Federal ShutDown: In A SNAP Meals

Food stamp recipients to get February benefits early because of federal government shutdown.
In North Carolina, there are more than 650,000 households receiving food stamps under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Recipients are being told to budget the money and plan ahead because if the government shutdown isn’t resolved soon, officials say there may not be any money for SNAP benefits in March.

SEE Flyer HERE

Last week one of my friends sent me a flyer from her office. It stated that our benefits would be posted early (January 20) and that it will need to last through the end of February because of the government shutdown.
This shutdown is also putting federal employees in North Carolina out of work – everyone is hurting.

“Starving people is not going to suddenly make people eligible for jobs,” Berkowitz said. “It’s only just going to succeed in starving people.” –
director of the S.C. Appleseed Legal Justice Center, said Trump unfairly circumvented the desires of Congress.

Here’s where I am with this: No parent that gives a rats behind is gonna watch their child starve. I fear that ALL types of hell is about to break loose. I have a contract with Family Dollar stores and it amazes me how bold shoplifters are right now. Old and young- are stealing diapers, candy, Tylenol, and underwear. If you think they will not be load the cart with bread, milk and toilet tissue; and walking out – keep sleeping.

I plan on using the skills I’ve been learning and teaching at the YMCA; Urban horticulture and STEAM. Bartering is also an option. This is the time to really see how much I believe my on words. Earlier today, I decided to share my families menu. Our meals are made for 6-10 people per night. We use produce from our garden garden and cook a lot in our crock pots. If we can inspire more families to stretch their food dollars, I’m all for that. If you have any to share, please drop them below as well! Until
President Trump and members of Congress work together to resolve the shutdown quickly and responsibly we are in this together!

“When we think about Mecklenburg County alone, we’re talking about approximately 60,000 households that receive food and nutrition services so we want them to know what’s happening,” Men Tchaas Ari from the Mecklenburg County Adult and Economic Services said.  If you have questions about your benefits, please call the EBT Call Center at 1-888-622-7328.

Urban Horticulture in The QC.

Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man To Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime

– author unknown

It’s been a minute huh? Ok, here’s a very fast  update. I’m on the Bulb’s advisory board! (Yaaaay Me!) And I’m also now a certified in CPR for youth and adults.

For the last 6 weeks, home-schooled students across Charlotte from 3 years old to 16 have been learning how to grow food in small spaces. These kids were from very diverse walks of life.  I taught Urban Horticulture and the focus of the class was self sufficiency.

Each class was taught in a age appropriate group using engaging strategies to encourage creativity and exploration.  The students face literally lit up with our weekly gardening adventures.

So far we have successfully learned how to make:

• Seed Bombs
• Hydroponic Plants
• Mini Greenhouse
• Raised Bed Gardening

The biggest take home for these students were

 

For me, it was verification that parenting greatly reflects a garden.

We all begin as seeds. The better you tend to it the seeds, the better it grows, and the more fruitful it will be. To do the opposite is perilous. Too many weeds and wild animals will destroy it.

Disclosure—> I am not a master gardener or carry any degree in the science of horticulture. I am just a mom that believes in self sufficiency and have learned so much from local master gardeners and lots of trial and error with my little guys in tow.