I had my first experience with foodstamps (EBT) yesterday. I got my card a few days ago. Apart from the three hours of wait time, it was remarkably easy to get approved: “Do you have any income?” No. “Are you on Unemployment?” No. “Do you support any other members of your household?” No. “Ok, wait in the lobby and someone will call your name and give you your Oregon Trail card.” Thanks. $177.00 a month, from the government.
The hardest part was the walk up to the grocery store. I don’t consider myself a prideful person but I felt like I was too good for this. I felt like a thief or a con man – getting this free food with no work prospects on the horizon. I didn’t think I would ever need this assistance. It’s been about six months since I last had a job. And I’ve been looking, diligently. But I still feel like state services aren’t meant for educated, affluent people like me. I expected the cashier to give me dirty looks when I told her I was going to use “E.B.T.” She didn’t. I think this kind of thing is happening a lot these days.
