Devistating slash to food benefits

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I'm devistated...
Since Coronavirus hit, they started giving people two food stamp payments a month here in Michigan, one the regular amount, then later a second payment 1-2 weeks later. The second payment I was getting was significant.

I changed my diet and added healthier but more expensive foods, and that is what I got earlier this month...

But checking the amount of my second check that I'll get, instead of about $100 dollars, it's only going to be $19 dollars!

It's either a mistake, or we got lied to about the amount of food stamps.

I left a message for my caseworker, but of course he won't be in until Monday...

If I get only $19 dollars I'm in trouble... 19 packs of ramen noodles?

Hope it was just an error on their part, Ang. How long is it till you start the new job?

I found a FB group where several people are posting the same issue. They are giving Three payments this month, the regular one, the max allotment and the third is the 15percent recently passed increase of their regular benefits... Some people are getting the small 15percent payment first, causing people to panic...

Oh, in that case, let’s think positively that the $19 second payment will be corrected. In the event that it’s not an error, they should be keeping you informed of what to expect, otherwise, many people will be in the same boat with no forewarning of a change in payment. You might have a case for compensation, considering no prior warning was given ... just a thought. Otherwise, no choice other than putting this down to experience, in which case things could be difficult for a bit. Hopefully, all will be okay though.

Actually I looked up info about a Michigan program called double up food bucks... I used that program before at farmers markets, but you can do it at certain grocery stores too... Basically for every $1 you spend on fresh fruit and veggies, the next time you shop you can get the same dollar amount of fresh fruits and veggies for free... Up to $50/day matched

A local grocery store of mine participates if you have a store card and I do... I don't buy much there (except sushi lol) because another store near me is cheaper, but this program would make it worth it for sure buying fruits and veggies there!! !

Found this on website of CBS station in Detroit, does it describe the situation?
Or at least what the situation is intended to be?

Food Assistance Recipients Will See Additional Benefits By End Of January

Feel free to take advantage of any food pantries in your area. I just donated a large chunk of my stimulus check to our local food pantry because I am comfortable (not rich, but steady income) and there are people in much worse situation. I hope you get the benefit straightened out though.

Sounds like it all got sorted out and that was the bonus amount vs a reduced amount.

Just chiming in to say No! Don’t buy 19 packs of ramen. There’s about zero nutritional value in ramen noodles & a fair amount of unhealthy stuff.

Buy things like oatmeal and brown rice, a jar of natural peanut butter. Very basic ingredients to cook meals from will provide a lot more nutrition than heat & eat convenience foods.

Also, whether outdoors or inside in old food containers - plant seeds! Grow food on your window sills! Doesn’t take much to grow carrots & potatoes etc. Lettuce, radishes, beans, peas, whatever will grow.

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