Stigma In Families

Coming from a family who receives Food Stamps, I have personally experienced the prejudice and stigma directed towards those with government assistance. After many years amid these negative opinions, my own opinions converted. At one point, I was disgusted for being part of a family who leeched off the government. It wasn’t until recently that I could accept my conditions. Asking and receiving help is not shameful. In fact, it is noble to put personal needs above perceived social status.
Sometimes families can only provide one source of income. Other obligations can make it impossible to get multiple jobs. A child, for example, is a huge time investment, especially during the younger years. My mother assumes the role of a homemaker, considering her youngest children are five-year-old girls and a two-year-old boy. Until the children are in school, she will not have enough time to get a job. Unfortunately, reports are unable to explain individual situations, only the basic facts. A large family is supported by one income, but only because half of the family is under the age of 16. Making hasty …show more content…
Once a week, my mother goes grocery shopping with her kids. Each visit results in bags of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. The second oldest daughter, Alicia, enjoys cooking, and offers to make dinner for the family nearly every night. After dinner is done, I wash the dishes and do a few more chores. All of these scenarios are possible thanks to our Food Stamps. Without Food Stamps, our pantry would comprise of cheap, unhealthy, microwavable foods. I would have to work a part-time job to help my father keep the family well-fed and comfortable. Between school and work, I would rarely be home, and would be unable to spend time with my siblings. Much more effort would be required to keep the house in order, but in the process, the house would become less of a