Living on SNAP (Food Stamps): Part One

The news barrages us with headlines about how politicians are trying to cut spending. One of the government programs that has come under scrutiny is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, previously known as Food Stamps). SNAP provides temporary assistance to individuals and families in need of food assistance. Whenever I watch and read the news I can’t help but wonder who exactly is affected by these cuts, as well as how necessary and efficient the programs are.

I have heard many misconceptions from those around me regarding ideas of those who receive SNAP and the ease at which someone is able to obtain these benefits. This blog post series seeks to delve into a very small portion of those who currently receive or received SNAP in the past, and dispel many misconceptions and preconceived notions. By exploring these stories, and those affected, we are able to understand the purpose, benefits, drawbacks, and experiences of those who rely on this in order to feed themselves and their families.

A Few Facts:

As of May 27^th, 2011, 44,587,328 Americans received aid from SNAP. In North Carolina, 1,561,887 people receive SNAP. This is a 17% increase from March 2010, where 1,327,754 individuals and families received assistance. Without this aid, those who rely on SNAP may not be able to pay for other expenses, such as medication, utilities, and childcare.

My Background:

As an AmeriCorps*VISTA I am paid $820 a month and am not allowed to receive secondary income (hold another job). VISTA service is for one year, and we serve at nonprofits and faith based organizations. We are paid so little because the purpose of VISTA is to end poverty on a community level, and in doing so we should understand how people live in the communities we serve.

I am currently in my second year of VISTA service, having concluded a year in Washington (state) in 2009, and am about to conclude my second year, in North Carolina. I first applied for SNAP in Washington. I chose to apply because I was unable to pay my rent, car payments (I was required to have a car for my type of service), fuel, and food costs with the little income I received. At first, I received $60 a month in assistance, and by the end of my service term I received $90 a month. Unable to adequately feed myself on this amount, I also frequented the local food pantry for staples such as bread, eggs, cereal, and canned foods.

Exploration into the Lives of those Affected:

There are those in this country who receive less pay than I, have children to feed, and are struggling to pay their expenses while also feeding themselves. This series will hopefully give a glimpse into these peoples lives and how exactly SNAP helps those in our communities. The next article in this series consists of interviews with those who currently use food assistance, and have used food assistance in the past.



Written by:

Andriana Bicanin

AmeriCorps*VISTA
2010 - 2011

New Century IDA

IDA Success Story: Cheryl Ross, "A Wonderful Life is What You Make."

A wonderful life is whatever you make it. I grew up in public housing and lived on a low-income status all of my life. One Sunday morning I read a newspaper article about a woman with the same circumstances. I read about how the IDA program helped her to become a homeowner, and she said how happy and thankful she was to be able to become a homeowner. I filled out an application not feeling confident that it would work for me. I met some good people with the same circumstances as myself. I never felt lost or confused because a coach was just a call away. I have always been looking for something better for me and my three daughters. My oldest daughter is a college student at North Carolina State University, and the nine and fourteen year olds are looking forward to also attending college.

Upon acceptance into the IDA Program I found the economic literacy classes very helpful in getting me organized and preparing a budget. The instructors were very personal and helpful, and the coaches kept encouraging me. I am now a very proud homeowner with a three bedroom home with two full baths, cathedral ceilings, a deck, three acres for a backyard, walk in closets, gas logs, central air, and a two car garage. I will never have to move again because I have found what I have always wanted. My advice to everyone in the program or considering the program is don’t start looking for houses too early. However, watch your budget and cut out things you don’t need. Also try to save more than one thousand dollars for you will want to buy some things for your house when you move in. Please be patient, and use every resource that is available to you. Ask questions, this is your future. A wonderful life is what you make of it.

IDA Success Stories: Ms.T

Ms. T, a mother of three, was already enrolled in the IDA program when disaster struck. One afternoon she received a call that a fire had destroyed her apartment and all her belongings. To her get her family back in order, Ms. T was enrolled in the Self-Sufficiency Program through the Experiment in Self-Reliance. This program could assist with payment of utilities so she could focus on using her earned income for her IDA payment and rent. Ms. T was moved to another apartment and continued to work. Although the Self-Sufficiency Program was there to support her, Ms. T insisted on providing for her family with her own income.

Soon after her move, Ms. T lost her employment. Undaunted, she continued to search for an alternative. She was able to find employment cleaning homes, making just under $200 per month. Despite this hardship, she kept a positive attitude and continued to make her IDA deposit monthly. Ms. T was determined to find better employment, and applied for several jobs. After a number of interviews, she was offered and accepted a position with Bell South. With her increased income she was able to save above the $1,000 required by the IDA program.

After experiencing much heartache, Ms. T was able to achieve her dream on May 8^th, 2001. On that date, Ms T closed on her first house, and is looking forward to making it a home for her and her children.