Finally...some good news!

[Dreamstalker]

I just got approved for foodstamps, FINALLY (as a family, we got denied a few years ago and I've been applying on my own for almost a year). The amount I'll be getting is a fair bit more than the both of us spend on household food per month, but it doesn't seem that I'll be able to get cash from the card to help with utility payments (while not absolutely necessary, it would be a very helpful way to use up any extra of which I'm sure I will have).

Of course, this comes at a time when farmers' markets are winding down...most markets in Boston give a 50% discount if you're using foodstamps (part of the reason I was hoping to get approved before July). Oh well, at least I got it.

[Pixilated]

Mark that on your calendar, LOL! Glad to hear you got some help ... anything that helps lessen the pressure is a good thing.

[Akasa]

It will definitely help.

[Seshat]

This may seem a bit 'cheat-ish', but how would you feel about donating excess food to a charity that desperately needs it?

As in, with food stamps that are about to expire & you have plenty of food in your personal cupboards, buy good-inexpensive food and drop it off at (local well-run food charity of your choice).

[Dreamstalker]

Ooh, that's a good idea, especially with winter/the holidays coming up. If we can't use it for anything other than food (and mom hates stockpiling stuff)...the church she works for has a food pantry and they're always in need of something.

[Jester]

The amount I'll be getting is a fair bit more than the both of us spend on household food per month...

I know you said your mom doesn't like stockpiling, but if there is any chance you are going to be in you current economic situation for a while, the extra amount could be used to stock up on non-perishables, such as pastas, spices, oils, canned goods, etc. Just a thought.

[taxguykarl]

Jester has a point there. Consider adding lentils and other dry beans to the list.

[TheSHAD0W]

The amount I'll be getting is a fair bit more than the both of us spend on household food per month... it would be a very helpful way to use up any extra of which I'm sure I will have).

Because of the way foodstamps are restricted, you may wind up spending a bit more money-wise than you are expecting. Don't make any donation promises yet.

[Dreamstalker]

I want to say that I think I know most of the food restrictions...now having said that they'll change things again The brochure really is not as helpful as it claims to be. I promise I'll be a far more polite foodstamp customer than most in my area...having been on the other end of countless said transactions and hissyfits I have a better idea than some of how the process works (rule one: carry another form of payment just in case).

Mom is trying to stick to the "Low FODMAP" diet, and legumes are out (anyone have any good bean-substitution ideas for chili?). There is a co-op across the river that carries the grains that she can have (millet, quinoa, etc) and they have a bulk section so said items are cheaper than my store.

[ADeMartino]

Dreamstalker, I'm glad you got the help you needed. Your heart is in the right place for wanting to donate excess to charity, but think of yourself and your family first. I second what the others have said about building up some extra on non-perishables. If I've learned anything about dealing with public assistance, it's that it can change on a moment's notice, and having a stockpile can really come in handy if that happens. And be prepared for changes. My own state had just instituted wide and drastic changes because frankly, my state is broke. And I'm hearing about similar crises in other states as well. If you still want to donate to charity, I suggest you split the difference - some to the stockpile, some to the charities.

[Tama]

Definitely do the stockup. Buy, say, a 20 lb bag of rice every two months or every month, ramen, and so forth.

[Jester]

Mom is trying to stick to the "Low FODMAP" diet, and legumes are out (anyone have any good bean-substitution ideas for chili?).

I do. Don't use beans!

Of course, if you're looking for a chili without beans OR meat, I can't help, as the only meatless chilis I've ever made were a black bean chili and a seafood and white bean chili.

[Dreamstalker]

One thing we need to do is go through the nonperishables we already have and clean/organize things; I was going to invest in some canisters for storing rice/beans/etc (the building does have mice, and the stray rice/lentil grains in the cabinets from past infestations will not help matters when they decide to return).

I know assistance won't cover kitty essentials, but we can handle the food/litter costs (the dental work he needs in November, on the other paw...oy). The MSPCA has a medical assistance fund that we can apply for so we plan to do that.

[Tama]

You could always get a few cans of tuna to supplement the cat's diet a few days a month, half a can a day or so. I think you're supposed to get it in water because the oil makes them sick.

[Seshat]

as the only meatless chilis I've ever made were a black bean chili and a seafood and white bean chili.

Seafood IS meat.