'You open the fridge - nothing': renewed threat of US hunger as Trump seeks to cut food aid

[mucholderthandirt]

11. SNAP doesn't pay for alcohol or cigarettes, some food things not allowed.

Income, size of family, ages, where the people live (each state is different), if single no family, all counted.

I grew up with the empty fridge, the bare cabinets. Got free lunch (no breakfasts done back then), government "help", which sometimes meant just free cheese, powdered milk, sometime food stamps. They were in books of tickets, for varying amounts. You had to keep up a running balance so you got as close to an even amount as possible. There was only a small amount of cash given back, maybe a few cents, but if it was a few cents over you had to pay out of pocket.

People openly shamed you for having food stamps, or free lunches. Teachers would make fun of our clothes, or lack of school supplies. In those days, they wouldn't spend their own money for any. People would laugh at you for what your parents did for work, or how much they made, it was acceptable.