Doubting the Food Program...

[Brooksie]

You should really double check your insurance policy. My SIL is an agent and she said 99% of renter insurance policies cover food loss for appliance failures when the appliance is included in the rental unit.

I had called my agent. She assures me it isn't covered.

[Brooksie]

I'd put the breaks on the dog training, and any other extras for right now.

That'll give you the time and the funds to continue the food program, which will ultimately put some much needed additional income in your pocket.


The suggestions of getting help from county assistence programs and your local food banks are good ones too. That's exactly what they're there for, to help in temporary financial crunches.

The dog training has to happen. Its a liability factor. The food program does not. I have never provided food for the kids before, it is not essential for me to start it right now.

[Willow]

I'm sorry, but I'm starting to wonder why you continue to create posts asking questions, talking about how hard things are, and then you poo-poo every stitch of helpful advice given?

You asked if it's worth it. You got a resounding YES.

You tried oo convince everyone it wasn't, and why you can't, while everyone reassured you it was, and ways to reprioritize and get some help so that you can.

All poo-pooed.

I don't understand the point.

It really sounds like it's time to reprioritize and find new perspective. You're saying you're so bad off financially, to the point you're concerned about putting food on the table for yourselves. The birthdays, holidays and dog CAN wait. If you don't *want* to thats one thing, but don't say you can't because you most certainly can. You may be struggling to pay the bills but at least you can. You may be struggling with custody but your child is alive today. You're alive today. Your boyfriend HAS a job and so do you.

Stop counting your hardships and for heavens sake START COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS.

There are loads of people who would give anything to be in shoes as good as yours.

I can be the most sympathetic person on the planet because I've been there myself, but I struggle to support someone who has options and doesn't utilize them or refuses to acknowledge that their life is truly not that bad compared to millions and millions of other people.

You DO have options to improve your situation here. Whether you CHOOSE to or not is your prerogative.

[harperluu]

Buy generic. Except for produce and meat, nearly everything you can buy has a generic counterpart. I don't have time to coupon, so this is how our family saves money on food/cleaning supplies, etc.

The difference can be substantial. For instance, generic apple juice costs $1.79. Name brand is $2.59-2.89 for the same size bottle. You do have to watch the sizes and quantity on the packaging because it can be different, but in general I can feed my family of five and 8-10 daycare kids for $140/week. I usually have to buy bread and milk in between, but for me this strategy works.

[Brooksie]

I'm sorry, but I'm starting to wonder why you continue to create posts asking questions, talking about how hard things are, and then you poo-poo every stitch of helpful advice given?

You asked if it's worth it. You got a resounding YES.

You tried oo convince everyone it wasn't, and why you can't, while everyone reassured you it was, and ways to reprioritize and get some help so that you can.

All poo-pooed.

I don't understand the point.

It really sounds like it's time to reprioritize and find new perspective. You're saying you're so bad off financially, to the point you're concerned about putting food on the table for yourselves. The birthdays, holidays and dog CAN wait. If you don't *want* to thats one thing, but don't say you can't because you most certainly can. You may be struggling to pay the bills but at least you can. You may be struggling with custody but your child is alive today. You're alive today. Your boyfriend HAS a job and so do you.

Stop counting your hardships and for heavens sake START COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS.

There are loads of people who would give anything to be in shoes as good as yours.

I can be the most sympathetic person on the planet because I've been there myself, but I struggle to support someone who has options and doesn't utilize them or refuses to acknowledge that their life is truly not that bad compared to millions and millions of other people.

You DO have options to improve your situation here. Whether you CHOOSE to or not is your prerogative.

Yes, when I posted this I was doubting it and asked for opinions. That was also right before my fridge died AGAIN and I lost all the food I just restocked. Yes, it definitely seems like the program is worth it and its still something I'm interested in IN THE FUTURE. My priority is my family. Not my daycare families. They are more than capable of providing food right now, just as they have been and its just not something I need to stress over RIGHT NOW. I will, eventually, partake and use all the extremely helpful advice. But right now, its not for us. In the mean time, I WILL be counting my blessings and not adding extra stressors.. The way that I'm CHOOSING to improve my situation here is my cutting down things on my plate and stop over loading myself so that I CAN count my blessings and enjoy my life without being too stressed to see what I have. I understand it's easy but right NOW its not worth it to me. I will revisit it in the next few months after I start going back to school.

[Margarete]

You said earlier, that you are postponing it, but told your parents that you will still be starting it soon. So definitely consider exactly what you told them when you 'revisit it', and how soon you revisit it... starting school is not going to make it any easier, sounds like more will be on your plate soon. Take a little time during your boyfriends slow time to get familiar with the program, and get things organized. It will seem a lot easier once you get started... but starting will probably seem overwhelming again after you start school, are doing taxes, and your boyfriends business gets busy again (or it would for me anyway).

This is all just advise, and things to think about. You of course know your own personal situation and circumstances better then anyone (and how your parents would react). You set your priorities. Feel free to do with it what you like.
I just started the food program in August right before my 7 units started for the semester, and just after my husbands own slow time, but I did take something else off my plate I was planning on doing for the fall as well (I'm sure others would disagree with my priorities, but it was well thought out for me, my personal situation, and I think even better for the people directly affected). Good luck Brooksie!

[Provider_Manda]

It's different in MD, you do have to apply to be counted.

Same for Ohio, I am tier 1, but still cannot claim my son. It's work, but I think it is worth it.

[sharlan]

The bottom line is you have to do what works best for you.

[My3cents]

Every one packs. I've said it before in this post. Obviously if I were feeding them I would be on the food program.

It's not obvious, many people make the choice to not be on the food program that provide food. Sorry I missed it.

Don't get snippy with me when I am trying to offer you good advice. It's ok if you don't want to take it, everyone has to do what is best for them and I wish you nothing but the best- Take care of you so your stress is less~

lovethis

[Brooksie]

It's not obvious, many people make the choice to not be on the food program that provide food. Sorry I missed it.

Don't get snippy with me when I am trying to offer you good advice. It's ok if you don't want to take it, everyone has to do what is best for them and I wish you nothing but the best- Take care of you so your stress is less~

lovethis

I didn't mean to get snippy. I was starting to feel pressured and like I said I've been overwhelmed. Stress doesn't create appropriate responses (just as dbf ). Since making the decision and notifying my dcps, who all understood since they know all the things that have popped up financially and know about the loss of food, I've already felt relieved. Was able to enjoy the end of the week mostly stress free and focus on getting the things done we need to for us, not everyone else. Dbf has stepped up and is helping more and we switched our dog trainer who isn't so time demanding. Outlook looks good for the next few weeks. I do appreciate everyone's advice and I do plan on starting it up, my goal is in January.