The poor will always be the most impacted in these times with our current system. If you are a victim of this, I am sorry. That is why I am writing this blog post today, as I want to reach out to anyone who needs the help. My post has 10 tips on how to avoid the coronavirus while on WIC or SNAP and keep you and your loved ones healthy!
We have been through it. WIC, SNAP, housing assistance, we have lived through poverty and it has shaped our finances forever as a family. Even today, as my husband has an Ivy League education, we still don’t make enough and need to supplement our children with the help of WIC.
Those who need SNAP and WIC to get by cannot use apps like Instacart to deliver groceries to your door to avoid the contact with this dangerous virus. Unfortunately, those who are poor are most vulnerable to sickness, leaving our communities weak. I truly believe we are only as strong as our most fragile neighbors. So, here is my guide on how to avoid the Coronavirus while on WIC or SNAP to make us stronger together.
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn on qualifying purchases. As always, these opinions are my own and I will never recommend anything I wouldn’t use myself. You can find my disclosure here.
- First, Walmart just started accepting grocery pickup with SNAP EBT payments!! This is such a win!! So for all your SNAP purchases this is a fantastic way to go about getting your groceries. Simply go online HERE, or to the Walmart app and browse though your local store and pick out your items. (Unfortunately, this does not apply to WIC benefits.)
- If you have kids, you obviously do not want them in contact with any surface which may be carrying the virus. Use one of these fancy cart covers. I got one as a gift & I love it! If you can afford to purchase one, here is a good deal on Amazon. However, if you cannot afford it, SKIP IT! Just simply use a baby/toddler size fitted bed sheet. The elastic on the fitted sheet will stay tightly around the cart perfectly. You can use this to lounge your toddler. My kids LOVED it! Also, if you don’t have kids this is a great way to protect your belongings like your purse and keep your hands clean from the cart handle.
- While shopping through the store you may find the aisles a bit scarce. So if you normally use your WIC produce spending on frozen veggies go for fresh produce and then freeze. Don’t have containers to freeze them in? I’ve had a lot of success asking employees at my local grocery store if I could have a few of the plastic soup containers in the salad bar section. Many veggies freeze well; some of my favorites are broccoli, herbs and tomatoes (for marinara sauce)! Simply cut the produce down to smaller sections and place in a sealed container, ziplock bag, or the soup containers from the salad bar (if able).
- If pickings are slim for your normal WIC benefits for the beans in a can, try the dried. It is best to use these anyways for ultimate nutrient absorption and digestion. Just note: you will need to soak them overnight and then rinse before use!
- Baby formula is a major worry for many new parents. If your store doesn’t have the formula your baby needs, find out from customer service when they will receive their next shipment. They will also be able to tell you what sister stores in the area may have some available. Don’t go driving out to other stores and search for more. This will be a waste of gas and lead you and your children to more potential exposure. So call around local retail stores for more. Don’t have access to a phone? Have your grocery store do it for you or have your local WIC office do it!
- For several weeks try to avoid sugar and processed foods. If you are able, take this time to eat FRESH fruits and vegetables and cook some quick meals for your family. It will not only stretch your money a lot farther than food from a box, but you will seriously boost that immune system! It is so important to take this time to really eat whole, fresh foods so your body can fight the virus in the event you contract it because, as you know, it will be a crappy fight and giving it to so someone you love could cost them their life.
- Don’t be afraid to try something new! Did you look at the produce or meat section and see some pretty slim pickings? It is okay if you didn’t see something you know you enjoy. It is time to try something new! This could be a fun way for you and your family to explore a recipe together in the kitchen. Cook the meal together. Smell, taste and gather around the counter as you try your new meal. See what works and what doesn’t. This is a fun activity while you are home in isolation anyway!
- Ask your pediatrician for formula samples. Do it again. And again. They can access them and you need these more than anyone.
- Toilet paper. Guys – toilet paper is freaking nowhere to be found. It totally sucks. So what do you do? Call ahead to see when stores are getting their next shipment. Obviously you cannot use your benefits to purchase these but it is a real struggle for many Americans living paycheck-to-paycheck. So, what do you do when you are out? Take all your extra grocery bags and bring them with you to the bathroom. Go though your clothes. Make two piles: one of great quality clothes and can sell, and those that you would never make a dime off of. Cut the crappy clothes into medium size rectangles. Put them aside. Next time you need to wipe, use a cloth from the pile of rags and toss it into the grocery bag, tie it and throw it in the trash. Do not flush them! This is definitely a short term solution, but it will work for now.
- Before you leave the store—use their bathroom. Not only are they more than likely going to have toilet paper but you will be able to wash your hands before you head home!
I hope my guide on how to avoid the coronavirus While on WIC or SNAP helps! Stay healthy out there, friends!
Do you have any tips? Share them in the comments so we can help each other, together!
