Food insecurity continues to be a problem for millions of Americans across the country. This problem was made even worse by the COVID-19 pandemic that shuttered many businesses’ doors. Thankfully, there are wonderful people in the world like this man. He heard a mom in the grocery store tell her daughters they can’t afford to eat, so he stepped in and bought the food for them.
Man Buys Family Who Can’t Afford To Eat Groceries
After working two 14-hour shifts, Bear Taliferro Jr. stopped by his local Walmart to pick up some food for dinner. That’s when he noticed a woman crying in the next check-out line. Her daughter asked her what was wrong, and through her tears, the mother responded: “We can’t afford to eat tonight”.
“A person behind her gave her a couple dollars and she bought her daughter a Kids Cuisine TV dinner. I told her to grab what she wants, I’ll pay for it.” Taliferro explained.
He went on to explain that he almost never goes to that Walmart, but he believes that sometimes God just puts you in the right place at the right time.
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Praise For Being A Good Person
He received an outpouring online of praise and others telling similar stories about people who helped them when they were in need.
“I’ve had this happen to me also, about 11 years ago. My son was a baby and I was pregnant with my daughter. We were running low on money one week. When I went to pay for my food with quarters, the woman who rang me up took out her card and bought our food for me. I couldn’t stop myself from crying. Now I help whenever I can, especially at the grocery store. It’s not our place to judge someone else’s struggle; do unto others,” wrote one woman.
“It’s very thoughtful. I was in [a similar] situation when I didn’t have the right date wic checks to get my baby her formula, so I was going leave it [and] come back the next day with the right date checks, and this lady behind me decided to pay for all of the cans of baby milk I had at the register. I asked for her number and address to give her her money back, and she said not to worry about it; its her gift. This was 10 years ago, so I always try to be a good person to others when I can,” wrote another.
Taliferro Jr’s story, and others like it, remind us that whenever possible, we should help others. What might seem like a small act for you can make a huge difference in someone else’s life.
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Food Insecurity In America
According to data released by the Census Bureau, one in four Americans experienced food insecurity – meaning that they can’t afford to eat – over the last year. This problem is even worse in non-white communities. There are a host of political and inequality problems that need to be addressed in order to solve this problem. In the meantime, however, what can people who can’t afford to eat do?
SNAP Benefits
The first thing you should do is apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). You may be eligible depending on which state you live in and your income level. From there, you will receive a notification stating what you are eligible for and for how long. If you still need assistance at the end of that period, you will likely have to re-apply.
WIC Benefits
This is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). There are four levels of criteria that you must meet in order to be eligible. One bonus is that the income level for these benefits is a bit higher. Try using their prescreening tool before making an appointment at your local office.
The Free Summer Lunch Program
This is a no-cost lunch program that allows students to have lunch for free. It was extended into the summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is also a program that goes throughout the school year.
Find A Local Food Bank Or Pantry
Feeding America is the United States’ largest hunger-relief organization. You can search their database to find a local food bank or pantry near you. Other options include:
If you can, donate to these organizations or volunteer your time to help. The more people who join the effort, the fewer hungry people, children, and families there will be in the United States.
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