#food benefits

[mr-rogers-blood-stained-sweater]

Probablly my third year in a row the snap benefits employee didnt show up for my recertification. They also do this when my caresource needs to be renewed. Our government DOES NOT reinvest its money into its people, they're too busy spending it all on bailing out AI tech company's and supplying Israel with bombs...

[this-is-not-a-slow-burn]

If you receive SNAP benefits (EBT food stamps) check to see if your state participates in the Double Up program. You can purchase twice as many fruits and vegetables! Basically buy one get one free.

This includes purchases at participating vendors at farmers markets in most areas, so you can buy local and benefit the community while also getting twice the amount of produce (the farmers are reimbursed, so they're not loosing out)

(Check this site for the exact details of the program in your state, as it does vary)

Don't forget that in the summer, households with school age children receive additional benefits to cover for not having school provided meals. This is a boon in the summer, paired with Double Up program. There are so many fruits and veggies that can be canned or frozen. (personally I go with freezing bc we have the space and canning is not fun in the summer)

List of states under the cut because it's long

Alabama (AL)

Alaska (AK)

Arizona (AZ)

Arkansas (AR)

California (CA)

Colorado (CO)

Connecticut (CT)

Delaware (DE)

District of Columbia (DC)

Florida (FL)

Georgia (GA)

Hawaii (HI)

Idaho (ID)

Illinois (IL)

Indiana (IN)

Iowa (IA)

Kansas (KS)

Kentucky (KY)

Louisiana (LA)

Maine (ME)

Maryland (MD)

Massachusetts (MA)

Michigan (MI)

Minnesota (MN)

Mississippi (MS)

Missouri (MO)

Montana (MT)

Nebraska (NE)

Nevada (NV)

New Hampshire (NH)

New Jersey (NJ)

New Mexico (NM)

New York (NY)

North Carolina (NC)

North Dakota (ND)

Ohio (OH)

Oklahoma (OK)

Oregon (OR)

Pennsylvania (PA)

Rhode Island (RI)

South Carolina (SC)

South Dakota (SD)

Tennessee (TN)

Texas (TX)

Utah (UT)

Vermont (VT)

Virginia (VA)

Washington (WA)

West Virginia (WV)

Wisconsin (WI)

Wyoming (WY)

[discoverybody]

What Are The Best Foods For Eye Health

Maintaining excellent eye health is critical in today's digital age, and including the appropriate items in our diet can dramatically improve our eye health and reduce our risk of visual diseases. Understanding the significance of eye health and implementing proactive actions might help avoid or postpone the onset of age-related eye diseases.

Some frequent eye health problems include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eyes. By include the correct items in our diets, we can help avoid or manage these illnesses.

Vitamin A, C, E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are all critical minerals for good eye health. Vitamin A promotes retinal health and avoids night blindness. Vitamin C defends the eyes against the harmful effects of sunshine and aging. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents oxidative stress and age-related damage. Zinc promotes the production of melanin, a pigment that defends against UV radiation. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, are important for eye health since they comprise a large amount of the retina.

[ivanpavlov]

I hate communists. Lenin tried to bribe me to stay in Russia by promising food benefits to me during a period of starvation. I said, not if you won't give those benefits to each one of my collaborators!

[digiknow]

[ausetkmt]

SNAP benefits returning to pre-COVID amounts in February

The extra food assistance benefits put into place during the COVID-19 pandemic will end nationwide in February, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.

The big picture: After almost three years, the amount of aid provided to low-income families to combat food insecurity through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will return to pre-pandemic levels.

The emergency allotments allowed SNAP households to receive an additional $95 or more in monthly benefits.

Details: The emergency allotments have already ended in 17 states, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wyoming.

In South Carolina, the emergency allotments will expire after the January payment is issued.

For the remaining 32 states, plus Washington, D.C., Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the extra funding will end with the March benefit.

By the numbers: More than 41 million Americans used SNAP benefits in 2022, USDA data shows.

Zoom in: The change will undoubtedly impact many Americans, including in Oklahoma, one of the states where the supplemental benefits are set to expire.

"We know that these increased benefits have been important to so many Oklahomans over the last three years and that this change will impact some SNAP users harder than others, particularly our senior and disabled neighbors," Chris Bernard, president/CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma, said per The Hill.

"Undoubtedly, this will create an increased demand on our charitable organizations across the state and an increased need for Oklahomans to support their local food pantries and food banks."

Go deeper: Iowa lawmakers back off severely restricting SNAP eligible foods

[feckcops]

Joe Biden Is Shrinking the Welfare State

“By the estimates of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 15 million people are going to lose their health insurance over the next few months, including 5.3 million kids. Worse, based on historical trends, 6.8 million of those people will lose their Medicaid coverage in spite of still being eligible for it simply because of bureaucratic trifles ...

“The effects of the declaration’s end will go well beyond this, affecting working people’s ability to get free tests, vaccines, and affordable treatment for the virus. It also means the end of extra food stamps, another generous program set to continue as long as the emergency exists and a vital lifeline for working people struggling to keep up with grocery bills in the face of inflation ...

“From a practical and moral standpoint, this is obviously a travesty. But it’s also a needless own goal for the president, putting an already deeply unpopular Biden in the position of running for reelection in a year’s time with millions of people losing their health insurance — and his potential Republican opponent being able to boast he’d been the one to extend it to them in the first place. More than that, it makes a mockery of his frequent public statements insisting that his administration will ‘continue to fight for racial justice,’ since, as the HHS, acknowledges, 15 percent of those who are about to lose their coverage as a result of his decision are black and one-third are Latino ...

“If the idea is that Americans are now tired of thinking and caring about the pandemic, making supporting any COVID-related policies politically toxic, then this is the wrong way to go about unwinding those. Americans didn’t hate that the pandemic response included protecting them from being kicked out of their homes by greedy landlords, getting financial support for the government while they were unemployed, or having health insurance and a variety of other health care needs guaranteed.”

[beyondthebloodsugar]

My Fasting Experience: Low Blood Sugar Moments and How I Handled Them

Fasting can be a tricky journey. At times, it feels like walking a tightrope. It’s not just about skipping meals; it’s about tuning into what your body is saying. I started my fasting experience hoping for clarity and health. Little did I know, I'd face some surprising low blood sugar moments that shook me up! Here’s how I navigated through the bumps and found my footing.

Understanding the Ups and Downs of Fasting

Fasting often feels like an adventure. You think you’re on solid ground, but then—bam! Your blood sugar drops. Moments like these can feel alarming. Suddenly, you're weak, dizzy, or even lightheaded. It left me wondering: How did I get here?

When you fast, your body is running on empty fuel. It’s like trying to drive a car on fumes. Eventually, you hit a wall. This happened to me on several occasions. I realized that understanding my body’s signals was key to managing those low points.

Recognizing the Signs of Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar can sneak up on you. At first, it might just feel like a little fatigue. The next thing you know, you're staring at your feet, wishing the ground would steady itself. I started recognizing my signs: the shaky hands, the foggy brain, and that annoying little sweat on my forehead.

Each of these signs was a warning bell. It’s like my body was sending me a text message saying, "Hey, pay attention!" The trick was learning to listen and react before things got serious.

Quick Fixes to Raise Blood Sugar Levels

When low blood sugar hit, I needed solutions fast. I learned to keep a stash of easy snacks nearby. Something as simple as a piece of fruit or a bite of granola could make a world of difference. It was like pulling a parachute cord when free-falling. Instant relief!

I kept small packets of honey in my bag. They’re tasty, easy to carry, and bring up my sugar levels quickly. It’s amazing how a little sweetness can turn your day around!

Planning My Meals to Avoid Low Moments

Planning became crucial in my fasting routine. I started mapping out my meals, making sure I had enough nutrients to fuel my body. Eating wholesome meals before starting a fast was like filling my gas tank to full before a long trip. I wanted to avoid running out of fuel halfway.

I learned the importance of including proteins, fats, and fiber. These kept me feeling full longer and helped maintain steady blood sugar levels. It’s all about building a foundation that can handle the ups and downs.

Finding Balance Through Fasting

Fasting is all about balance. There were days when I hit those low points, but they were also days filled with learning. Each experience taught me more about my body and its signals.

It’s not just about the act of fasting itself; it’s about how to balance your body’s needs with your goals. I found that adjusting my approach and listening closely helped me handle those low blood sugar moments better.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

My fasting experience was filled with highs and lows. The low blood sugar moments were unexpected challenges, but also valuable lessons. I learned to listen, prepare, and react. Instead of fearing these moments, I embraced them as part of the journey.

So, if you’re thinking about fasting, keep in mind that it’s a personal adventure. You may face your own struggles, but with a little preparation and awareness, you'll find your way. Fasting isn’t just about food—it's about understanding your body and embracing the experience!

[backpackingspace]

I am once again thinking about how odysseus who witnessed the horrors that the captured women went through (one of his main duties in the iliad was taking the women back home and making sure they were as comfortable as possible and safe because he was the only one trusted not to violate them further due to his devotion to penelope. And in the odyssey part of the reason circe sent him to the underworld was so that he'd have to listen to all these women's stories (before he could talk to the prophet) ). Who was one of the few that saw women as people and respected their space and opinions. And was then put in those exact same situations. I don't have the motivation right now to do a full literary analysis of this (I'll site the sources too) but oh man one day I'm going to write a full essay on this.

[game-on-comics]

Hello fellow French Miis! What are the things you like to do in France? 🇫🇷

[is-the-owl-video-cute]

So anyway you repeatedly say we only feel corn husks and similar inedible parts to cattle but Never add a source to back it up. Having worked on farms I’m afraid for the most part the feeds I’ve seen have been parts entirely edible to humans. And like fuck man 5% of all grown soy is fed to humans or however the stat goes, do you really think the remaining 95% is inedible? really?

Anyway yeah I’m asking for a source here cause I don’t want to add this on to months old post

Ingredients such as “grain by-products” are referring to the husks, stalks, and other “green” parts of the plant that we humans don’t actually have the digestive capabilities to eat. The breakdown of most livestock feeds looks like the above when you actually take a look at it.

Different cattle feed, similar ingredients. Still primarily things that, and I have to stress this, you cannot eat. This one is slightly higher in quality and does indeed have actual grain products included. Some of those are edible to humans. Some are not. Generally cattle are fed cattle cubes with supplemental mineral licks and hay. Some also supplement with whole corn, but I can gladly assure you that corn is not in short supply and even if all the corn sold to animal feed was donated to the poor, you can’t actually live off of corn because there’s very little nutrition in it. Hence why in both human and animal food it’s typically seen as a filler ingredient. Keeps the mouth busy with a meal without making your stomach feel full and you end up eating more without feeling satisfied.

Soybeans are really only often used in feed for pigs because they’re a great source of protein for these animals. I would state that soy is also a terrible option to use as an emergency food for humans in need because while, yes, it is indeed a healthy bean, it’s also one of the top eight foods that humans are frequently allergic or intolerant towards. I’d also ask you for whether your 5% of all grown soy statistic is referring to the beans or the entire plant because yeah the beans are the edible part. The rest of the plant isn't especially healthy for humans to eat. I would say the beans are around 5% of a mature soy plant sure.

[discoverybody]

What Foods Help with Stem Cell Production

Our bodies can be revitalized and healed with the help of stem cells. Our body produces fewer stem cells as we become older, which limits our capacity for regeneration. Nonetheless, there are natural methods that can assist boost the generation of stem cells and extend life and general health.

In order to encourage the development and function of stem cells, diet is important. Sulforaphane, a substance found in some foods like cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli, has been demonstrated to promote stem cell self-renewal and enhance the health of brain stem cells. Heart health can be enhanced by omega-3 fatty acids, which are present in fatty fish like salmon and can stimulate stem cells to differentiate into vascular cells. Fruits high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, have been shown to mend cellular damage and lower oxidative stress, while nuts and seeds offer the vital lipids and proteins required for stem cell upkeep and regeneration.

By adding turmeric and ginger to our diets, we can prevent harm to stem cells and encourage neurogenesis and activation. Polyphenol-rich mushrooms, such shiitake and maitake, help detoxify the liver, which is essential for the health of stem cells.

[eggtrolls]

I’m not going to pile on to the ‘everything hurts and I’m dying’ posts right now because I simply do not find it useful or productive. But here is the only thing that made me feel even an iota better today.

The food pantry where I volunteer is typically closed the weekend after Thanksgiving/Christmas, after we do our regular turkey drive. the holidays run up our costs and we’re getting an 18,000 dollar budget cut since a grant is ending and isn’t being renewed. We’re cutting costs wherever we can.

In the midst of trying not to drown myself at a beach during low tide, I got an email from the pantry coordinator. He said that “one of our neighbours” had made a donation and it was enough to cover the additional cost of the pantry being open for a holiday weekend, so now we will be able to serve clients for the weekend after Thanksgiving. On a given week, we serve around 400 households (last week it was 443). thanks to the actions of one person, 400 families will have food in their homes that they otherwise wouldn’t.

You and I are also one person.

[kebriones]

We just don't have enough men with long hair we need more of them

[fuckyeahmarxismleninism]

An estimated 31 million Americans have now been thrown off what’s been called “the hunger cliff.”

Those drastic cuts have food banks bracing for impact, and some grocery executives celebrating. On a late February earnings call of Grocery Outlet, a discount supermarket chain that relies on SNAP for a high percentage of its sales, the company’s chief financial officer cheered the coming reductions. “In many ways,” he told investors, it “is good for our model as those benefits decline.”

“It does put more pressure on those consumers, and they come to us to stretch their dollar,” he said of the impending cuts.

[3-aem]

It's sweet that your cat likes their food 'homemade' (hand fed) <3

this is a lovely way of putting it bc im pretty sure he thinks we are two separate entities and im just not doing my job as an auto wet food feeder.