Oh SNAP! Now What Do We Do?

If you are like me, you noticed the only thing making headlines this week is the fact that the federal government is not going to pay out for SNAP benefits. Every news station and “influencer” seem to make that the lead story every day.

Then, if you follow any of it on social media, there is the arguing over who should be allowed to receive these benefits, if anyone should at all. Everyone feels righteous in their belief, no matter which side of the SNAP argument they are on.

I’ve seen videos from people who feel they are entitled to have everyone else feed their families, admitting they don’t want to work for what they receive (although they are capable). There have been other videos of people ranting about how we wouldn’t be in this mess if people didn’t take advantage of the system in the first place.

But, I’ve also seen those who are stepping up in advance with solutions to offer for those who may be in need. People are offering to buy groceries for others. Some are offering to make meals, or meal kits to share with those who are in danger of going hungry.

People seem to forget that what the government gives, the government can take away. It doesn’t really matter what or who is paying for it. The government has the control. And even though the people SHOULD control the government, that was lost a long time ago.

Those who would scream at recipients to “get a job” don’t know the whole story. A lot of people have jobs that just can’t pay the bills. There are areas where appropriate jobs are not readily available. Some employers refuse to pay a living wage and it costs more to go to work that the employees can take home.

Then there are the people who are judging recipients by the fact that they have their nails done, their hair is dyed or they are wearing designer names. Some of these judgments may be justified, but we can’t know which ones. I personally helped a woman who had nothing get her hair done and tone up her look to help her feel better. Designer items can be purchased at thrift stores for reasonable prices. Not everyone who looks like they have money actually does. Also, not everyone who looks destitute is homeless and penniless either.

Yes, there are many people who are bilking the system and SHOULD get out and support themselves instead of leeching off of others. However, it is not up to US to decide who those people are. When someone may look able-bodied, the fact is that they may not actually BE able-bodied. We never know the true story behind anyone and what they live with.

So, we are at a crossroads today. Or perhaps we might consider it a warning sign. If you are dependent upon SNAP benefits from the government to eat, you may need to rethink your situation. I realize there are probably many who have no option. The meager income goes toward keeping the roof over their head and the heat in the stove. These are the people we need to help. But if there are other alternatives for you, it’s time to research and find them. Nobody can afford groceries anymore.

We need to take government out of the equation. Stop letting them control our lives. But, it means we all have to help each other. I have no doubt each of us knows someone or a few people who are in desperate situations through no fault of their own.

What can each of us do to help them? There are little things that won’t break those of us who can afford to buy some groceries. Buy in bulk and share the excess. If there is a buy one, get one sale, give the extra one away if you don’t need it. Invite someone over to dinner if you think they may be short on groceries.

For ourselves, we can rethink our own menus. What are some of the luxury items we can do without? How much cheaper would it be to make something from scratch than buy a prepared meal or even a kit? The purpose of food should be fuel for our bodies, not pleasure for our palate.

If you are the one who is going hungry, don’t be too proud to admit it. You wouldn’t be alone in your situation right now. There are others who are in the same boat. Let people know you could use a little help. Offer to exchange services for goods with friends. Perhaps you are able to do small household jobs in exchange for a hot meal. Do you have a hobby that can be used to barter for food and necessities.

There are a lot of politics that people want to bring into this discussion about SNAP, but I won’t have those discussions. For me, this is all about making sure the children and the disabled and the needy do not go hungry through no fault of their own. And I know it isn’t up to me to judge who is deserving. Each of us, if we aren’t already in need, is just one accident, one tragedy, one lost income away from being in the same shoes ourselves.