase more food for your family. It also leads you to the SNAP site.

Some states have made it possible to apply online.

Shannon

 

Food Stamp Use Rises

With the economy as it is, many more people are using foodstamps than a few years back. These food dollars can be very helpful. Below, you will find a link to an article about a family who eats using foodstamps. This family apparently gets the maximum for each family member. Many of us do not, so are unable to pull this off completely with foodstamps. We need to supplement with cash, and many utilize food cupboards and soup kitchens as well.

The main problem that I see with the menu is that more fresh fruits and vegetable need to be added for optimal health, though this is a hard one due to costs.

This family does very well. Read their story here: http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/25/food-stamp-use-is-skyrocketing-how-one-family-puts-food-on-the/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl3|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walletpop.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F11%2F25%2Ffood-stamp-use-is-skyrocketing-how-one-family-puts-food-on-the%2F

Shannon

USDA Thrifty Food Plan

The USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan has four levels. For my daughter and I, the levels calculate to:

                   Thrifty Plan    Low-Cost Plan    Moderate Cost Plan    Liberal Plan

Zowie        $35.70             $44.20                   $53.20                            $65.40

Me                 35.50                44.70                      54.90                               70.40

________________________________________________________

Totals       $87.00            $88.90                   $108.10                        $135.80

Where do we fall on the FoodStamp Scale?

$213.00 per month for the two of us =

$2,566.00 per year for the two of us =

$49.35 per week for the two of us to eat on

I obviously do not get enough to count for the Thrifty Food Plan. I use a lot of methods to stretch those food dollars, though, including visiting a local food cupboard once in a while.

I do not receive TANF, so the rest of my income is earned by myself. I do not have much cash for food, but can sometimes come up with an extra $5.00 or so a month. This is helpful as well.

Food prices continue to rise in my area, which is pretty scary for those of us on tight budgets, I have to keep cutting things out of our food budget to make ends meet. This is getting increasingly difficult.

Here are the methods that I am incorporating to survive:

1. I visit Crossroads Ministries, a local food cupboard, once a month or so. Sometimes I go every week, depending on the situation. The produce is not fresh, but I incorporate freezing methods so that things do not go to waste. I get a free jar of peanut butter their each month, though it is a small jar. They used to give out so much food that it would last all week and we had plenty. Now, with so many people needing help, the food is more limited. Obviously still helpful.
2. Coupons. In reality, I rarely use these. My mother sends me the coupon section of the newspaper and I cut out anything that we would like. I use them mainly on sale items. For instance: Pasta sides on sale for a dollar with a .25 coupon per pouch saves quite a bit, with a total cost of .75 per pouch plus tax. We do not eat these often, as we prefer healthier pastas.
3. The Dollar Store often has pastas, soups, cereals, crackers and condiments, as well as other good deals. Be aware that sizes can be smaller, making many items less of a deal. I do what I can at these places.
4. I combine fresh and canned fruits and vegetables. Fresh is the best, but I simply cannot afford to eat them most days. I do not eat frozen vegetables. Ever.
5. Free food from friends and family. These items do not come often, but we appreciate them when they do. On the flip side, we had an overabundance of potatoes this past month. I was able to give a 5 pound bag of them to a friend in need.
6. I bake from scratch often.
7. I use the slowcooker often during the winter, using the cheapest cuts of meat.
8. We often have days when we do not eat meat at all.
9. I have a very small pantry where I can stock what sale items I do find.

Share your purchasing plan with us. Let us know what your reality looks like compared to the USDA Thrifty Food Plan.

Shannon

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) used to be called the FoodStamp program. With this program, recipients use an EBT card to purchase food items. The card is much like a Debit Card, but different types of funds can be put on it.

The site says that “SNAP helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health. You apply for benefits by completing a State application form. Benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM card and accepted at most grocery stores.”

I hope that you all find the information on the site helpful.

Shannon

America’s Second Harvest/Feeding America

America’s Second Harvest is now being called Feeding America. I was visitng the site to day in order to do research for an article, and was very impressed.

Read real stories, learn how prevailant hunger really is in the United States and much more. Find out how to get help or donate.

Shannon

Helpful New Jersey Programs for Seniors

If you visit the Helpful Programs Across the US page on this site, you will see a new link for seniors in New Jersey. The information provided will be very helpful to all seniors in that state.

 

Shannon

More Seniors Needing Food

2.3 million households had seniors who did not have enough to eat in 2008. Seniors are more vulnerable than younger people, in that they become ill more and may not have the ability to earn extra income for food.

This means that more and more are using free food programs. I am thankful that these programs are available for their use.

I believe that a great way to help out our senior community is for people to begin inviting a senior to a home cooked meal once a week or once a month. Also, make sure that they are aware of all of the food supplemental programs in their area. Perhaps offer to give them a ride to the food cupboard. Frugal Recipes is a great place to go for recipes that will be helpful.

What ideas do you have for helping seniors in your area?

Shannon