11/04/2025
There’s a lot of noise right now about the government shutdown and who “deserves” help. So I wanted to share a story.
When I was 20, I was a single mom with a sick baby and a $600-a-month formula bill. I worked full-time, went to school full-time, and still couldn’t make it all stretch.
So yes—I was on WIC and SNAP. Not because I was lazy or irresponsible. Because I was doing everything I could, and it still wasn’t enough.
That’s the reality for so many people right now. The stereotype doesn’t fit most of us who’ve needed help—it’s just easier for people to judge than to imagine it could be them.
So as the holidays come up, let’s drop the judgment and pick up some compassion. Donate to your local food bank. Slip someone a grocery gift card. You never know whose story you’re softening 💜
You are not better than anyone for never needing help. You’re just in a different season.