"Just Barely Gettin' By"

I asked my neighbor who receives SNAP (food stamps - in our state it's called a Bridge Card) to record what he buys with his food stamps - just as a point of comparison. He says he's just getting by and is grateful for the assistance he gets every month ($63 in food benefits). He's unemployed and has been for the past six years after injuring his back at work. His monthly food budget is $100. I compiled the list below from his grocery receipts.

My neighbor doesn't drive and here in Detroit it's difficult to find a lot of fresh produce year round. But I think he's done a great job of tracking down some good things to eat and trying to keep his diet balanced.

My neighbor spent $100.41 for a month's worth of food.

canned soup - 10 large cans	$17.40
chicken hot dogs - 12	$1.99
turkey hot dogs - 12	$1.99
canned baked beans - 10	$10.00
hot dog buns - 2 packs	$4.00
frozen peas	$1.69
frozen carrots and peas	$1.69
frozen green beans	$1.69
frozen carrots crinkle cut	$1.69
frozen broccoli	$1.69
frozen corn	$1.69
frozen lima beans	$1.69
spaghetti sauce - 10	$9.90
lactaid milk - 2 cartons	$4.98
collard greens - 2 bunches	$3.88
onions - bag	$3.99
frozen potatoes	$2.59
canned stew	$2.00
spaghetti - 10	$10.00
garlic salt	$1.29
sandwich bread - 4 loaves	$9.00
cooking oil - small bottle	$3.59
grape jelly - small jar	$0.99
faygo cola	$0.99