Last week, my daughter’s surgery was smooth and complication free. We only stayed in the hospital one day and were able to come back to Charlotte early, so I didn’t have to pay for another week in a hotel. I realized unemployment extensions are processed quickly and you do still get the $600 federal payment with your extension. Today, I received my last $600 payment now that the program has officially ended and I’ll only be receiving $90 a week unless the program is extended, my furlough ends and my job resumes, or I just let that job go and seek out employment elsewhere.
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When I first moved out of the house with my children’s father, I wasn’t working. I’d been home taking care of the kids and, being a single mother, it was hard finding someone to watch them on my weeks. I did end up getting a part time job working at the child watch portion of a gym; the pay was garbage, but I could take the kids with me when I was working. My parents took me grocery shopping every few weeks but not wanting to burden them, I trepidatiously got Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or, better known by it’s acronym, SNAP. The trepidation was due to the shame surrounding food stamps and how they’re portrayed in the media, but I wasn’t making much, so I got them to feed my children and myself. With my job still furloughed and unemployment dwindling down, I recently got them again.
The Process
It was actually pretty simple and easier than when I went the first time. I completed the form online with all of my information and awaited a call from a case worker. I received said call exactly 10 days later asking for copies of my most recent paychecks, rent and utility bills, and a copy of my unemployment ruling. Once those items were received, I received a ruling and my allotted amount was transferred onto an ebt card to be used at the grocery store or anywhere SNAP benefits are accepted. It took 14 days in total from the time I applied to the day I received the funds to be able to grocery shop.
Why We Have to Leave the Stigma Behind
Some people simply love to label other people. Regularly. Like it’s their 9 to 5 that they’re getting a steady paycheck from. If you “look like a bum” and you’re using an ebt card, you’re lazy. If you have an iPhone, or any other pricey accessory, you’re obviously a thief scamming the system and all the hardworking taxpayers like them. The judgement is real and those people can really all take several seats to the left.
The truth is, those people don’t know your life or your pockets. Some of them are so busy trying to keep up with the Jones and Kardashians, they’re a paycheck or two away from needing the same food assistance but they likely won’t get it due to the same shame they’re trying to push off onto others they see using it. When it comes to feeding your family, your kids, you really can’t be worried about what other people are thinking because that kind of logic will have you starving. The benefits of SNAP far outweigh the negative thoughts of otherwise.
What Are the Benefits of SNAP
For starters, warding off starvation. No, I wasn’t on the verge of starving as evident by the weight I’ve gained during the pandemic, but I didn’t want to feel like I was at that point either.
Creating space for other bills. While I do have money in savings, utilizing SNAP will ensure I’m not choosing between other utilities, rent, or something for the kids. While talking about things for the kids, it also doesn’t mean I’m cheating the system if I decide to treat the kids to DoorDash instead of cooking one night.
Not having to compromise on food. There’s this misconception that people using SNAP benefits are out there buying up all the junk and processed foods but this simply isn’t the case in many situations. The first grocery trip I took with my card was to the same places I always go to when I’m paying with money from my paycheck – the farmer’s market, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s. I didn’t suddenly have a Supermarket Sweeps type moment where I grabbed all the junk food in sight.
Ultimately, for me, my food budget basically went out the window as it became harder and harder to maintain once school went from being in a brick and mortar location all kids go to, to being e-learning. It meant I was going from providing 3 full meals on the weekends, and only dinner during the week, to providing 3 full meals and snacks everyday, 7 days a week. That’s a lot of groceries and a lot of money – I needed help and the benefits of SNAP were definitely outweighing any negative thoughts people may have as I whip out my card to pay for that organic produce with the occasional pint of Jeni’s Sorbet Frose.
Have you found yourself weighing the pros and cons of SNAP during the pandemic?
Spent this week
Groceries: $112.28
Hulu Live with 1/2 priced Showtime subscription: $64.18
