More In My Basket outreach shows how $16/month can make a difference

By MoreFood
Q&A

Cooperative Extension agents in 55 North Carolina (NC) counties are providing outreach on Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits – the NC name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.  Participants attending these events are amazed at how even $16 in benefits (the minimum amount for one and two person households) can make a huge difference in the quality and quantity of foods purchased.

If you received $16 in FNS benefits, and chose to spend about $4 of it each week, you could add these extra foods to your table:

  • Week 1 – elbow macaroni, canned peas, Cream of Chicken soup, and canned tuna which could be mixed together to make a hearty casserole
  •  Week 2 – ground turkey (one pound) for several turkey burgers or perhaps part of a meaty spaghetti sauce
  •  Week 3 – pork chops (one pound) for grilling, sautéing or baking
  •  Week 4 – eggs and cheese for breakfast omelets or sandwiches

… and with the left-over change, one or two bananas (thanks to Sergeant Killjoy (Flickr) for the home-page banana photo)

Is it worth the effort to apply for FNS benefits if you might only get $16?  We think so.  If you’re currently receiving FNS/SNAP benefits of $16 (or less) share with us how you’ve made a difference at your kitchen table.

Click on the related $16 image below to enlarge: