August 8, 2010
A recent Boston Globe article highlighted the record numbers of Americans eligible and receiving food stamp or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. While the general public may think that SNAP recipients are living in the lap of luxury, wasting food assistance funds on prime rib and premium ice cream, the truth is that many receiving benefits get very little - how about $10-$15 a month? That's the common benefit for seniors, folks. Picking your jaw up off the floor yet?
Even as a food bank employee, I used to think that $10-$15 of monthly SNAP benefits could only last for 2 boxes of brand name cereal. That was before I discovered couponing. Tomorrow, I plan to show just how far you can stretch $15 at a regular grocery store.