A benefit to our week has been talking about the Food Stamp budget with other people. When we get together with people or join in a meal together (like the amazing pancake breakfast we didn't count in our weekly total) we share our experience with those around us.
They, of course, ask how much we are supposed to live on. "$31.50? A day or a week?"
Then they join in the puzzle - how would you make $31.50 stretch 7 days? You can see the wheels in their heads turning as they price out their favorite meals and try to think of what basic foods they could live on.
A friend asked if we would count food that we had grown or hunted. I replied that probably food you produced yourself wouldn't count toward the $31.50, prompting a further discussion on how much of his yard he would turn over to vegetables.
We both agreed that growing food takes a sizable yard and a significant time commitment. Some people on food stamps can get access to these things, most cannot.
When you don't have money, life becomes more complicated. From getting around to waiting in line, there is a lot of time wasted. Just a simple task of putting together ingredients for a meal can be a significant challenge.
I used to look forward to a nice warm meal at the end of a busy day. Now, I look forward to other things - like a good book and a glass of water...