Starting to notice cracks

@sallypup (66421)
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.
7 people like this
7 responses
@jstory07 (146186)
• Roseburg, Oregon
9h
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
@LadyDuck (485587)
• Italy
9h
Powered milk is also a good idea. I have to buy also for us, just in case I run out of fresh milk.
4 people like this
@sallypup (66421)
• Centralia, Washington
Just now
@jstory07 and @LadyDuck Powdered milk is a great idea. I wish it wasn't so expensive.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (485587)
• Italy
9h
Here in Italy we usually donate pasta, coffee, canned meat and beans, cookies and chocolate bars for the kids. All things that can be easily stored and keep for a long time.
3 people like this
@jstory07 (146186)
• Roseburg, Oregon
9h
Canned beans are always good.
3 people like this
@LadyDuck (485587)
• Italy
9h
@jstory07 I agree, you just open the can and heat and you can make a meal of that.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (104668)
• United States
9h
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.
3 people like this
@sallypup (66421)
• Centralia, Washington
Just now
@AmbiePam Sweet you and your thoughtful answers. I am sorry about that bread. I don't think the canned veggies will hurt you. You give me good ideas and I appreciate it.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (160192)
• United States
5h
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.
2 people like this
@sallypup (66421)
• Centralia, Washington
Just now
@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.
@JudyEv (364640)
• Rockingham, Australia
8h
There are some good ideas in the responses. It's hard to know what to do for the best when it comes to charities.
3 people like this
@LindaOHio (204075)
• United States
4h
Judy has a lot of good suggestions. Canned tuna is always good or canned chicken to make chicken salad.
3 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (123929)
• Marion, Ohio
3h
Judy gave some great ideas. I like the women's products and add in baby supplies too.
2 people like this