Kristie Johnson+FollowThe exact moment I realized I'm no longer "Middle Class." A breakdown of my depressing grocery trip.I took the "100 Dollar Challenge" today at Walmart. The goal was simple: Feed a family of four for a week. Healthy meals. No junk. I failed. I failed miserably. I grabbed the basics: Ground beef (the cheap kind), milk, eggs, bread, a bag of apples, some chicken thighs, rice, and frozen veggies. When the cashier rang it up and said "$112.50," I felt that hot flush of embarrassment on my neck. I had to make a choice. I put back the bag of apples ($7?!) and the box of cereal for the kids. We are two working adults with degrees. We shouldn't have to choose between fresh fruit and breakfast cereal. Look at this photo. This pile of food used to cost $60 three years ago. Now, $100 doesn't even fill the bottom of the cart. How are you guys surviving? Are you cutting out meat? skipping meals? Make it make sense. #InflationReality #GroceryPrices #CostOfLivingCrisis #MiddleClassStruggle #Economy #WalmartHaul #FedUp7295Share
Cody Richardson+FollowI’m on SNAP but I Pay Taxes — Why Don’t I “Deserve” Good Food?People think anyone on SNAP is a “leech.” But I pay taxes every month. I work full-time at a gas station. I contribute. My only crime is not earning enough. Last week I tried to buy a $12 piece of fish. A man behind me snickered, “Buying fish with government money? Shameful.” I froze. I almost put the fish back. But then I asked myself: I work. I pay taxes. I try my best. Why shouldn’t I eat something decent? SNAP isn’t perfect, but respect should be basic.** #ShowUsTheBill #SNAPStigma #PovertyShaming #CostOfLivingCrisis59141Share
