Starting to notice cracks
@sallypup (67768)
Centralia, Washington
October 23, 2025 1:01am CST
I'm starting to notice folks on social media talking about food stamps not being handed out next month. I hope that is a vicious rumor that is totally bogus. Hope.....
My husband and I plan to give some items to the local food bank this winter. Okay. But give what?? Last year when hubby went to church that church gave him food that they said just sat and nobody wanted. Good food like dried lentils and yellow split peas. Food that we eat and did eat. So if we give with our own money, what will be appreciated and used?? We don't feel that canned Spaghetios is a good use of our money. Will people eat canned tuna? I have thought about shelf stable milk. Hubby suggested women's products like tampons cause they are so expensive and the women could put the saved money into groceries. I'm still scratching my head over this. Don't want to sound mean. Just want the more benefit for our buck since we can only give so much- and others like our local animal rescue group- need help, too.
16 people like this
14 responses
@AmbiePam (111434)
• United States
23 Oct
As one who recently went to a food bank, they do have a lot of things like canned spaghetti, which was snatched up, but cans of vegetables were too. Breads, cereals (surprisingly not sugary cereals), meat they would freeze (although not all food banks take refrigerated or frozen goods) and shelf stable yogurts (they do exist) went fast. They also had toilet paper, and yes, women’s goods (you might want to check first they take them so you don’t waste your money), plus bottled water, and shelf stable juice. Dried fruits are big too (good for salads).
At one of the food banks I went to, they do go into how to make nutritious meals so the food banks are trying to discourage reaching for the canned spaghetti. Unfortunately, that canned spaghetti lasts so long.
I also thank you for buying new food. My bread was moldy, and my canned veggies were 16 months old. But that was just one food bank. The other was nice.
4 people like this
@jstory07 (147237)
• Roseburg, Oregon
23 Oct
Canned tuna, peanut butter and jelly. Canned vegetables, canned fruit. Any kind of pasta. Spaghetti sauce. Boxed macaroni and cheese. Canned juice and bread products.
I helped at a food bank and that was what people picked up. And powered milk or milk in a carton.
I hope that does not happen there are a lot of people that get food stamps that need them.
4 people like this
@DaddyEvil (166503)
• United States
23 Oct
That isn't a rumor, it's a fact. Pretty and I were informed that our SNAP benefits wouldn't be available for November. We were also told that our Section 8 payment would be made for November so we're fine that way.
Luckily, we've been buying things that are shelf stable like pasta, canned meats and vegetables, powdered milk (I can't use that but Pretty can.), dried veggies, canned fruits, nuts, jerky, peanut butter, jelly, onions, potatoes, flour (for those who know how to cook), juices, toilet paper...
If you're buying to donate, don't forget diapers and baby foods...
We can/will go though our cabinets and see what we can give to the different food charities here. I find it hard to believe that SNAP benefits aren't funded for longer than one month at a time, especially when our government is so chaotic right now. I'm worried about other families around us.
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (166503)
• United States
23 Oct
@sallypup Thanks but we'll be fine... 
I think it depends on what part of Missouri you were in.
I think it depends on what part of Missouri you were in.1 person likes this
@sallypup (67768)
• Centralia, Washington
23 Oct
@DaddyEvil Dear Gawd. Walmart is going to be in trouble, too. That store relies on SNAP. I'm glad you have food and supplies. That time I visited my Mom in Missouri, really woke me up. So much poverty. Get ahold of me if you feel you and your daughter are in food trouble. I will help.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (212218)
• United States
23 Oct
Judy has a lot of good suggestions. Canned tuna is always good or canned chicken to make chicken salad.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (167485)
• United States
23 Oct
Hubby is right about shelf stable milk. I have seen posts from food banks that say basically some of these meal kits need milk, or they are no good to recipients. Like mac and cheese, or scalloped potatoes, or even instant potatoes. I cannot think of what else, unless maybe powdered eggs if you find them. Our local food bank gets eggs that are close dated from the store and they get eggs from farmers, but need egg cartons to divide them up. I know we eat lentils and beans but not everyone does. Canned tuna, canned chicken are pretty healthy. Little extras like salt and pepper. Muffin mixes, but again, need some eggs, milk and oil possibly. So oil might be good. Sadly, it is not a rumor. Local agencies here are scrambling, because pantries are already getting low. Also no commodities for seniors this month. Nuts are nutritious and filling.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (67768)
• Centralia, Washington
23 Oct
@GardenGerty Wow. Just freaky. You are right about nuts for protein. I bought two pounds of walnuts and from time to time use them for our main supper protein. I have made a very tasty cooked lentil, mushroom and walnut patty. The semi ground walnuts lend a texture similar to ground beef to the patty. That's great that your area has access to eggs. I've made deviled eggs paired with rice for supper many times. You can substitute many things to use instead of mayo in the deviled egg mix.
@snowy22315 (202064)
• United States
23 Oct
I think Judy S. gave you some good ideas. Spkit peas and dried lentils are cheap and can be bought for a pittance, but not everyone knows how to use them or likes them.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (67768)
• Centralia, Washington
23 Oct
@snowy22315 Thanks. I wish more folks would start eating split peas and lentils. It made me sad when we were given those from the church because no needy people would use them. Lentils and split peas are easy if you can boil water.
@LeaPea2417 (39391)
• Toccoa, Georgia
23 Oct
If the Government Shut Down continues , people who depend on SNAP, won't be getting it starting next month. I was shocked when I read that. It is totally unacceptable!
1 person likes this
@sallypup (67768)
• Centralia, Washington
23 Oct
@LeaPea2417 I agree with you. There is going to be more violence.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (128715)
• Marion, Ohio
23 Oct
Judy gave some great ideas. I like the women's products and add in baby supplies too.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (93540)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 Oct
I have what I have and nothing to share but at least I manage to get my with the food I have,
1 person likes this
@sallypup (67768)
• Centralia, Washington
23 Oct
@RasmaSandra I hope you will continue to be okay.
1 person likes this
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (16868)
• Torrington, Connecticut
23 Oct
The SNAP & EBT benefits funds will dry up soon
1 person likes this
@sallypup (67768)
• Centralia, Washington
23 Oct
@Baconstripsxxx That worries me. Our country is going to further fall apart if it happens.
1 person likes this
