Ramen noodles $1.79 1.79/6
Eggs $1.20
Cereal $0.99
Macaroni noodles $0.89
Bread $0.99
2 jars pizza sauce $2.00
Peanut butter $1.79
Ground beef $1.69 $1.69#
Jelly $1.25
Ricotta cheese $1.79
Mozzarella cheese $1.79
1 gallon milk $1.87
Coffee $3.00
Spaghetti noodles $0.99
Grapes $0.99
Blueberries $2.00
Strawberries $2.00
TOTAL: $26.03
I went into the SNAP Experience thinking it would be an “easy week” since it was just me. “I can eat off $29.00 for the week no problem” is what I kept thinking. Boy was I wrong!
On day 2 of the SNAP Experience I forgot to take my meat out to defrost so I ate pasta with butter and garlic salt and 2 strawberries. My 2 year old son (who was not participating in the SNAP Experience) wanted one of my strawberries. I kept trying to give him other things but he did not want them, he only wanted MY strawberry. I was tired, crabby and hungry. Duke was crying for my strawberry so I gave it to him. I can’t imagine having to give up my food on a regular basis to make sure my child gets to eat. In reality, this happens nightly.
I ran out of coffee on Friday and food on Saturday! I was going to go shopping on Sunday with an additional $12 that could be used to supplement my budget but I didn’t have time to plan the grocery shopping trip and gave up.
Living on $29 a week for food is no bueno! This has been a real eye opener and I can’t imagine having to do this every week, especially with Duke.
-Susan
Snap Experience 