Found this blog about Snap Benefits

[KelseyH]

Originally Posted by My Sweet Blessings for the bottom line, it makes no difference to the program. $300 shelled out is still going to be $300 shelled out.

I don't think this is necessarily true. I don't know a ton about the ins and outs and requirements of these programs, but if these recipients are also receiving subsidized health care then $300 shelled out is NOT $300 shelled out if it is spent on foods that will ultimately make the recipient sick/overweight/chronically ill. If that is the case, tax payers have to also absorb the cost of their irresponsible choices in increased taxes to pay for their healthcare.

[Joluru]

Many of those on SNAP are employed. To take a class on couponing or food budgeting (which they may not need), they'd need to take time off of their paying job, pay for transportation to the class. For someone making little enough to qualify for SNAP, that presents a real financial hardship, and may be enough to get them fired from a low-wage job.

[MommyZ of 2]

I have a question about using coupons and SNAP. I think it charges you to use them sometimes, and I'm not sure why? Here's my scenario: General Mills cereals were on sale for $1.99/ box at ShopRite, and I bought 3. I used $.50 off coupons for each box that were doubled to $1.00, so $.99 for each box, or $2.97. Then, when you purchase 3 boxes, they give you a store coupon for free milk up to $3.99. When I went back to use my free milk coupon (2% at $3.79)I only got milk and bread, and with my SNAP card, I had to pay $.07. Can anyone explain this to me? I still made out ahead with free milk and cereal, but why did I have to pay for using the coupon?

[JeDeeLenae]

Originally Posted by My Sweet Blessings I just don't see it the way you do. There are requirements in place in order to continue to receive the benefits. You have to either have employment, be able to show you are actively trying for employment and I am pretty sure there are some classes you have to take in regards to jobs. i remembering seeing that somewhere about the classes. You can offer budgeting classes, couponing classes, ect, (and i think that would be great) but you can't force someone to implement what is being taught. What if the people are limited to where they can shop? What if the food costs are high at that particular place? I remember seeing a special on tv and one woman stuck a cord with me. She was the mother of 2 kids. she had no transportation and was limited where she could go. She walked everywhere. The closest store to her had limited items and tehy were on teh expensive side. there were no real healthy options. she is not along in these struggles. there are so many variables into each situation and what they have available to them. ultimately, it's up to them. for the bottom line, it makes no difference to the program. $300 shelled out is still going to be $300 shelled out.

This is very true. Many people may not realize this, but if you go into the inner cities, the not so nice areas, there aren't a bunch of grocery stores. You see "corner stores" a lot and the food is expensive. But, your other option, if you don't have transportation, is to take the bus. I'd love to see someone take the bus with their regular load of groceries. And remember to bring your own cart that usually carries about 2-3 bags, right? Don't forget the kids you have in tow. It very quickly becomes a bigger deal than we think. So, people spend more on less because that is what they have access too.

I'm very happy school started because my kids school serves breakfast and lunch for free (to ALL kids). They also have a free after school snack. So that allowed my $338 monthly budget to stretch even further. But, I just got a letter saying my "benefits" have increased. $389!!! Woot! Not bad for a family of 5. I go to pantries and get food from neighbors that are moving or emptying their pantries to help stretch it further. Unfortunately WIC doesn't cover what my son likes to eat... he doesn't like purees or baby cereal, but that's what they cover for him in addition to his formula. And since my DD has allergies, they cut out her eggs and peanut butter and she gets $6 fresh foods and veggies, 72 oz cereal, 16 ozs whole grains, and I think that's it. But, it covers her soy milk too, and my son's formula which is $117/mo! So, I keep going.

Anyway, my point is that everybody is going to have a different story. What's easy for some isn't easy for others. What's helping some, isn't helping others. What some can do with their SNAP benefits, others just can't for whatever reason. To me, coupons are a joke, it takes more time and energy to save a few bucks than it's worth when I look at what I'm buying.

[Joluru]

Originally Posted by MommyZ of 2 I have a question about using coupons and SNAP. I think it charges you to use them sometimes, and I'm not sure why? Here's my scenario: General Mills cereals were on sale for $1.99/ box at ShopRite, and I bought 3. I used $.50 off coupons for each box that were doubled to $1.00, so $.99 for each box, or $2.97. Then, when you purchase 3 boxes, they give you a store coupon for free milk up to $3.99. When I went back to use my free milk coupon (2% at $3.79)I only got milk and bread, and with my SNAP card, I had to pay $.07. Can anyone explain this to me? I still made out ahead with free milk and cereal, but why did I have to pay for using the coupon?

Tax? Bottle deposit? Should not be because of the coupon.

[Joluru]

Originally Posted by JeDeeLenae Unfortunately WIC doesn't cover what my son likes to eat... he doesn't like purees or baby cereal, but that's what they cover for him in addition to his formula.

Add the purees to soups, muffins, pancakes, smoothies, etc. The baby cereal can be made into muffins, too.

[JeDeeLenae]

Originally Posted by Joluru Add the purees to soups, muffins, pancakes, smoothies, etc. The baby cereal can be made into muffins, too.

I know, but we don't eat much of that stuff. I like making muffins, but then it's just buying extra non-essential stuff, and I try to avoid that. I just don't get what I don't think he'll eat. I've got about 15 jars left that he wants nothing to do with. We had pizza tonight (Found a 2 pack of fresh pizzas for $3.29!!!) and he bites the pizza. He is not interested in pureed peas. He doesn't even like the apples either. That's about $30 every month that doesn't get used that I would love to have go toward fresh fruits and veggies. He loves fruit and veggies!!

[smores]

Originally Posted by MommyZ of 2 I have a question about using coupons and SNAP. I think it charges you to use them sometimes, and I'm not sure why? Here's my scenario: General Mills cereals were on sale for $1.99/ box at ShopRite, and I bought 3. I used $.50 off coupons for each box that were doubled to $1.00, so $.99 for each box, or $2.97. Then, when you purchase 3 boxes, they give you a store coupon for free milk up to $3.99. When I went back to use my free milk coupon (2% at $3.79)I only got milk and bread, and with my SNAP card, I had to pay $.07. Can anyone explain this to me? I still made out ahead with free milk and cereal, but why did I have to pay for using the coupon?

What's the tax on food there? It looks like it could have been a 2% tax... If you had to pay the .07 out of pocket (is that right? I could be confused, it's late) then it's probably that the SNAP card can't be charged for tax on an item that it didn't pay for.

[smores]

Originally Posted by JeDeeLenae I know, but we don't eat much of that stuff. I like making muffins, but then it's just buying extra non-essential stuff, and I try to avoid that. I just don't get what I don't think he'll eat. I've got about 15 jars left that he wants nothing to do with. We had pizza tonight (Found a 2 pack of fresh pizzas for $3.29!!!) and he bites the pizza. He is not interested in pureed peas. He doesn't even like the apples either. That's about $30 every month that doesn't get used that I would love to have go toward fresh fruits and veggies. He loves fruit and veggies!!

Use the purees as "jam" on bread, or make them into popsicles. My DD decided a while ago she was done with purees, but I used mine up like that. Try the chunkier ones, too?

[Joluru]

Originally Posted by JeDeeLenae I know, but we don't eat much of that stuff. I like making muffins, but then it's just buying extra non-essential stuff, and I try to avoid that. I just don't get what I don't think he'll eat. I've got about 15 jars left that he wants nothing to do with. We had pizza tonight (Found a 2 pack of fresh pizzas for $3.29!!!) and he bites the pizza. He is not interested in pureed peas. He doesn't even like the apples either. That's about $30 every month that doesn't get used that I would love to have go toward fresh fruits and veggies. He loves fruit and veggies!!

How about mixing them into tomato sauce for pizza or pasta? My older kids like the baby applesauce, pears, peaches, and apple cherry. I mixed them into yogurt for everyone, too.