My family income level dropped quite a bit since my husband passed away. My job as a public school reading teacher doesn't help make up for that loss of income much, of course. My income is just a tad over the limit to receive government assistance, so I decided to let my insecurities go and make a trip to the local food bank.

I wasn't hoping to receive food to help my dietary needs, since I don't eat that much. It was more to help fill my son's never ending stomach. Getting milk, eggs, and bread for free was actually my purpose in going this one time.

Let me begin by saying that everyone there was extremely friendly and the process was quite easy. The place was packed and it was over an hour wait, which I didn't mind. Most of the people waiting were mothers with many small rowdy children. I'm quite aware of the stereotype correlating poor people with obesity. Looking around at the very overweight moms and kids, I could see why others might make that assumption.

When they called my name to get my food, I was ecstatic about the number of bags of food they were bringing to my car. I only have one kid and he is quite spoiled. His only comment about getting free food was: "It better be doughnuts and pizza because I hardly ever get that anymore." I told him not to count on it, but it ended up I was wrong.

Here is a list of foods that were contained in the five bags and four boxes:

7 Kings Size Peanut Butter Twix Candy Bars

7 Bags of mini-Butterfinger pieces

3 bags of mini Reese's cups

2 six count boxes of Crispy Crème doughnuts

1 bag of 48 unbaked chocolate chip Cookies

1 bottle of light corn syrup

1 bottle of dark corn syrup

1 canister of salt

1 bag of frozen Black pepper seasoned French fries

1 bag of frozen Barbecue flavored French fries

3 boxes of cereal: chocolate crispies, honey bunches of oats

Baked goods: chocolate muffins, marble cake, pound cake, waffles, chocolate covered brownies, lemon streusel cakes, long loaf of French bread, 6 birthday cupcakes, red velvet cake

3 large unbaked pepporoni pizza's from Wal-Mart

Little Debbie Snacks (zebra cakes, moon pies)

2 large canisters of Wrigley's gum

10 cans of raviolis

2 boxes of saltines

1 box of wheat thins

1 box with 12 small canisters of cheese its

7 small snack bags of teddy grahams

box of Kashi granola bars

box of peanut butter/chocolate power bars

canned goods: green Beans, peanut butter, cranberry sauce, creamed corn, mixed vegetables

box of 6 angus beef burgers

deer sausage

banana popsicles

chocolate fudge pops

4 rolls of TP

paper towels

box of spaghetti noodles

3 boxes of hamburger helper

bag of frozen cranberries

pancake mix

cornmeal mix

1 canister of chocolate milk powder

3 boxes of pink lemonade cake mixes

2 boxes of muffin mix (blueberry/cornbread)

1 quart of whole milk

6 large eggs

I'm not going to complain about this food. In fact, I am happy that I got what I hoped, which was the bread, eggs, and milk. I've already given much of the baked goods away because my son doesn't need it. We have enough income to buy healthier food in place of it. But what about the families who don't? I keep thinking about those mothers at the pantry with all their small children. They must HAVE to eat all this food, including the junk because they have no choice. This makes me sad. However, I am thankful that at least they have something to fill their stomach.

My neighbor did inform me that not all pantries give out the same kind of food. Some pantries actually have fresh produce donated by the farmers market. I'll actually have to keep this in mind in case we get into a rut again. My salary has gone up this school year and I've started my own after school tutoring service, so I think we are going to be financially set for awhile. Once we get ahead, I plan on donating some healthy food to the same food bank I just visited.

Edited August 11, 201510 yr by WL WARRIOR

Yes, there is such an unfortunate link between poverty and obesity. This is a very extreme example!

JamieLogical, you asked why there’s so much junk: probably because it’s basically cheaper and easier than healthier foods. The processed (and usually unhealthy) food is definitely way easier on a food pantry – they can stock up on Little Debbie’s snack cakes when people bring them without worrying about matching up the timing of supply (donations) and demand (distribution to the needy).

And that stuff is pretty cheap…is a box of snack cakes still under $2? And unfortunately, healthier options are often more expensive – usually whole grain foods are more expensive than refined (like white bread).

I have to say, though, I am surprised there aren’t ALSO healthy options in addition to all that sugar! When I packed bags in a food pantry, we also gave out (in addition to Cereal and pasta) tuna and Peanut Butter and canned vegetables. Oh, now I see you got veggies and PB. Well, that is definitely quite a haul!

Elode – THANK YOU for donating fruits and vegetables! That’s wonderful.

Hello all -

I would also offer a suggestion to WLS Warrior or anyone else who finds themselves in a similar circumstance. The Latter Day Saints have food pantries that non-members are welcome to shop at as well. They always have staples like dried Beans - a good Protein, vegetables, dried non-fat milk that is good for shakes, and other non-perishable items like vegetables, and fruit.

I am certainly not suggesting this is the only option, but many are not aware that the LDS church has this available to non-members. It is a safe option with healthy foods available. If you look for the Storehouse or google LDS food pantries, this will come up. Also the prices are very reasonable and you can order things too. Just a thought. I am happy about your after school venture and am happy that your income is increasing too! Thank you for raising this topic too, because I know people do not give thought to socio-economic status and food choices like they should.

Best wishes to you!

Edited August 17, 201510 yr by kimby1029

Several years ago I found myself in a similar situation. I was single and without work and the day I took $5 to the store and myself and my kids bread and ramen noodles so we could eat I swallowed my pride and applied for government assistance. The day we got our card to purchase food we went straight to the store to pick up food and have s picnic. We bought a roasted chicken, potatoe salad and a loaf of bread. When I got to the counter they said that the chicken and potatoes didn't qualify because they were pre-prepared but we could get cokes and candy bars. Made no sense to me. Luckily we made it through that rough time and really learned to appreciate the things we had and our ability to eat.

My sister just got approved for food stamps ($100/month) because her family is struggling. This was so surprising to me since her and her husband own two businesses that I thought were thriving. Although its great that she got some assistance, $100 does not go very far for her family of four.

I'm using some of the suggestions posted in response to this topic to help her find a food pantry in town that gives out more nutritious food. We found a church that gives out fresh produce once a month, so that is hopeful.

I was with her yesterday when she used her EBT card at Wal-Mart for the first time. The rules regarding what she can buy with her card are somewhat surprising. Like the previous poster mentioned, she couldn't purchase any ready made food, however, the two bottles of muscle milk were covered. I don't know if EBT covers any other Protein supplements or drinks, but I'm glad they cover some brands for those that can't afford it.

The whole idea of not buying prepared foods is just so mind boggling. I have talked to some formerly homeless people and that is a real challenge. The whole assumption that everyone has access to refrigeration and kitchen facilities really needs to be revisited. Actually, our whole approach to meeting basic needs is insane.

It depends on what the readymade food is labeled as, because I've used my Ebt. Card to buy refrigerated dinners from the deli section of the supermarket.

If you cannot cook for yourself as a food stamps recipients you may be allowed restaurant meals. Hot foods at the market or hot meals where the cards are accepted fall into this category.

The application does a poor job of explaining eating out and restaurants. Applicants read the question as literally dining out. They answer no because it is not affordable given they need assistance. Their ability fix hot meals is not discuss. As a result, many disabled recipients live on cold meals when they qualify for hot foods.

It depends on what the readymade food is labeled as, because I've used my Ebt. Card to buy refrigerated dinners from the deli section of the supermarket.

I also think these rules vary by state.

Our local food bank has lots of baked goods, but breads and rolls not too many sugary things. Our oldest son volunteered there. They have lots of fresh produce from local growers when in season.

When I saw this topic of poverty and weight loss, I thought of my daughter who wants so bad to have surgery, but is finding it very, very difficult to run the line of red tape with public assistance.

There is not way she can work right now, not to mention if she could no one would hire her when she is 5'3" and over 300 pounds.

She gets food assistance, but you hit the nail on the head it is food bank shopping and she has gotten packages like you mentioned. And in stores many times it is easier and cheaper to buy packaged dishes than buying ingredients and making fresh. Sad, sad state.

Our local food bank has lots of baked goods, but breads and rolls not too many sugary things. Our oldest son volunteered there. They have lots of fresh produce from local growers when in season.

When I saw this topic of poverty and weight loss, I thought of my daughter who wants so bad to have surgery, but is finding it very, very difficult to run the line of red tape with public assistance.

There is not way she can work right now, not to mention if she could no one would hire her when she is 5'3" and over 300 pounds.

She gets food assistance, but you hit the nail on the head it is food bank shopping and she has gotten packages like you mentioned. And in stores many times it is easier and cheaper to buy packaged dishes than buying ingredients and making fresh. Sad, sad state.

If your daughter can't work, have her contact your state's vocational rehab office. Since I am on disability retirementI was able to go through voc rehab and the paid for my surgery. Their goal is to help people get back to work. It is certainly worth exploring.

i want to chime in on this . both me and my husband work part time. we earn about 600 collectively a month and we get food stamps we were getting 120 a month. now we get 76. we have a bjs member ship. (think costco or sams) the amount we get per month is enough to buy 2 gallons of milk 10 pounds of chicken 1 package of morning star farms burgers 2 dosson eggs beans and ground turkey and bottled water. the rest of the month we scrape by

Eat sugar, hungry an hour later.. eat more sugar/carbs, hungry an hour later.. a never ending saga.. the kids will eat through that so fast.. and everyone will wonder why they are so heavy.