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Stimulus provides short-term relief for those struggling to buy food Date published: 6/14/2009
BY AMY FLOWERS UMBLE
The $19 billion in stimulus money pumped into food stamps won't quiet hungry Americans' rumbling stomachs, hunger advocates say. But some of that money could provide peaceful moments in a chaotic Stafford County household. On a recent evening, the Hernandez children grew tired and grumpy soon after dinner. The six kids--three of whom wake up at 6 a.m. to make the Head Start bus--began fighting over coloring books, blanket-and-pillow forts and puzzles. Then Israel Hernandez walked into the kitchen and cut up a honeydew. The double-wide trailer in White Oak grew calm instantly. The children, ages 1 to 9, wandered to the table, sat down and quietly gobbled up the green melon. More bang for the buck And thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Israel and Penny Hernandez should have more of those moments ahead. The $3 melons might not seem like a magic bullet for saving the sagging economy. But food stamp investments multiply--each dollar given to the nutrition program pumps $1.73 into the economy, said Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Economy. So when Penny Hernandez uses her food stamp card to pay for a melon, she puts the equivalent of $5.19 into circulation. Her family received an increase of $124 each month from the stimulus package--which increased food stamp benefits by 13.6 percent as of April 1. "This is sort of a two-fer: It's helping the least advantaged among us, but it's also providing a stimulus to the economy," said Robert Rycroft, economics professor at the University of Mary Washington. "It will provide a short-term dose of stimulus. It will also provide support to people who've been most harmed by our current economic mess." DESPERATE CHOICES The Hernandez family felt the impact of the recession early on--by the summer of 2006 when Israel Hernandez lost his construction job. The couple lost their spacious King George County home soon after. And the fruit so loved by the Hernandez children--melons, bananas and apples--disappeared, too. A family therapist mentioned that the children needed more fruit. Penny Hernandez admitted she couldn't afford such luxuries.
Date published: 6/14/2009
I just learned that not only is this disgusting woman
PREGNANT again, but she also quit her job. How responsible
of her. Looks like the state and tax payers are going to have
another baby!
What these people need is BIRTH CONTROL! I am sorry if I sound rude as well but I had two kids because THATS ALL I COULD AFFORD and it was the RESPONSIBLE thing to do..... And for goodness sake get off your lazy butt and go to the grocery store! I can't afford Schwans so why should the tax dollars you are sucking me out of be available for YOU to shop Schwans? Oh yeah, thanks Obama. I'll keep working hard to help pay for irresponsible people like this!
At the risk of sounding rude I would love to comment..first of
all, three years jobless and they decide to CONTINUE to
have children? HOW IRRESPONSIBLE! Also, expensive
delivery food instead of budgeting and spending less
money on MORE food at a market or WalMart? Really?
Irresponsible again. And lastly, a job as an ice cream truck
driver? Pathetic, find a job that is more secure and not
seasonal, it's their obligation to their family! These people
DISGUST ME! What other help are they receiving from
taxes?
Small business is one of the backbones of the American economy. Granted, small business owners didn't get many bailouts, because they can't afford campaign contributions, but they are still struggling with the recession, as bank loans and normal funding aren't as available as they used to be. Also, with a high taxation rule being threatened for high income earners. Visit http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2009/06/11/installment-loans-highincome-small-businesses/ for more info.
We work very hard for our money and we don't order from Schwan's because we simply cannot justify the cost. Yes it would be nice to have the convenience each night when I am tired from working all day but when you work hard for your money you learn to spend it wisely. I am all for helping out when someone needs assistance...but come on now....this just sounds wrong. I would be embarassed to admit that I use Schwans as my main source of shopping when I am on public assistance.
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