What I Realized When I Finally Decided to Sign Up for Food Stamps

[xchrom]

http://www.alternet.org/hard-times-usa/what-i-realized-when-i-finally-decided-sign-food-stamps



I have previously written how three days before my 60th birthday I came to a decision that I once considered unthinkable. On that day, I gathered up my financial information, took my book, entered the Social Services office in Waterbury, Connecticut, and asked if there was someone I could see to obtain some assistance. I pretty much already knew for what I was eligible, and had known for the past year, but since I was self employed I needed help to complete the forms that are designed for those on an hourly pay. I needed to talk to someone.

The receptionist behind the glass partition took my name and social security number and directed me to the waiting room informing me someone would call me. I had gotten there at around 11:30 a.m. and took the last of the available seats, opened my book and steeled myself for a long wait.

There were over 50 people in the waiting room. Mothers with children some with infants, middle age couples, young men and woman by themselves, some in work clothing -- guard uniforms, medical scrubs, fast food outfits, business suit or tie. This was not what I had expected.

The Social Services department is directly on a bus route and not located in the best part of town. I am ashamed to say that I expected to find the unemployable or the lazy or the addicted or handicapped. I expected something different, something else. I expected to be surrounded by... by "them."

[brer cat]

1. Excellent OP, xchrom.

There are many good points made, but I would especially like to lift this one:

"Knowing that an essential need has been met by having the SNAP benefits has allowed me to better concentrate on re-building my business, to make better decisions and not constantly worry. The relief from that alone cannot be overstated. " My daughter and her children were on food stamps and Medicaid for a while and she has expressed this same feeling. She had to count every penny, but knowing there would be food in the pantry and medicine when needed took off a lot of pressure.

Thanks for sharing.

[xchrom]

2. ...

[Squinch]

3. I am saving this to pass on when I hear people talk about "them."

[reformist2]

4. Capitalism doesn't work for average Americans. We need partial redistribution, on a regular basis.

This nitpicky process of having to qualify for food stamps, then energy assistance, it's so unnecessary. The truth is, everyone who isn't in the top 10% needs money - give it to them! And then impose price controls on the necessary things like rent so the extra money doesn't get sucked away by the landlords and the banks.

[Skittles]

5. I wish every g.d. republican would read these stories

they really, really need to stop assuming and stop judging