A HUGE shout out to Panera...they donate their day-old bread, pastries to local food pantries every single day. I’ve seen how much joy it brings to people who don’t often get a treat, or rely on cheap non nutritious bread products, that are now able to get wholesome bread. The staff are friendly, and never treat the food pantry drivers like an inconvenience. Panera gets my business, because i know they pay it forward.
Hollyann Rose isn’t the point of SNAP like for temporary help until you get back on your feet. I don’t think it’s okay to have people dependent on when they could use other options.
I'd give you a million thumbs up if i could, that statement is so true. If by a miracle you no longer need food stamps that great but so many are trapped in a bad place where your only option is food stamps. Then they keep pulling the rug from underneath you so you live in a state of consent panic
Hollyann Rose yeah I agree it's pretty damn scary I mean there's a lot of family who rely on their food stamps just to get by because the cost of living is so high and nobody's getting raised everything's going up and no raise so you have to have the food stamps to help you through the month the week whatever it may be in anyone's situation it's terrible very terrible it's very sad because your say is the richest country in the world looks like everybody's struggling to make ends meet except the rich people and the middle class I'm very sad to see and know this is happening to America
al co: go to fucking hell! Your hero orange fat ass has worked his very big ass off trying to cut off insurance and social security with those nice Reps you voted in. So, think twice before you talk of benefits you know nothing about!
If he's so upset about the numbers he should consider giving his employees a raise. I was a shift supervisor and barely got paid above minimum wage in 2011/2012. Nothing has really changed since then, sadly.
How do you know? do you know Leslie Pena? Do you know any of the working people who would LOVE to have a paying job in a successful business? Don't say idiotic things if you don't know what you're talking about!
He isn't paying you. Panera is a franchise, so your manager in your Panera is the one who decides how much to pay you, whether it's a minimum wage, or 20 bucks an hour.
Drunky Owl About that. The franchise owner, not the manager, decides the pay. However, it's not hard to require certain things of franchise buyers. If they can have standards for their product, they can have standards for other parts of the franchise.
Lindsie Balçın lol like the rest of us? my family spends $1k on food a month and eats fine if we didn’t have that money i or my wife would get a second job and not cry to the gov
I have a family of 6 i do not use food stamps we spend 500 a month on food but we do sams club bulk that last a long time I like to plan meals it helps a lot. it's called don't eat every five seconds 3 meals a day small snacks for kids come on people it's not rocket science just don't be overeating
There are people who are not on food stamps but are forced to live off of 20 dollars for food a week. The economy is not good at all. In my area there are only part time positions available or Minimum wage jobs. That might be ok for some states, but if you live in New York you probably won't have enough for food after you pay rent. I hope the Republicans have a plan to give everyone a full time job after cutting foodstamps.
+Chris Rydaa - It's not up to the government to give anyone a job. It's the government's job to get out of the way so the private sector can grow and create jobs.
+Ed R. - Just because times were dire and people looked to the government for relief doesn't change the Constitutional power of the government. Unless there were Constitutional amendments, the people of the 30's did not give the government more power, they allowed it overreach. Fast forward to today. FDR's seeds have morphed into the Nanny State.
+Ed R. Civilian Conservation Corps, Federal Emergency Relief Administration, Public Works Administration, Civil Works Administration, Works Progress Administration, National Youth Administration .. There were many more the Supreme Court flat out struck down.
I'm glad this man spoke openly about why so many living in poverty and on food stamps have a weight issue. Its mainly because they obsess over food and how they will be able to feed themselves and thier families. Will they have enough from day to day not month to month. Its and anxiety that keeps people unhappy, unhealthy both mentally and physically. Their forced to buy and consume what will last/stretch the longest and keep them fuller. (Carbs,sweets, fatty foods) I'm glad he exposes this issue for what it is. There is entirely too much stigma on people in poverty and on government assistance.
Hobbit Ridge, That is not always true, but you have to be willing to change your cooking and eating habits and choices. A slow cooker or pressure cooker can be your best friend. Using lots of cooked dried beans as a nutrition filler is important. Switching from expensive wheat or corn cereals to somewhat watery plain oatmeal takes some effort. You have to almost totally avoid soda, cookies, potato chips, and candy. Cabbage can be another good food filler. You have to teach the kids to always drink a glass of water before they ask for snacks, by doing that yourself. Dilute the 100% juices with an equal amount of water. The same with milk, dilute it.
That's one of the reasons I don't understand the way some people think. As soon as some of them get some money, they go and eat at a restaurant. The reason I know is that some of my relatives run right to the restaurant with their families. Then have the nerve to say they don't have any money. I want to tell them to go and buy some canned goods, put them up and what's wrong with cooking at home. When I was growing up, we cooked food, not went out and sat down at restaurants to eat. When I got older and was working, we bought something as a treat every once in a while.
You can't get hot food or go to restaurants on food stamps. The card only works at grocery stores...lol. And you feed 7 people or 6 people on $4.50/day.....I call bullshit.
A ROD Panera Bread donates their bakery goods to neighborhood pantries. I know for a fact, Panera Bread fed my family for years back when my kids were younger and we were going through financial hardships. God bless Panera Bread! This video reminds me a personal thank you letter to the Panera Bread company is well over due.
It's not even just those on Food Stamps. After working my entire life, paying into Social Security & getting sick.. Becoming disabled & after 26 yrs (since HS) having your husband just walk out one day, selfishly just not wanting to deal. Leaving me now, sick.. w/ our teenage child to care for... Trying to survive on my SSI alone, when 85% of that is my rent alone. I've had to sell my car... not get my meds... sell everything I own......... & still can't pay the most BASIC of bills/necessities. Constantly going without, trying to figure out how I'm supposed to even feed my child each day, let alone keep the lights on. Looking for a cheaper place to live these days (been where I was, renting a small 2br... over 10 yrs now) is near impossible. Getting sicker by the month... getting ZERO help from my absentee, emotionally abusive ex.... Get this, I "make too much" even for food stamps supposedly. Ohhhh, only 149% below poverty.. not 150%... smh!!!! I'm supposed to live w/ a teenager on $1200/mo... without child support (can't afford to go after him, hell cant even GET there if I wanted to) nor the alimony I'm sure I'm prob owed... How would I afford to move even if I found a place. My primary concern has been "survival" for wayyyyy too long. My son needs new clothes... to eat normally (we know that shitty too many carbs feeling at night all too well... AND the going to bed hungry, sadly) We have to walk to a tiny 4 aisle store in town, grrrreat for my bad back.. Many times the weather sucks AND... we are VERY limited as to what we can even buy. How the hell to dig outta this mess we were left in, out of our control? Great question. No close family, etc.. those far, 'meh... can't even be bothered. Ugh.. So, yeah... those on 'food stamps' have it rough, but........... those I've known, it was usually a short-term supplement to $ they already had, etc. They prob still have a car... their homes..... their dignity................ it's definitely not fair to my son............ & after working so hard all my life, while I'll sacrifice anything to make sure he eats (& have) as a mom....... I'm no good to anyone & not going to ever get any better.......... the longer & longer I cannot figure out how I'm gonna take care of ME, too.... =/ Thoughts & strength out to anyone in this position or one similar..................... it's a hell I hope no one ever has to endure!!! I still have hope... somehow. (thank whomever for my son, he's been my motivation, my strength thus far!!!) ~ Be well.
Not just people on food assistance but also average working families have to face this daily. With the costs of living, health care and everyday expenses, this is reality.
Obamacare is the worst idea ever, it just raised prices, we need to back to what America was, dad works full time, mom works partime while kids are in school, the people need to unite against corporations and demand better pay
I only had Panera once. my cousin was going, asked me if I wanted her to bring me back something. I said oh, just get me a sandwich and a drink what ever combos they have that are reasonable. well I gave her a $20 And I got change back all I got was a 1/4 size sandwich, a small cookie, a tiny 1/4-1/2 cup size salad and regular drink. I did not go there again.
it's a shame because your paying high prices for frozen never human made sweets and everything else including soups/chicken comes in a bag. nothing is made in house. Panera is a glorified McDonald's...
He is definitely providing a service for a more upscale shopper for consumer. And yes I do believe he's promoting his store. But it does make a lot of very valid points in my opinion. So I will give him a thumbs up for that.
I have seen severe disabilities, and they do the best they can to keep their chin up,so to speak. Many suffer from chronic pain,depression, and even get tired of living.Family disappears, no visits,no encouragement. It gets lonely.You miss the things you used to be able to do.Never mind the one's who waste their money on drugs and alcohol,cigarettes, there are really people hurting in this world, and not enough people care.
You should be euthanized! What kind of talk is this? You'll end up in a situation where no kindness if offered to you, where no protection is given to you... you'll suffer everything you can't understand in others. People help each other because that's what made humans a successful species. Why should I pay for whatever you will need in the future?... you know what? Nobody knows what the future holds, and your lack of compassion and kindness will set you up to experience suffering and lack. Be prepared because Karma is a bitch.
Haven't you figured it out yet, the gov't doesn't give a shit about you and is only giving enough to keep people quite so they can rob the rest of the money and they will shoot your kids at schools, so you give them ur guns back cause they r afraid u will wake up to the truth and start shooting them!, It is an illusion of caring presented by the lying media to protect themselves, while u get scraps.
I'm in poverty n I have a job.. I worked 2 jobs for several years. Hurt my hand, had surgery lost 1 job. I have a job my wife has a job both full time. No cable or b.s. but were still flat broke. Got 4 hungry kids n we gotta make sure their taken care of n the roof is paid 4 over their head # 1 & 2.
There are some who abuse the system but most would be incredibly happy to not need government assistance. Life is much easier when you can just pay for things out of your pocket. But when life happens and the jobs are being shipped out and you still have small humans to care for you either let them suffer or get the assistance.
Some jobs are shipped out. Some are substituted for robots. Nobody talks about this because then, the blame is on the local companies making cold choices... a lot of unemployment and poverty due to automation, guys!
I find this somewhat ironic. I worked for Panera for a number of years, making $8-9.35/hr. If he really cared I feel like he would raise the wages of his company. it's a wonderful company and I enjoyed working for them, but it was simply not a liveable wage.
We were on food stamps as I am disabled, why wife was laid off....my wife got another job a few months later earning a few dollars more than the minimum limit and they cancelled our food stamps. The amount more she earns is like $20 a month. So we are lacking enough money to feed ourselves properly again. Thanks.....
why is it up to someone else to feed you just because you are "disabled"?? just because you are physically disabled doesnt mean you cant get a desk job where you sit on your ass all day. you dont need to be physically abled to work, you can type you can work go learn to program
You are such a piece of crap! Do you know what "disabled" means? It means they have to live in a limited environment, depending on others to get the essential things you and I take for granted. They can't cook, probably can't crap in a toilet, bathe themselves, or many times feed themselves... you and the MILLIONS who only understand this when it happens to them, are what is making this country the most unequal and unfair place in the whole world. At least in a third world country there's enough compassion to understand what an disabled person goes through. And you call yourselves "Christians"!!
Copykitty it's not like these poor are going to college or trying to get a job it's not my fault there are winners and losers in this week world, don't penalize the winners for the sake of losers
don't fit mad at a CEO just because he's a millionaire. it's not like success dropped in his lap. every person who's at the top of their field worked really hard to get there. he deserves every penny. it's good thing he did this challenge.
I actually WANT to help people if they get laid off,injured,are elderly or disabled-I'm fine with that. Where I take offense is the huge number of people abusing the system,the able bodied people who refuse to work,the ones that work for cash and still draw benefits,those who have 9 children by 9 different men simply to draw more money. In order to pay for these people I despise(in addition to my family that I love)I have to work 8-10 hours a day 5-6 days a week,barely get to see my family and then I'm FORCED(by law and threat of federal prison)to hand over nearly half-literally HALF-of everything I earn to government. Then when I use the half that remains to feed,shelter,cloth and care for MY family--- I get taxed again on every single thing I buy---and when I die,anything of monetary value I leave my kids,the govt will tax that too....again! The most disgusting and maddening part is that only 54% of American citizens are paying taxes--so while half of Americans are funding the entire country the other half is apparently doing fuckall besides waiting for next months handout!
S Wyatt sllloooowwwe clap...damn bro you can drop the mic after that. You hit the nail right on the head n buried that shit to where it will never come out again
Reid Wyatt please do your research. Food stamp fraud is at an all times low. The individual you described is a hurtful stereotype that in no shape or form represents the majority of those in need of governmental assistance.
Dang -- just checked the Panera Cares Cafe web site. In this video, Mr. Shaich states that there were five locations. As of May 31, 2016, they are down to four, one of which was the "pilot run" in St. Louis, MO. It's easy to infer from his statements that the Panera Cares Cafes were cranked up only about the time he accepted the Food Stamp Challenge, but this is incorrect. The first location opened May 16, 2010. Those viewers who scoff saying, "He only did it for the publicity," are wrong (in fact, as well as grammatically). I wish to goodness that I lived near one of the four locations. The nearest one, unfortunately, is two and one-half states away! Heck, if I were nearby, I'd go there every day, pay retail, and leave a *huge* freakin' tip. I'd work there as a volunteer, just to make sure the joint stayed open. What a dynamite project!
Don't go to Panera if they're so expensive. I could afford it but I know that Panera is expensive so I just don't go there. Walmart is around and Dollar Tree is around too.
gee you guys, because they can, their not the only ones, you can't compare their food to McDonalds junk. just don't go there, I haven't gone there for over a year, cuz I can't afford it.
I think what would solve most of this nation's problems is to put a maximum wage limit for entry into politics and a wage cap for any government job. Anything over the cap goes straight to taxes. You can't even be a politician if you make more than say $40,000 a year, in any of the past 10 years. Complete with extensive audit of existing assets. Also make lobbying completely illegal and punishable by death. That would probably fix everything.
I used to live way less than $4.5 a day. It depends where you live. -Ramen Noodles -Mac and Cheese -Canned meat -Canned vegetables Plus, I am extremely lucky to have fruit trees on the streets for free and organic.
Isn't it interesting how there are no fruit trees on the streets in the majority of the US? Its cool that where you live there are fruit trees on the streets... where is this?
Sparkle Eyes24 One of the Hispanic countries, probably. When I went on vacation to Malaga, Spain, there were orange trees full of oranges ripe for the picking.
eating well is all about planning. it doesn't have to be super expensive. recently a local store had chicken leg qrtr's here 10 lb bag frozen $.39/lb. so 10 lbs chicken for $3.90 / bag. a bag of Doritos costs more than that!! so i took $25 bucks and loaded up on the chicken! yeah i had to defrost it enough to separate the pieces but then in the deep freeze they go!! also what some folks don't get is that if you save the fat from the baked chicken, you can use that to make meals later, when your out of meat. get the taste and feel of meat without actually having meat. freeze some of the meat for chicken enchilada's or chicken salad later. then too, i save the bones for bone broth. and after that? i finish boiling down the bones and make chicken bone meal which i give to my dogs... soups are an AWESOME meat stretcher, it allows the lil bit of meat you have to go further, feed more people longer. i am REALLY big on soups. multiple ways to make food go further..just gotta think outside the box. i was raised poor , by parents born just at the tail end of the GREAT DEPRESSION. i learned well how to make a meal stretch. another thing is people need to toss their microwave and actually MAKE the food they eat. stop buying the processed crap that the cardboard box has more nutrition in it than the food!! EGGS!! man eggs are AWESOME!! protein , versatile... sorry not meaning to preach here, just trying to maybe help someone stretch what little they have!! Cheers !
You don't have to get a high paying job. Just get a job. I started out at White Castles. I always found another job before quitting one. It was called moving on up a little bit at a time. So don't quit a job before getting another one.
then they should do soemthing about it to get that high paying job! It only takes 3 things to succeed in America, 1. show up 2. dont do drugs 3. dont get knocked up out of wedlock if you do those 3 things, you generally make it to the middle class!!
al co This is so false. Fuck, I just saw another video about a woman having to work at Starbucks several years after passing her bar exam because the field is so saturated and she never got an interview after graduating. Anyone with a science degree needs graduate or Med school in order to get a job in the science field. And then there are many job postings that require 2 years experience...but none willing to give that experience to those without it. Most people in America are in debt - owing more than they make. It's not easy anymore. Maybe in the 70s, but not today. I'm working as a part time server while I get through classes. A studio apartment in my area costs at the very least $1600 per month so I have to live at home with mom (not everyone has this as an option).
I'm so glad you said that cause my sister took me there once and my experience was like this. Cramped area, food expensive, portion small and zero taste hahahahahahahahahaha. I asked my sister WTF we aren't in a nursing home.
I ate at Panera Bread a few times myself. It wasn't - and isn't - all that great. The portions are rather small for the price you are charged, and it takes you all of five minutes to eat your whole meal.
I had to live on welfare for years. It is horrifying. I remember being overjoyed when I found $18.00 in change, to buy groceries FOR A WEEK!!!! I would ration myself to two slices of lunch meat for a sandwich, I allowed myself half a tomato as veg, I would ration the slices of bread, I would have a can of beans as dinner. Meat? Are you kidding?!?!?!? I ate a lot of spaghetti, eggs and Kraft cheese. My health collapsed. I get sick very easily, I'm prone to infection, I have very limited energy. I am now on disability because I can't go back to work. And the depression and crushing anxiety have led to insomnia. NO ONE WANTS TO BE ON WELFARE!!!!!! It is a misery!!!!
if they would just make corporations pay their fare share of taxes, then everyone would have what they need....i mean really the tax breaks huge companies get is obscene!
al co Amazon paid zero federal taxes last year. GE,Verizon, Boeing and over a dozen other top companies pay almost no taxes every year. There are so soo many loopholes that even if companies pay something it's such a low amount.
I am on welfare but I am moving to auburn with my sister so I can get a job away from living in the middle of nowhere with my parents. I hope my sister's landlord allows me to live with her. In Auburn NY there is pubic transportation so I would not have to worry about my dad losing his car again. I want to work but can't right now. Please pray that I am able to live with my sister. I am miserable being on welfare living with my parents in the middle of nowhere.
Father, In the name of Jesus, I stand in agreement that you will change for the better this woman's situation. This is her winning season. I thank you for the sister who is willing to help her, great is her life also. Favor, transformation and affirmation in Jesus name. Amen
Go to school. I am a single mom, two kids. Go to school, get a degree and get a good job. I work and go to school and raise two teenagers. You can do it! Work your butt off for a few years so you don’t have to for the rest of your life.
Patriot Jefferson actually book of Timothy say a MAN who does not take care 9f his family is worst then a non believer of Christ... Also states killbbies sell raped women ect
What about the people who do have jobs but still do not earn enough to feed their families? This news anchor should try this experiment herself. Does she honestly believe that there are people out here that DON'T want to make more money? Finding better jobs with better pay and benefits is on every workers mind. It's just not that easy to find them for many people. It's funny how some people, who have never experienced poverty, seem to have all the answers how about how to fix the problem. And most of the time, they believe that poor people just don't want to work. And that is such bullshit.
If you can't afford to feed yourself, you are truly fucked up. If you can't afford to feed yourself, but have a child...that's really not the government's fault or problem. Having another child, on top of that...you deserve to be miserable and should be charged with child abuse for bringing another innocent life into your self destructive world of "poor me" & "the government should feed & house & provide medical for my family"..
I go to panera occasionally because it's across the street from where I work, but.. its expensive for the portion sizes... they charged 8 bucks for the tortellini pasta and they didn't even fill the to go bowl all the way.. one measly scoop.. and the mac and cheese is a tiny bowl of the same mac n cheese they serve in free school lunches.. nothing special and not worth 5 bucks
wonder if his workers get min. wage.there are no job but. fast food min wage and Walmart where I live and in the next 10 yrs those jobs will be automated.we should make all members of congress go on the food stamp challenge see if they can survive.cant really buy any fresh fruits besides bananas.blueberries cost $7 at Walmart they lasted a half a day and they weren't even organic.we need to start subsiding fruits and vegetables instead of meat and dairy.and start educating people on nutrition and teach them how to go food shopping in high school.
Most of the time I see people in front of me using EBT are eating much better than I am...they have steak, pork and premade meals ... sweets, chips pop... I have hamburger and potatoes... They pull out their EBT card from their Coach purse while talking on their Iphone 7... This is not accurate...
when i was 20, i moved across the country with my boyfriend. he was in grad school to get a phd and worked doing research and teaching freshmen english. we were relatively okay during the school year because he had an income then. definitely not anything great--about $1500 per month for 9 months. significantly below the poverty line but we got by well enough. i was in undergrad full-time and taking summer classes but i had a part-time minimum wage. for the entire summer, my ~$640/month was all we had for rent, utilities, gas, food, pet care, and health insurance. we had to apply for food stamps every summer. do you know what the illinois state government offered us? sixteen (16) dollars for two adult people. eight US dollars per person per month. thankfully our parents were well enough off to help us out or else i have no idea what we would've done.
I'm a homeless guy, no gov't assistance" I don't want to be leach!", and I can't believe what I'm watching and hearing from this guy! What an honest rich guy. I want him to know I've eaten from his dumpster and was blessed to have it!! In his case and others like him,from what I see ,I like him for who he is not what he has. Strikes me as a person that is a very admirable man. I wish more people would see this video. Thanks....
I have a full time job. I work overtime just to cover my bills (not including groceries). I do not work for minimum wage. I’m just an unlucky millennial. I live off of around $4-$5 a day for food. I’m not making it. I see where I can eat for free sometimes just so I can make my dollars stretch. She talks about people being on welfare and not having jobs but this shit happens to the working class too.
I live in a small town that's so poor iv got friends that have a nursing degree and they can't find a job here with 4 clinics and a hospital. and everything is part time at $7.50hr . we had to move from the big city 7.50hr minimum wage two bedroom apartment $750 and that's in the ghetto. break ins drug dealing gang fights all that and forget about going to school it since your poor no financial services for college
Hey Ron help me they think i can live on 4 dollars a day and still eat right because I have cancer and can't eat right to make my body healthy to help my immune system stronger i go to bed hungry everyday...
Ellen Vickers I feel for you, and do understand your situation well. Due to my life- altering chronic illness, that caused me to lose my stomach, I receive most of my nutritional needs via a permanent feeding tube in my jejunum. If not for the formula, that is covered by my health insurance, I would be in your boat, going to bed hungry, due to illness, and not being able to work anymore. I'd give anything to be able to work again, and work full-time to boot. It's shameful that we are at a breaking point, where people in dire need are not being taken care of properly. So much for working, paying taxes, etc for 33 years, in my case.
Wait Wait Wait $4.50 a day per person is a challenge? That's about $135 month which doesn't seem like a lot but if you don't eat out its not that hard. For my family of 4 that would be around $540 a month. We spend about that if not less and eat extremely well 3 meals a day. Especially of you buy the main staples. Now I your stocking up on soda chips and junk food you will spend more and be less satisfied. And as some have also mentioned food stamps are meant to be a supplement to your budget not to cover in full.
For a family of two there is 125 a month I can't get that shit to stretch pass 2 weeks with no junk food involved soooo I'm not sure how u do it. After two weeks I have to resort to spending cash from bills (usually gas money)to buy more food for me and my child.
$4.50 a day that's the highlife.. .as long as you dont shop at overpriced wholefoods. . . here is my food cost From a trip to the store last week. . . Chicken leg quarters 7lb at .47 lb = 3.29 Potato 10lbs for 2.00 = 2.00 Black Beans 5lb for 4.79 = 4. 79 Yellow Onion 3lb at .79lb = 2.37 Brown Rice 10lb for 7.89 =7.89 24ct eggs for 2.29= 2.29 2 Bread loaves for 1.72= 1.72 total: $24.35 now cut that in half because this is actually 2 weeks of food for myself. . . so $12.18 a week. . . now luxuries like soda, popcorn, and the like usually put my budget closer to $20 weekly, but I can live without those.
Wow 5 cafes where you don't set the prices. The reality is Panera is totally overpriced. If you cared more you'd have more than 5 cafes like this. Lower your prices at all your restaurants.
"And does that make you want to...lower done of the prices on your menus?" ............. he doesn't say Yes. And instead of saying "No", he gave a twenty to forty word sentence about how we need to look at the issue of la la la deee dee dee dahh
Since when eating out became a necessity?? It is simple: if it is expensive for you, do not buy it. As long as people but in these places, no right minded business man will lower the prices.
Since when eating out became a necessity?? It is simple: if it is expensive for you, do not buy it. As long as people but in these places, no right minded business man will lower the prices.
Since when eating out became a necessity?? It is simple: if it is expensive for you, do not buy it. As long as people but in these places, no right minded business man will lower the prices.
The poor can only afford to eat healthy aka one meal a day of very...very small portions. Or three high calorie meals a day and cheap unhealthy snacks to feel kinda full.
Saving/me Why is that? Can they not grow vegetables in there apartments/houses? I have two homemade garden towers in my living room one grows all of my herbs and vegetables the other my lettuces. I spent about $90 on those two towers and about 6 hours of time to build them. If you wanted you could get the parts for cheaper or free. My only cost is water and the small amount of electricity it costs to keep 4 LED lamps on the plants 8-12 hours a day which is $5-10 a month. about 30-40% of the food I eat at home comes from my garden, it is extremely cheap to maintain, it is very healthy, it looks beautiful, and they have enough space to grow food for 2-4 people. So yes maybe they can not afford the inflated prices at the store but why are they unable to grow it themselves?
..........so low income should have 90$ laying around to spend on lights to grow fruits and veggies indoors...and sit for how many months before they can eat from their indoor grown food?
Saving/me $90 grows two large growing towers. I bought a lot of parts but most of them can be found for free or cheap. I wanted a certain design/size so I made mine a certain way, plus I have the money so I decided to buy the stuff. I know I could have received the barrels for free if you wanted to look long enough but I had $10-15 to buy them. I wanted my garden to be mobile so I bought wheels. The growing lights are not expensive each lamp costs $3-6 brand new from the store, and the light bulbs costs $3-5 a piece. The Herbs take about a 6 weeks before I can start harvesting small amounts of herbs and the vegetables take about 3 months. If you wanted to you could buy small tray and some rockwool to start growing all of your plants and spend the next 2 weeks buying/collecting all of your materials and spend a little at a time each day working on it. Edit: grammer mistakes
So the working poor must have time to really look deep for free and cheap items instead of working or resting to go back to work...reading your reply....thankfully you have the money....still reading...so for herbs a hungry family has six weeks, and for actual food 3 months. I think your idea is a great idea. Maybe tax time I can afford this and for others maybe when they get two jobs? Right now if you need to eat this is not a great idea.
Saving/me Assembly of the whole thing takes 2-3 hours at most finding the parts should take 1-3 hours. If you do not have 3-6 hours free over any period of time then that is another major issue. If you have kids or a spouse then nothing is stopping them from building it for/with you. It is not a labor intensive project and it can be a very fun activity to do. If something will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in food cost then why would you not want to invest a little time/money into finding a way? This is not a solution that will give you food for dinner the same night you start your garden, but it will feed you in the future. The great thing is that you can start your garden in small pots/cups and transfer them over to a the garden after 1-2 months. So if it take you 1-2 months to save up/build the garden you can get a head start on your garden, so it will only take 1-2 months to start collecting. I built my garden so I can save money, eat healthier, and decorate my living room. Having plants all over my apartment makes life a lot more comfortable plus I almost never need to buy vegetables and my food cost is $2-4 a day, I eat 3 big healthy meals a day plus random snacks. My meals are never bland and I rarely eat the same thing more then 2 times a month. I save about $30-40+ a week on food which was worth every single second/dollar I spent. If you need to eat a meal in an hour this is not a great solution, but if you want to have dinner in the future then this is the perfect solution it is cheap and the reward is massive especially if you do not have the money for healthy food. PS you can always buy fully grown plants it will save you a lot of that 2-3 month waiting period but it will cost you money.
Dear CNN, I am on food stamps myself along with my daughter. I started food stamps in 2012 when my unemployment ran out. I went to the food stamp office and applied; I was asked if I was pregnant, just had a baby or if I had young children at home; when I asked them why I was told that was the only way I could receive cash benefits along with food stamps. I told the people at the agency that I was 56 years old and I could not get pregnant anymore. My daughter and I was approved for $352.00 a month for both of us with no cash allowance because we did not met their requirements for cash. Now you tell me why is it more important for a mother with little children to be able to wash clothes and the kids; but not for an older person to be able to wash their clothes and themselves? Does this seem right or fair?
I like this man, he really took the time to look into the problem and find, even a small solution, to it. Now, let's see if I can find Panera Cares Cafe.
I get only $15 a month. I can only afford to buy 3 1gal. bottles of Hawaiian punch and 3 12 packs of ramen noodles. AND yes I'm classed as being severely disabled. I can't work but I desperately want to.
Leslie Hyde try looking at something like Vocational Rehabilitation they should be able to help you find a job that would work with with what skills you have.
Kenesha Glover Stop acting like you understand how businesses work. You can't raise wages and lower prices. If he pays his workers more, the prices will be raised, more Pepe will lose their jobs. Then you liberals will complain about prices being high and not enough jobs. You people will never be happy. Study basic economics kid.
As long people buy there, no right minded business man will lower the prices. Just like Starbucks... only stupid people will pay $5 or more for a cup of joe with foo-foo syrup.
did you know they donate all the leftover bread every night to organizations that give it out for free (my church being one). they make their bread fresh every morning. You also get the benefit of sweets too. they have an awesome rewards card system. This is a great place, yes their prices are high... but they give great service and great food.
Rhonda Alan if you knew how much it costs to run a business you would not be saying that. The margins are fairly thin after taking in to consideration rent utilities wages employee benefits food costs etc. Yes they make millions a year in net profits but after you devide that by the number of sandwhichs sold you will see that they may only make a couple dollars if that per sandwhich. Yes it's a lot cheaper for you to make it at home but you do not take into consideration that you are not paying yourself to make the sandwhich or the electricity for your home every month and your house/rent payment into consideration. While businesses have other expenses besides just the product they are selling.
The higher the cost, the better the food quality should be, and employees should be paid maintainable wages. It makes more sense socially to support restaurants that have an ethical obligation and respect towards their local community and employees, even if it means costing a bit more (and thus eating out less). We cannot expect good food and service at a cheap price; for a profit in that scenario, someone (employees, animals, environment) is going to be taken advantage of monetarily. It's all about the profit margin in capitalism.
The problem is your country is already broke and yet you keep spending on other countries. You don't rehabilitate your own but you mind other countries problems. Plus you really need to close your boarder and stop immigration, that will give you more burdens. Most immigrants will have one person working and the rest are just dependents, they also bring in their mom and dad grandma and grandpa that don't contribute to anything but just take freebies and pensions. Did you know that in UK many muslims are arriving and taking support from government. Like I heard here in Philippines a muslim is talking about Uk, they will put everychild under their relatives name so that they can all be listed for the help. They cheat and will put many names of children, they said you can get many support in uk like free apartment and free food in food bank plus monthly allowance, and the more children you declare the bigger you get for allowance and apartment. Just like USA you take the burdens of third world and you add more headache to your country. Stop taking asians, mexicans, africans, and all kinds of poor. Even if this people will work it's not right to give it to them, you have to make your own people work. The situation is the salary goes down and employers like immigrants it's cheaper and no benefits specially illegals. So the real american born specialy white will not be given a job or will not want it if it's too cheap labor, they will like think about it, coz cheap labor is lower or equivalent to a food stamp, so why will they work anyways? If the american will be offered a job that earns like 1200 or minimum and than the food stamp is also in that price why will they work if the salaries is the same with getting food stamp. First thing you need to do is shut and close the boarder, stop taking zombies from third world. and second, stop importations and free trade, your people buys imported goods, but other countries don't buy your goods, so it's not fair deal, if there is a choice in stores, americans will keep taking the imported cheap goods not local made and that will kill your manufacturing companies of USA. And you need to stop sending help to charities and why do you bother helping others if there is problem inside your country. And make your people work, kick out all illegals and give their jobs to your people and stop food stamp. Plus the other race makes so much babies so stop letting them in close your boarder and kick out all illegals.
We need a Nobel Prize for being a genuine man of decentcy and compassion to his fellow man. He's got my vote. Even if it is 5 years too late. I've never bought from one of his establishments. But, if I ever get out from under living hand to mouth, no, I do not get food stamps and never have, I will enjoy a meal and one of his 'Cares' shops and I will do what I can to pay it forwards. Peace, you reinforced my beliefs in the human race.
I don't buy groceries at all. I work at a restaurant that gives me 1 free meal a day. I have been doing it out of necessity, but recently found out people are doing it on purpose and call it intermittent fasting.
How can you classify only 46.5 million people as living in poverty when 48 million have to use food stamps. That's in distinction without a difference territory to me.
Leggo My Ego because food stamps covers those up to 1.5 percent above the poverty line, who also need help. Like a person recently widowed and now has 2 kids and a dog to feed with an income that covers only 1.5 mouths and needs more time to get their life back together without worrying about what they will eat. people work better when they arent as worried about food. people can make better decisions when they arent listening to their stomach "talk" most of the day. people can spend money on rent if they dont have to choose between rent and food etc.
Wath the cost of living and food going up why ask is Americans takeing advantage of food stamps how about asking or the rich takeing advantages of the working or poor.by not giving them wages that meet the economic growth .could this news lady live on minum wage 7.25 hr. Part time at that.thats why we have food stamps they should make the super rich pay for it that work people for nothing and pocket million of dollars of the backs of their employes.at lest this wealthy man has a idiea but what is the news lady sounding worried she might be in a low tax breaket and pays less then a 40 aweek minum wage worker.
Thank you Ron Shaich for doing this challenge and for bringing attention to American poverty. The donation style restaurants are genius. You are an inspiring person.
I was a manager at a low rest housing apts & people on food stamps really don't "starve" bc they go to food pantries, shelters that provide free meals,churches, family & friends. They just don't live like this. I know bc I've been around people on food stamps. They have ways of getting free meals all the times.
Yes, trying to feed yourself on Food Stamps is not easy, but most of these Food Stamp challenges are misleading. Food Stamp recipients receive their allotment monthly not weekly. Buying $31.50 worth of groceries to last a week is difficult, but buying $126.00 of groceries to last a month is easier. Now if you have two people living in the household your monthly allotment will be much higher ( not sure if it doubles?), thus making your monthly shopping much easier. If you are eligible for Food Stamps, most Food Pantries will give you foods, stretching your allotment much further. Yes, I know it is not easy, but by buying in bulk, watching for sales cutting out junk you can survive comfortably on Food Stamps!
thegoatman62 No, it doesn't double. In fact, they take into account that you might buy in bulk. Also, don't assume that because someone lives in Section 8 housing, they get more in total benefits (like, adding what their rent is w/o section 8, to medical benefits and food stamps, and totaling it). It doesn't work that way either. Rent going down means less in food stamps, because they want you to use extra cash on food. And when grandma gets a COLA raise in her social security, she pays more in Medicare, but gets less in food stamps, because they go by gross income, not net.
Also, grandma can't go to the food pantry. They give out boxed and canned food, that's high in sodium and fat. Grandma won't live much longer, if she's eating food pantry food and has heart failure.
I once read a book titled The Nickle and Diming of America. The writer takes her own journey through simulated food insecurity as well as living on minimum wage. I love that this CEO is building resttarau ts to help the hungry. Perhaps if he could read that book and look at the complete working poor life in our country. Kudos for your work in the right direction!!
Oh this guy goes on about the expense of food.. while Panera is probably one of the most expensive places that I eat at (considering the portions). Sure, I go to much nicer restaurants sometimes, but I usually bring tons of food home or have leftovers that last for 1-2 days. Whenever I go to Panera, I leave hungry with 12$ out of my pocket!
Des Moines, Iowa... Panera donates ALL its left over baked goods to local food pantries. Good company. I know this because in the past I went to those food pantries, realized who was providing the quality loaves of bread and rolls, and now I'm a loyal customer since my situation improved. You get out of this world what you put into it. True for companies also.
1:37 "Each night, when I go to bed, I'm engulfed by a sick feeling that comes from eating too many carbs." This is highly ironic, considering his company is called "Panera Bread".
I am sorry, but increasing minimum wage to an absurd amount hurts the economy, as it makes small businesses unable to survive whilst larger businesses simply increase costs, thus increasing ALL costs as the economy is a perfect sphere. Due to this phenomenon, increasing minimum wage changes extremely miniscule whilst affecting so much and decreasing the value of the American dollar, or YOUR ENTIRE 401k would be worth much less.
I recently discovered YOU! You are my ANGEL and my Life HERO! Thank YOU for Giving a local Food Depository for the Poor in the Christian Church in LaGrange, Illinois! In my temporarily unemployment position, I WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL to YOU helping me when I REALLY, REALLY NEEDED IT! You'll NEVER KNOW! Once, again, Thank YOU from the Bottom of my Heart! Eileen! Thank YOU and Love You!
Omg! For real!? I can shop for a months worth of meals for 4 people(2 kids) for under $150! Smart shopping. Coupon clipping. Home made meals. Farmers market produce. Its possible!
part of the problem is people get $150 worth of food stamps so they think, oh I can only get $150 worth of food this month. food stamps are not supposed to be depended upon as the only way you pay for food. they are intended to help pay for a majority of them but god forbid you spend $20 of your own money on them.
People who do this our stupid ! This is meant to help pay for your food not be your only source of food. So glad that you gotta work to be on food stamps is back.
People here in the USA don't even know what poverty is. I bet every person in poverty owns a phone and a flat screen TV and eats everyday and has a car and fresh clothes. Now go to Africa where people only have a mud hut and one pair of clothes and beat up shoes with holes in them and don't eat sometimes for 2 or 3 days, now that's poverty.
Aviation Nut thank you exactly what I was going to say.. poverty in America means color TV cell phone food house.. poverty in Zimbabwe for example, sewer running down in between the Huts. no food to speak of no electricity disease death.. that is real poverty
Aviation Nut-Your comment exudes nothing outright ignorance. You automatically ASS-ume that Africa has mud huts. You’re probably dumb enough to believe that Africa is a country too. If the colonizers (YOU) would keep your greedy asses out of Africa, pillaging their resources, then they’d be a lots better off. You wouldn’t even be able to use your cell phone or any other electronic device if it weren’t for the resources that comes out of Africa. Now let that marinate on your “high IQ” brain! The last time I checked, there’s many parts of America that aren’t anywhere near great for for human habitation. People who live in the Appalachia Mountains are dirt poor, wondering where their next meal is coming from. So it’s safe to say that they don’t have clothes or shoes, much less a pair with holes in them.
koshcon-It’s a well established FACT that America is nothing but a rancid shithole. Whitey is even in Africa thinking he’s supposed to be giving handouts. WTF makes white people think they’re owed farmland in South Africa? Go back to Europe!
Unhinged Dotard You're an idiot!. I am Japanese studying in the US for the last 4 years. I been to Congo, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Burkina Faso with the organization called doctors without borders 3 times as a student doctor helping sick people in poverty and you're gone tell me crap that people in poverty don't live in mud huts in African countries?. Are you that stupid and ignorant?. I personally seen with my own eyes people dying from starvation in Africa. Please tell me how the hell did I a 26 year old Japanese man colonize African countries?. I been to 16 countries within the last 7 years and the only thing I ever did was help people. We help people here in the US that don't have money for doctors too, i been to people's houses here in the US that are in poverty and I been to people's houses in Africa that are in poverty and there is a huge difference in being poor in Africa and poor in the USA. You are literally the dumbest person I talked to I try to defend Africa and you're gone call me a colonizer. Go get your head checked because I don't remember the last time Japan colonized Africa, you're literally sick. By the way my IQ is 141, but you should really check yours if you think America is worse then Africa. Please go get your head examined. The only people I ever got racism from was black people, not one white person ever called me some racist Asian names but black people did it almost everyday in school and same happened when I went to Africa they would laugh at my eyes and I still helped everyone and didn't take it to heart. Why do you think every other race considers black people to be the dumbest?. It's because of sick idiot's like you. Why do you think there is no successful black nation?. Again it's because of people like you thinking everything is perfect in Africa and whatever is wrong is everyone else's fault. You're just a waste of my time.
Fitton the 3rd there are people in this country that has gone without food, without shelter, without medicine because there isn't enough money through no fault of their own. If this hasn't happened to you then you have nothing to say.
+Adam Rainstopper - Where's your reference for $11,800? I believe that to be a PIDOOMA number. So 46.5 million live on family incomes less than $11,800 a year? Interesting. That figure equates to $5.67 an hour for a job, less than the minimum wage. I venture to say more than that is available from government assistance. I have absolutely no problem helping people that need it, but there has to be a better method of screening out the slugs.
TheFloridaPappy That is the federal poverty line. It was pulled out of someone's ass, because it doesn't even take into account the cost of living in many states being high enough that 11,800 won't even cover rent in a one bedroom, but not my ass. This is really easy information to find, you are on the internet right now, all you have to do is (literally) google "What is the current federal poverty level?" and it's the first result. I even typed it out for you, so you can select it, right-click and go to "search google for "What is the current federal poverty level?"" and it will come up. I don't know if more than that is available from government assistance alone, but I pay taxes, and if I am going to continue to do so, I fucking *demand* that at least that be available to people who don't have any other means of survival. I have never called the cops in my life and I'm pretty sure I am capable of defending myself, my home, family, and do NOT wish to pay for killing huge numbers of civilians overseas, nor do I wish to pay the 6 figure salaries of politicians who will then go on to make 7 figures as lobbyists after they leave office, so I think I am entitled to have SOME say in where my money goes, and I want it to go to people who are going to spend it on food and other necessities. If I can't get that little bit, I am going totally under the table and off-grid. *You* can go ahead and pay for military and cops if you want their services, but don't make *ME* pay for shit I don't want.
+Adam Rainstopper - Again, interesting. The first, non-ad, hit for "What is the current federal poverty level" is government income numbers and related to Obama-care. Also interesting is the fact that one of the things you don't want your tax money spent on, the government has and absolute constitutional responsibility for - the military (cops are a different matter, that's local.) The things you DO want your money spent on are not the responsibility of the government - social welfare programs. The government does nothing efficiently. When our tax dollars go through the government, there's always less coming out than went in (gotta pay those 6 figure and 7 figure salaries), not only that, but it gives government more power over the people. So why would you want the government to control the money of social welfare programs? That should be private charities and foundations. Not too hard to see that the politicians wind up using the programs to buy votes and convincing people they need government for survival. That keeps people in poverty. If social welfare programs were private, you'd have complete control over where your dollars go for that purpose. Having said that, if American tax dollars didn't go to the military, I'm pretty sure we'd be typing these comments in German or Russian.
TheFloridaPappy Oh yeah, because the Ruskies would just casually march on in and subjugate 315 million armed people. If there was some kind of *REAL* threat of foreign invasion and it was proven to be so, I would pay a share toward, and/or participate in armed resistance against that invasion. That is not what the US military does though. They are the invadERs, and the citizens of the lands they invade and occupy are called "terrorists" when they take up arms to resist a foreign occupier. (not saying people who do suicide bombings against civilian targets aren't terrorists, but the ones in Iraq or Afghanistan who pick up a rifle to fight the invading army are not, any more than you or I would be if Russia tried to invade and conquer here and WE shot at them and planted explosives to stop them). I don't want to pay a cent for that. If there is going to be a "government" that I am expected to support with roughly half of what I earn, then I do want it to give that money to people in need. If there wasn't a state, there wouldn't be corporations or quadrillionaires able to Hoover up all the resources, the capitalist class relies heavily on state-power to break up strikes and smash any potential resistance to their power. Without the state, they would have no means of doing these things by themselves. This would allow the unwashed masses far more control over their own lives, particularly in industry and allocation of resources, and the few who still slipped through the cracks *COULD* very easily be taken care of by private charity, but that is not the case in a state-capitalist society. Private charity isn't capable of taking care of all the poor and unemployed and disabled that this kind of system creates. I don't particularly care what the "constitutionally legitimate" role of the state is, I wasn't there to sign that contract, therefor it doesn't apply to me. Everyone turns to this piece of parchment as if it is a restraint on state power, but it was that document that created the federal government in the first place. It isn't going bye-bye next week, and if it did, it would be a shock to the entire society, and no one would have a chance to adjust. That said, it fails to meet its burden of proof, and demonstrate that it is morally justified and pragmatically necessary, therefor it is illegitimate. As long as this illegitimate power structure still exists, I'll do anything in my power to apply pressure on it to do some good.
imagine being on food stamps and being on a medically nesicary diet of high protein and being disabled where you can't work, and only having food stamps!
Your employees are on food stamps...Just figured I'd point that out.
Hell no. He's busy spending money.
The sad part is that they pay more than minimum (at least where I live).
lucy marie That's why minimum wages needs to increase to living wages.
Wow your right they don't pay resturant employee's no money!
A HUGE shout out to Panera...they donate their day-old bread, pastries to local food pantries every single day. I’ve seen how much joy it brings to people who don’t often get a treat, or rely on cheap non nutritious bread products, that are now able to get wholesome bread. The staff are friendly, and never treat the food pantry drivers like an inconvenience. Panera gets my business, because i know they pay it forward.
it's so stressful living off of food stamps, especially when you live in fear of them getting taken away from you at any moment!!!
Hollyann Rose isn’t the point of SNAP like for temporary help until you get back on your feet. I don’t think it’s okay to have people dependent on when they could use other options.
I'd give you a million thumbs up if i could, that statement is so true. If by a miracle you no longer need food stamps that great but so many are trapped in a bad place where your only option is food stamps. Then they keep pulling the rug from underneath you so you live in a state of consent panic
Only solution is vote out those heartless, entitled, jack ass politicians. They think poor people are free loaders! Go to hell stupid bastards!
Hollyann Rose yeah I agree it's pretty damn scary I mean there's a lot of family who rely on their food stamps just to get by because the cost of living is so high and nobody's getting raised everything's going up and no raise so you have to have the food stamps to help you through the month the week whatever it may be in anyone's situation it's terrible very terrible it's very sad because your say is the richest country in the world looks like everybody's struggling to make ends meet except the rich people and the middle class I'm very sad to see and know this is happening to America
then dont be poor, period.
Regardless of the price of the "kids' mac and cheese", foodstamps don't pay for restaurant food, lady.
you are right!
Yeah lol
Restaurant CEO's saw your comment, donated to Legislatures and they Do NOW!
They never talk about the people that truly need benefits. The people who truly can not work due to chronic illnesses or accident injuries.
they have insurance and social security, plus all the media whoring they can do
al co: go to fucking hell! Your hero orange fat ass has worked his very big ass off trying to cut off insurance and social security with those nice Reps you voted in. So, think twice before you talk of benefits you know nothing about!
All he had to worry about was food?? Try worrying about gas, rent, phone bills and kids at the same time..smmfh 😒😠
Amen
OutLaws Series right on😆
His challenge was trying to food budget with food stamps that was his goal
"does this experiment make you want to lower some of the prices on your menu?"
short answer:
"no"
Do you eat there
now try doing it WITHOUT being able to cook or store food at all.
If he's so upset about the numbers he should consider giving his employees a raise. I was a shift supervisor and barely got paid above minimum wage in 2011/2012. Nothing has really changed since then, sadly.
you get what you are worth, which is probably less than minimum wage
How do you know? do you know Leslie Pena? Do you know any of the working people who would LOVE to have a paying job in a successful business? Don't say idiotic things if you don't know what you're talking about!
What's FUCKED UP is the fact that he did this challenge and still can't pay his employees enough to eat :,( I would know.
He isn't paying you. Panera is a franchise, so your manager in your Panera is the one who decides how much to pay you, whether it's a minimum wage, or 20 bucks an hour.
Drunky Owl About that. The franchise owner, not the manager, decides the pay. However, it's not hard to require certain things of franchise buyers. If they can have standards for their product, they can have standards for other parts of the franchise.
Zenergy Oasis he is only doing it for publicity for his company.
Zenergy Oasis find another job.
...for their food and buildings. Didn't know I'd made a typo.
6 days? If he truly wanted to experience it, keep it real and go a whole month like the rest of us! After all, we do live month to month
Lindsie Balçın lol like the rest of us? my family spends $1k on food a month and eats fine if we didn’t have that money i or my wife would get a second job and not cry to the gov
Ok just try to feed a family of four on 120.00 for the month then we can talk about it.
Brian Mcgill I feed a family of 9 on $800 a month. We eat great.
I have a family of 6 i do not use food stamps we spend 500 a month on food but we do sams club bulk that last a long time I like to plan meals it helps a lot. it's called don't eat every five seconds 3 meals a day small snacks for kids come on people it's not rocket science just don't be overeating
Lindsie Balçın why do you live on food stamps?
There are people who are not on food stamps but are forced to live off of 20 dollars for food a week. The economy is not good at all. In my area there are only part time positions available or Minimum wage jobs. That might be ok for some states, but if you live in New York you probably won't have enough for food after you pay rent. I hope the Republicans have a plan to give everyone a full time job after cutting foodstamps.
+Chris Rydaa - It's not up to the government to give anyone a job. It's the government's job to get out of the way so the private sector can grow and create jobs.
+Chris Rydaa If there's no jobs, you move.
Stop blaming others for your own stupidity.
+Ed R. - "Invested in the economy"? What does that mean? Also, how would the government provide job security?
+Ed R. - Just because times were dire and people looked to the government for relief doesn't change the Constitutional power of the government. Unless there were Constitutional amendments, the people of the 30's did not give the government more power, they allowed it overreach. Fast forward to today. FDR's seeds have morphed into the Nanny State.
+Ed R. Civilian Conservation Corps, Federal Emergency Relief Administration, Public Works Administration, Civil Works Administration, Works Progress Administration, National Youth Administration .. There were many more the Supreme Court flat out struck down.
6 days he experienced and discovered that he does not want to do it for a whole month
I'm glad this man spoke openly about why so many living in poverty and on food stamps have a weight issue. Its mainly because they obsess over food and how they will be able to feed themselves and thier families. Will they have enough from day to day not month to month. Its and anxiety that keeps people unhappy, unhealthy both mentally and physically. Their forced to buy and consume what will last/stretch the longest and keep them fuller. (Carbs,sweets, fatty foods) I'm glad he exposes this issue for what it is. There is entirely too much stigma on people in poverty and on government assistance.
Food Stamps= only fattening foods there is no healthy eating option
Hobbit Ridge, That is not always true, but you have to be willing to change your cooking and eating habits and choices. A slow cooker or pressure cooker can be your best friend. Using lots of cooked dried beans as a nutrition filler is important. Switching from expensive wheat or corn cereals to somewhat watery plain oatmeal takes some effort. You have to almost totally avoid soda, cookies, potato chips, and candy. Cabbage can be another good food filler. You have to teach the kids to always drink a glass of water before they ask for snacks, by doing that yourself. Dilute the 100% juices with an equal amount of water. The same with milk, dilute it.
while that may be true my family was on them and it is harder to do that when there are five kids
+brishaberries0101 - There's not enough stigma.
Poison Nerve Gas it really depends where you live. Veg and fruit are crazy expensive where I live.
I'm sorry, I do this with less for a family of 6 ever damn day. you don't go to restaurants, you learn to cook.
That's one of the reasons I don't understand the way some people think. As soon as some of them get some money, they go and eat at a restaurant. The reason I know is that some of my relatives run right to the restaurant with their families. Then have the nerve to say they don't have any money. I want to tell them to go and buy some canned goods, put them up and what's wrong with cooking at home. When I was growing up, we cooked food, not went out and sat down at restaurants to eat. When I got older and was working, we bought something as a treat every once in a while.
James Smith h
You can't get hot food or go to restaurants on food stamps. The card only works at grocery stores...lol. And you feed 7 people or 6 people on $4.50/day.....I call bullshit.
It doesn't work that way. At least not here.
HunterShows Does around my house in alton. There is a grill down the road that also take snap. Not to mention almost all the gas stations.
How about stop throwing left over food from your restaurant and give it away--->>
they do that in many European countries
A ROD that can be contaminated and at the end you blame them for giving bad food
They do give their food away at tbe end of everyday! As well as give to homeless and during crisis situations!
A ROD they donate the day old food daily. Our church gets Saturdays leftovers every week.
A ROD Panera Bread donates their bakery goods to neighborhood pantries. I know for a fact, Panera Bread fed my family for years back when my kids were younger and we were going through financial hardships. God bless Panera Bread! This video reminds me a personal thank you letter to the Panera Bread company is well over due.
It's not even just those on Food Stamps. After working my entire life, paying into Social Security & getting sick.. Becoming disabled & after 26 yrs (since HS) having your husband just walk out one day, selfishly just not wanting to deal. Leaving me now, sick.. w/ our teenage child to care for... Trying to survive on my SSI alone, when 85% of that is my rent alone. I've had to sell my car... not get my meds... sell everything I own......... & still can't pay the most BASIC of bills/necessities. Constantly going without, trying to figure out how I'm supposed to even feed my child each day, let alone keep the lights on. Looking for a cheaper place to live these days (been where I was, renting a small 2br... over 10 yrs now) is near impossible. Getting sicker by the month... getting ZERO help from my absentee, emotionally abusive ex.... Get this, I "make too much" even for food stamps supposedly. Ohhhh, only 149% below poverty.. not 150%... smh!!!! I'm supposed to live w/ a teenager on $1200/mo... without child support (can't afford to go after him, hell cant even GET there if I wanted to) nor the alimony I'm sure I'm prob owed... How would I afford to move even if I found a place. My primary concern has been "survival" for wayyyyy too long. My son needs new clothes... to eat normally (we know that shitty too many carbs feeling at night all too well... AND the going to bed hungry, sadly) We have to walk to a tiny 4 aisle store in town, grrrreat for my bad back.. Many times the weather sucks AND... we are VERY limited as to what we can even buy. How the hell to dig outta this mess we were left in, out of our control? Great question. No close family, etc.. those far, 'meh... can't even be bothered. Ugh.. So, yeah... those on 'food stamps' have it rough, but........... those I've known, it was usually a short-term supplement to $ they already had, etc. They prob still have a car... their homes..... their dignity................ it's definitely not fair to my son............ & after working so hard all my life, while I'll sacrifice anything to make sure he eats (& have) as a mom....... I'm no good to anyone & not going to ever get any better.......... the longer & longer I cannot figure out how I'm gonna take care of ME, too.... =/ Thoughts & strength out to anyone in this position or one similar..................... it's a hell I hope no one ever has to endure!!! I still have hope... somehow. (thank whomever for my son, he's been my motivation, my strength thus far!!!) ~ Be well.
mmanda515 i really feel for you. Try to keep y'all chins up.
Health insurance & a good lawyer and your situation would be 100% different
Not just people on food assistance but also average working families have to face this daily. With the costs of living, health care and everyday expenses, this is reality.
Obamacare is the worst idea ever, it just raised prices, we need to back to what America was, dad works full time, mom works partime while kids are in school, the people need to unite against corporations and demand better pay
Panera bread is so expensive to eat at
very expensive.
pammyla66 it's OK, they (pandora) don't give a rats ass about a small ppl. As long as they have what they need. Makes me sick
I only had Panera once.
my cousin was going, asked me if I wanted her to bring me back something.
I said oh, just get me a sandwich and a drink what ever combos they have that are reasonable.
well I gave her a $20
And I got change back
all I got was a 1/4 size sandwich, a small cookie, a tiny 1/4-1/2 cup size salad and regular drink.
I did not go there again.
it's a shame because your paying high prices for frozen never human made sweets and everything else including soups/chicken comes in a bag. nothing is made in house. Panera is a glorified McDonald's...
pammyla66 AND THE FOOD ISN'T EVEN (THAT) GOOD.😏
*Food stamps are never enough. You can never stretch them far enough; So Scary and HARD Being Hungry!!!*
Yeah, you're always in the same state of mind as when you go shopping while you're hungry.
I like this guy he did his research and challenge to see what it's really like for people in the struggle.
something tells me he did this shit to promote his company
Makiaveli ...you might be right...he's promoting his company.
makiaveli - you are sooo right; he didn't mention a decent paying job offer
Makiaveli there is no doubt! But at the same time he’s trying to make a change
He is definitely providing a service for a more upscale shopper for consumer. And yes I do believe he's promoting his store. But it does make a lot of very valid points in my opinion. So I will give him a thumbs up for that.
Makiaveli I think he is a joke or just trolling because he only is doing this for 7 days.
I have seen severe disabilities, and they do the best they can to keep their chin up,so to speak. Many suffer from chronic pain,depression, and even get tired of living.Family disappears, no visits,no encouragement. It gets lonely.You miss the things you used to be able to do.Never mind the one's who waste their money on drugs and alcohol,cigarettes, there are really people hurting in this world, and not enough people care.
why is it up to society to take care of the bottom 60%? we need to legalize suicide and encourage suicide
You should be euthanized! What kind of talk is this? You'll end up in a situation where no kindness if offered to you, where no protection is given to you... you'll suffer everything you can't understand in others. People help each other because that's what made humans a successful species. Why should I pay for whatever you will need in the future?... you know what? Nobody knows what the future holds, and your lack of compassion and kindness will set you up to experience suffering and lack. Be prepared because Karma is a bitch.
Haven't you figured it out yet, the gov't doesn't give a shit about you and is only giving enough to keep people quite so they can rob the rest of the money and they will shoot your kids at schools, so you give them ur guns back cause they r afraid u will wake up to the truth and start shooting them!, It is an illusion of caring presented by the lying media to protect themselves, while u get scraps.
I'm in poverty n I have a job.. I worked 2 jobs for several years. Hurt my hand, had surgery lost 1 job. I have a job my wife has a job both full time. No cable or b.s. but were still flat broke. Got 4 hungry kids n we gotta make sure their taken care of n the roof is paid 4 over their head # 1 & 2.
Redrum yeah.. that's good shit. we tell them it's a possibility all the time.
There are some who abuse the system but most would be incredibly happy to not need government assistance. Life is much easier when you can just pay for things out of your pocket. But when life happens and the jobs are being shipped out and you still have small humans to care for you either let them suffer or get the assistance.
Some jobs are shipped out. Some are substituted for robots. Nobody talks about this because then, the blame is on the local companies making cold choices... a lot of unemployment and poverty due to automation, guys!
I find this somewhat ironic. I worked for Panera for a number of years, making $8-9.35/hr. If he really cared I feel like he would raise the wages of his company. it's a wonderful company and I enjoyed working for them, but it was simply not a liveable wage.
We were on food stamps as I am disabled, why wife was laid off....my wife got another job a few months later earning a few dollars more than the minimum limit and they cancelled our food stamps. The amount more she earns is like $20 a month.
So we are lacking enough money to feed ourselves properly again. Thanks.....
why is it up to someone else to feed you just because you are "disabled"?? just because you are physically disabled doesnt mean you cant get a desk job where you sit on your ass all day. you dont need to be physically abled to work, you can type you can work go learn to program
You are such a piece of crap! Do you know what "disabled" means? It means they have to live in a limited environment, depending on others to get the essential things you and I take for granted. They can't cook, probably can't crap in a toilet, bathe themselves, or many times feed themselves... you and the MILLIONS who only understand this when it happens to them, are what is making this country the most unequal and unfair place in the whole world. At least in a third world country there's enough compassion to understand what an disabled person goes through. And you call yourselves "Christians"!!
Copykitty it's not like these poor are going to college or trying to get a job it's not my fault there are winners and losers in this week world, don't penalize the winners for the sake of losers
Copykitty don't believe in imaginary people in clouds or santa
al co Spoken like a true loser!
don't fit mad at a CEO just because he's a millionaire. it's not like success dropped in his lap. every person who's at the top of their field worked really hard to get there. he deserves every penny. it's good thing he did this challenge.
Romeo Reyes If he deserves every penny he has then why did he do this challenge? He should not be feeling guilty or concerned right?
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Ha!! Try $30 a month while working full time and being a full time student, away from his family... Welcome to my world.
cavieira91761 u make $30 a month working full time?
cavieira91761 sounds like a personal problem.
He means $30 a month on food!
cavieira91761 I see that you made this comment 4 years ago. Are things going better for you now?
cavieira91761 As a full time student you have the dinning hall. You'll be okay.
I actually WANT to help people if they get laid off,injured,are elderly or disabled-I'm fine with that. Where I take offense is the huge number of people abusing the system,the able bodied people who refuse to work,the ones that work for cash and still draw benefits,those who have 9 children by 9 different men simply to draw more money. In order to pay for these people I despise(in addition to my family that I love)I have to work 8-10 hours a day 5-6 days a week,barely get to see my family and then I'm FORCED(by law and threat of federal prison)to hand over nearly half-literally HALF-of everything I earn to government. Then when I use the half that remains to feed,shelter,cloth and care for MY family--- I get taxed again on every single thing I buy---and when I die,anything of monetary value I leave my kids,the govt will tax that too....again! The most disgusting and maddening part is that only 54% of American citizens are paying taxes--so while half of Americans are funding the entire country the other half is apparently doing fuckall besides waiting for next months handout!
S Wyatt sllloooowwwe clap...damn bro you can drop the mic after that. You hit the nail right on the head n buried that shit to where it will never come out again
S Wyatt what's crazy is that only 2 percent of the budget goes to food stamps
well said!!!
Reid Wyatt please do your research. Food stamp fraud is at an all times low. The individual you described is a hurtful stereotype that in no shape or form represents the majority of those in need of governmental assistance.
Atticus Reid preachhhhh
Dang -- just checked the Panera Cares Cafe web site. In this video, Mr. Shaich states that there were five locations. As of May 31, 2016, they are down to four, one of which was the "pilot run" in St. Louis, MO. It's easy to infer from his statements that the Panera Cares Cafes were cranked up only about the time he accepted the Food Stamp Challenge, but this is incorrect. The first location opened May 16, 2010. Those viewers who scoff saying, "He only did it for the publicity," are wrong (in fact, as well as grammatically).
I wish to goodness that I lived near one of the four locations. The nearest one, unfortunately, is two and one-half states away! Heck, if I were nearby, I'd go there every day, pay retail, and leave a *huge* freakin' tip. I'd work there as a volunteer, just to make sure the joint stayed open.
What a dynamite project!
Then why is Panera SO expensive!!! 😠
Don't go to Panera if they're so expensive. I could afford it but I know that Panera is expensive so I just don't go there. Walmart is around and Dollar Tree is around too.
because of the types of food they offer & the high quality ingredients. QUALITY COSTS!!
gee you guys, because they can, their not the only ones, you can't compare their food to McDonalds junk. just don't go there, I haven't gone there for over a year, cuz I can't afford it.
I think what would solve most of this nation's problems is to put a maximum wage limit for entry into politics and a wage cap for any government job.
Anything over the cap goes straight to taxes.
You can't even be a politician if you make more than say $40,000 a year, in any of the past 10 years. Complete with extensive audit of existing assets.
Also make lobbying completely illegal and punishable by death.
That would probably fix everything.
Panera is hella expensive
No, it is. You typically pay at least $10 for a meal - includes tax.
I used to live way less than $4.5 a day. It depends where you live.
-Ramen Noodles
-Mac and Cheese
-Canned meat
-Canned vegetables
Plus, I am extremely lucky to have fruit trees on the streets for free and organic.
Isn't it interesting how there are no fruit trees on the streets in the majority of the US? Its cool that where you live there are fruit trees on the streets... where is this?
Sparkle Eyes24 One of the Hispanic countries, probably. When I went on vacation to Malaga, Spain, there were orange trees full of oranges ripe for the picking.
Maria Bardo Tell grandma to survive on canned goods and noodles. Remember, she's on a heart diet, so none of those foods are ok for her to eat.
Maria Bardo I can buy a bag of rice (1.99) and a bag of black beans(.99 cents) and eat for several days.
eating well is all about planning. it doesn't have to be super expensive. recently a local store had chicken leg qrtr's here 10 lb bag frozen $.39/lb. so 10 lbs chicken for $3.90 / bag.
a bag of Doritos costs more than that!!
so i took $25 bucks and loaded up on the chicken! yeah i had to defrost it enough to separate the pieces but then in the deep freeze they go!!
also what some folks don't get is that if you save the fat from the baked chicken, you can use that to make meals later, when your out of meat. get the taste and feel of meat without actually having meat.
freeze some of the meat for chicken enchilada's or chicken salad later.
then too, i save the bones for bone broth. and after that? i finish boiling down the bones and make chicken bone meal which i give to my dogs...
soups are an AWESOME meat stretcher, it allows the lil bit of meat you have to go further, feed more people longer. i am REALLY big on soups.
multiple ways to make food go further..just gotta think outside the box. i was raised poor , by parents born just at the tail end of the GREAT DEPRESSION. i learned well how to make a meal stretch.
another thing is people need to toss their microwave and actually MAKE the food they eat. stop buying the processed crap that the cardboard box has more nutrition in it than the food!!
EGGS!! man eggs are AWESOME!! protein , versatile...
sorry not meaning to preach here, just trying to maybe help someone stretch what little they have!!
Cheers !
not everyone can get a high paying job! how ridiculous!
You don't have to get a high paying job. Just get a job. I started out at White Castles. I always found another job before quitting one. It was called moving on up a little bit at a time. So don't quit a job before getting another one.
then they should do soemthing about it to get that high paying job! It only takes 3 things to succeed in America,
1. show up
2. dont do drugs
3. dont get knocked up out of wedlock
if you do those 3 things, you generally make it to the middle class!!
Yea, sounds nice and over simplified.
al co lol....... that's actually pretty accurate. 🤔🙄
al co This is so false. Fuck, I just saw another video about a woman having to work at Starbucks several years after passing her bar exam because the field is so saturated and she never got an interview after graduating. Anyone with a science degree needs graduate or Med school in order to get a job in the science field. And then there are many job postings that require 2 years experience...but none willing to give that experience to those without it.
Most people in America are in debt - owing more than they make.
It's not easy anymore. Maybe in the 70s, but not today.
I'm working as a part time server while I get through classes. A studio apartment in my area costs at the very least $1600 per month so I have to live at home with mom (not everyone has this as an option).
After watching many of these wealthy people take this kind of challenge, I find it pretty dang offensive. It is not a game.
Panera bread is so god damn expensive wtf....
ali112233ah There servings are so small n not filling. Very very high dollar. Will never go back.
I'm so glad you said that cause my sister took me there once and my experience was like this.
Cramped area, food expensive, portion small and zero taste hahahahahahahahahaha.
I asked my sister WTF we aren't in a nursing home.
Reina Jenkins Will never spend another penny in that place. It's horrible.
I ate at Panera Bread a few times myself. It wasn't - and isn't - all that great. The portions are rather small for the price you are charged, and it takes you all of five minutes to eat your whole meal.
I had to live on welfare for years. It is horrifying. I remember being overjoyed when I found $18.00 in change, to buy groceries FOR A WEEK!!!! I would ration myself to two slices of lunch meat for a sandwich, I allowed myself half a tomato as veg, I would ration the slices of bread, I would have a can of beans as dinner. Meat? Are you kidding?!?!?!? I ate a lot of spaghetti, eggs and Kraft cheese. My health collapsed. I get sick very easily, I'm prone to infection, I have very limited energy. I am now on disability because I can't go back to work. And the depression and crushing anxiety have led to insomnia.
NO ONE WANTS TO BE ON WELFARE!!!!!! It is a misery!!!!
why won't they cut spending for corporations and fighting in other countries oh that's right because they make money on stuff like that...
why cant we make money off the poor
if they would just make corporations pay their fare share of taxes, then everyone would have what they need....i mean really the tax breaks huge companies get is obscene!
Solo Eldritch they do pay their share,they pay almost 90%of all us tax how much more should they pay so poor people can freeload
al co
Amazon paid zero federal taxes last year. GE,Verizon, Boeing and over a dozen other top companies pay almost no taxes every year. There are so soo many loopholes that even if companies pay something it's such a low amount.
so, why dont you own a amazon then? stop hating and join the club
I am on welfare but I am moving to auburn with my sister so I can get a job away from living in the middle of nowhere with my parents. I hope my sister's landlord allows me to live with her. In Auburn NY there is pubic transportation so I would not have to worry about my dad losing his car again. I want to work but can't right now. Please pray that I am able to live with my sister. I am miserable being on welfare living with my parents in the middle of nowhere.
Patriot Jefferson you’re horrid.
Father, In the name of Jesus, I stand in agreement that you will change for the better this woman's situation. This is her winning season. I thank you for the sister who is willing to help her, great is her life also. Favor, transformation and affirmation in Jesus name. Amen
Go to school. I am a single mom, two kids. Go to school, get a degree and get a good job. I work and go to school and raise two teenagers. You can do it! Work your butt off for a few years so you don’t have to for the rest of your life.
Patriot Jefferson actually book of Timothy say a MAN who does not take care 9f his family is worst then a non believer of Christ... Also states killbbies sell raped women ect
Marybeth Langendorf they dont call it the Finger Lakes for nothin! Be careful!!!!!
I have so much respect for him.
The president would never do this.
What about the people who do have jobs but still do not earn enough to feed their families? This news anchor should try this experiment herself. Does she honestly believe that there are people out here that DON'T want to make more money? Finding better jobs with better pay and benefits is on every workers mind. It's just not that easy to find them for many people. It's funny how some people, who have never experienced poverty, seem to have all the answers how about how to fix the problem. And most of the time, they believe that poor people just don't want to work. And that is such bullshit.
If you can't afford to feed yourself, you are truly fucked up. If you can't afford to feed yourself, but have a child...that's really not the government's fault or problem. Having another child, on top of that...you deserve to be miserable and should be charged with child abuse for bringing another innocent life into your self destructive world of "poor me" & "the government should feed & house & provide medical for my family"..
The man cares and is doing more than 99.9% of business leaders. Kudos to him.
I go to panera occasionally because it's across the street from where I work, but.. its expensive for the portion sizes... they charged 8 bucks for the tortellini pasta and they didn't even fill the to go bowl all the way.. one measly scoop.. and the mac and cheese is a tiny bowl of the same mac n cheese they serve in free school lunches.. nothing special and not worth 5 bucks
wonder if his workers get min. wage.there are no job but. fast food min wage and Walmart where I live and in the next 10 yrs those jobs will be automated.we should make all members of congress go on the food stamp challenge see if they can survive.cant really buy any fresh fruits besides bananas.blueberries cost $7 at Walmart they lasted a half a day and they weren't even organic.we need to start subsiding fruits and vegetables instead of meat and dairy.and start educating people on nutrition and teach them how to go food shopping in high school.
Most of the time I see people in front of me using EBT are eating much better than I am...they have steak, pork and premade meals ... sweets, chips pop... I have hamburger and potatoes... They pull out their EBT card from their Coach purse while talking on their Iphone 7... This is not accurate...
Do you not realize that the healthier the food you purchase, the more it costs.
when i was 20, i moved across the country with my boyfriend. he was in grad school to get a phd and worked doing research and teaching freshmen english. we were relatively okay during the school year because he had an income then. definitely not anything great--about $1500 per month for 9 months. significantly below the poverty line but we got by well enough. i was in undergrad full-time and taking summer classes but i had a part-time minimum wage. for the entire summer, my ~$640/month was all we had for rent, utilities, gas, food, pet care, and health insurance. we had to apply for food stamps every summer. do you know what the illinois state government offered us? sixteen (16) dollars for two adult people. eight US dollars per person per month. thankfully our parents were well enough off to help us out or else i have no idea what we would've done.
remember it's a supplemental program, and we're lucky to have that, how many other countries don't even get that.
What you should have done is save some of the money when he was making 1500 per month to use during the summer months.
What a harrowing story....
this is so superficial
It is a huge assumption that food stamps are intended to provide your entire food budget.
I'm a homeless guy, no gov't assistance" I don't want to be leach!", and I can't believe what I'm watching and hearing from this guy! What an honest rich guy. I want him to know I've eaten from his dumpster and was blessed to have it!! In his case and others like him,from what I see ,I like him for who he is not what he has. Strikes me as a person that is a very admirable man. I wish more people would see this video. Thanks....
Restaurants do *not* accept EBT cards (or any previously cooked foods from grocery store buffet sections)!
I have a full time job. I work overtime just to cover my bills (not including groceries). I do not work for minimum wage. I’m just an unlucky millennial. I live off of around $4-$5 a day for food. I’m not making it. I see where I can eat for free sometimes just so I can make my dollars stretch. She talks about people being on welfare and not having jobs but this shit happens to the working class too.
I live in a small town that's so poor iv got friends that have a nursing degree and they can't find a job here with 4 clinics and a hospital. and everything is part time at $7.50hr . we had to move from the big city 7.50hr minimum wage two bedroom apartment $750 and that's in the ghetto. break ins drug dealing gang fights all that and forget about going to school it since your poor no financial services for college
Why not just call it broke and hungry instead of food insecurity.
Hey Ron help me they think i can live on 4 dollars a day and still eat right because I have cancer and can't eat right to make my body healthy to help my immune system stronger i go to bed hungry everyday...
Ellen Vickers
I feel for you, and do understand your situation well. Due to my life- altering chronic illness, that caused me to lose my stomach, I receive most of my nutritional needs via a permanent feeding tube in my jejunum. If not for the formula, that is covered by my health insurance, I would be in your boat, going to bed hungry, due to illness, and not being able to work anymore.
I'd give anything to be able to work again, and work full-time to boot. It's shameful that we are at a breaking point, where people in dire need are not being taken care of properly. So much for working, paying taxes, etc for 33 years, in my case.
Many blessings to you, Ellen.
Ellen Vickers May God always abundantly bless you every day of your life in the name of Jesus.
god put her in that situation, Jesus failed already
al co You don't know God, and Jesus never failed at anything,but you sure did.
Wait Wait Wait $4.50 a day per person is a challenge? That's about $135 month which doesn't seem like a lot but if you don't eat out its not that hard. For my family of 4 that would be around $540 a month. We spend about that if not less and eat extremely well 3 meals a day. Especially of you buy the main staples. Now I your stocking up on soda chips and junk food you will spend more and be less satisfied. And as some have also mentioned food stamps are meant to be a supplement to your budget not to cover in full.
Tyler Pearson, totally agree with you! If you cook and use your mind you all are capable of it and I don't mean top ramen.
For a family of two there is 125 a month I can't get that shit to stretch pass 2 weeks with no junk food involved soooo I'm not sure how u do it. After two weeks I have to resort to spending cash from bills (usually gas money)to buy more food for me and my child.
$4.50 a day that's the highlife.. .as long as you dont shop at overpriced wholefoods. . .
here is my food cost From a trip to the store last week. . .
Chicken leg quarters 7lb at .47 lb = 3.29
Potato 10lbs for 2.00 = 2.00
Black Beans 5lb for 4.79 = 4. 79
Yellow Onion 3lb at .79lb = 2.37
Brown Rice 10lb for 7.89 =7.89
24ct eggs for 2.29= 2.29
2 Bread loaves for 1.72= 1.72
total: $24.35
now cut that in half because this is actually 2 weeks of food for myself. . .
so $12.18 a week. . .
now luxuries like soda, popcorn, and the like usually put my budget closer to $20 weekly, but I can live without those.
This guy seems very nice be gentle people he's trying to walk a mile in someone else's shoes and I commend him for that😊💗
Wow 5 cafes where you don't set the prices. The reality is Panera is totally overpriced. If you cared more you'd have more than 5 cafes like this. Lower your prices at all your restaurants.
min wage laws and pay roll taxes wont allow them to lower prices. those employees are entitled to higher pay!
"And does that make you want to...lower done of the prices on your menus?" .............
he doesn't say Yes.
And instead of saying "No", he gave a twenty to forty word sentence about how we need to look at the issue of la la la deee dee dee dahh
Since when eating out became a necessity??
It is simple: if it is expensive for you, do not buy it. As long as people but in these places, no right minded business man will lower the prices.
Since when eating out became a necessity??
It is simple: if it is expensive for you, do not buy it. As long as people but in these places, no right minded business man will lower the prices.
Since when eating out became a necessity??
It is simple: if it is expensive for you, do not buy it. As long as people but in these places, no right minded business man will lower the prices.
He a millionaire and the employees @panera betcha they on food stamps OK??
why not? he is just taking advantage of the system that you allow to exist.
It’s called “Supplemental” Nutrition Assistance Program.
His average employee can't afford to be his average customer.
It's just a publicity stunt.
The poor can only afford to eat healthy aka one meal a day of very...very small portions. Or three high calorie meals a day and cheap unhealthy snacks to feel kinda full.
Saving/me Why is that? Can they not grow vegetables in there apartments/houses? I have two homemade garden towers in my living room one grows all of my herbs and vegetables the other my lettuces. I spent about $90 on those two towers and about 6 hours of time to build them. If you wanted you could get the parts for cheaper or free. My only cost is water and the small amount of electricity it costs to keep 4 LED lamps on the plants 8-12 hours a day which is $5-10 a month. about 30-40% of the food I eat at home comes from my garden, it is extremely cheap to maintain, it is very healthy, it looks beautiful, and they have enough space to grow food for 2-4 people.
So yes maybe they can not afford the inflated prices at the store but why are they unable to grow it themselves?
..........so low income should have 90$ laying around to spend on lights to grow fruits and veggies indoors...and sit for how many months before they can eat from their indoor grown food?
Saving/me $90 grows two large growing towers. I bought a lot of parts but most of them can be found for free or cheap. I wanted a certain design/size so I made mine a certain way, plus I have the money so I decided to buy the stuff. I know I could have received the barrels for free if you wanted to look long enough but I had $10-15 to buy them. I wanted my garden to be mobile so I bought wheels. The growing lights are not expensive each lamp costs $3-6 brand new from the store, and the light bulbs costs $3-5 a piece.
The Herbs take about a 6 weeks before I can start harvesting small amounts of herbs and the vegetables take about 3 months.
If you wanted to you could buy small tray and some rockwool to start growing all of your plants and spend the next 2 weeks buying/collecting all of your materials and spend a little at a time each day working on it.
Edit: grammer mistakes
So the working poor must have time to really look deep for free and cheap items instead of working or resting to go back to work...reading your reply....thankfully you have the money....still reading...so for herbs a hungry family has six weeks, and for actual food 3 months. I think your idea is a great idea. Maybe tax time I can afford this and for others maybe when they get two jobs?
Right now if you need to eat this is not a great idea.
Saving/me
Assembly of the whole thing takes 2-3 hours at most finding the parts should take 1-3 hours. If you do not have 3-6 hours free over any period of time then that is another major issue. If you have kids or a spouse then nothing is stopping them from building it for/with you. It is not a labor intensive project and it can be a very fun activity to do.
If something will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in food cost then why would you not want to invest a little time/money into finding a way? This is not a solution that will give you food for dinner the same night you start your garden, but it will feed you in the future. The great thing is that you can start your garden in small pots/cups and transfer them over to a the garden after 1-2 months. So if it take you 1-2 months to save up/build the garden you can get a head start on your garden, so it will only take 1-2 months to start collecting.
I built my garden so I can save money, eat healthier, and decorate my living room. Having plants all over my apartment makes life a lot more comfortable plus I almost never need to buy vegetables and my food cost is $2-4 a day, I eat 3 big healthy meals a day plus random snacks. My meals are never bland and I rarely eat the same thing more then 2 times a month. I save about $30-40+ a week on food which was worth every single second/dollar I spent. If you need to eat a meal in an hour this is not a great solution, but if you want to have dinner in the future then this is the perfect solution it is cheap and the reward is massive especially if you do not have the money for healthy food.
PS you can always buy fully grown plants it will save you a lot of that 2-3 month waiting period but it will cost you money.
Dear CNN, I am on food stamps myself along with my daughter. I started food stamps in 2012 when my unemployment ran out. I went to the food stamp office and applied; I was asked if I was pregnant, just had a baby or if I had young children at home; when I asked them why I was told that was the only way I could receive cash benefits along with food stamps. I told the people at the agency that I was 56 years old and I could not get pregnant anymore. My daughter and I was approved for $352.00 a month for both of us with no cash allowance because we did not met their requirements for cash. Now you tell me why is it more important for a mother with little children to be able to wash clothes and the kids; but not for an older person to be able to wash their clothes and themselves? Does this seem right or fair?
I like this man, he really took the time to look into the problem and find, even a small solution, to it. Now, let's see if I can find Panera Cares Cafe.
I get only $15 a month. I can only afford to buy 3 1gal. bottles of Hawaiian punch and 3 12 packs of ramen noodles.
AND yes I'm classed as being severely disabled. I can't work but I desperately want to.
Leslie Hyde beans, rice, water. All needed nutrition, Cheaper than Hawaiian punch.
Leslie Hyde try looking at something like Vocational Rehabilitation they should be able to help you find a job that would work with with what skills you have.
Marion Loesch You can have skill, but if you are disabled, you can loose your skill.
Disabled is just an excuse, you can type you can work
you can type, you can get a job go to school
The question is, are u paying ur workers enough to stay off welfare and food stamps? Also lower your prices
Kenesha Glover 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏👏👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏼👏🏾👏🏻👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏼👏🏼👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏👏👏🏼👏👏🏾👏🏾👏👏🏾👏🏾👏👏🏼👏👏🏾👏🏾👏👏👏🏼👏👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏👏🏼👏👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏👏👏🏼👏👏🏾👏🏾👏👏👏🏼👏👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏👏👏🏼👏👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏👏👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏👏🏼👏👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏👏👏🏼👏👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏👏🏼👏👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏👏🏼👏👏🏾👏🏾👏👏👏🏼👏👏🏾👏👏👏🏼👏👏👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
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wait pay the employees more and lower the prices ......genius ! u should run your own business and let me know how that works out for you
Kenesha Glover Stop acting like you understand how businesses work. You can't raise wages and lower prices. If he pays his workers more, the prices will be raised, more Pepe will lose their jobs. Then you liberals will complain about prices being high and not enough jobs. You people will never be happy. Study basic economics kid.
Dat Boi you hate I think someone like the guy running Panera bread can afford it and STILL live better than MOST Americans.✔️😒
Now imagine living in a small town where the grocery store jacks the prices up 3 times what other places would charge.
What an open minded and wonderful person.
if he cared so much Panera would not be so expensive.
As long people buy there, no right minded business man will lower the prices. Just like Starbucks... only stupid people will pay $5 or more for a cup of joe with foo-foo syrup.
did you know they donate all the leftover bread every night to organizations that give it out for free (my church being one). they make their bread fresh every morning. You also get the benefit of sweets too. they have an awesome rewards card system. This is a great place, yes their prices are high... but they give great service and great food.
Rhonda Alan if you knew how much it costs to run a business you would not be saying that. The margins are fairly thin after taking in to consideration rent utilities wages employee benefits food costs etc. Yes they make millions a year in net profits but after you devide that by the number of sandwhichs sold you will see that they may only make a couple dollars if that per sandwhich. Yes it's a lot cheaper for you to make it at home but you do not take into consideration that you are not paying yourself to make the sandwhich or the electricity for your home every month and your house/rent payment into consideration. While businesses have other expenses besides just the product they are selling.
The higher the cost, the better the food quality should be, and employees should be paid maintainable wages. It makes more sense socially to support restaurants that have an ethical obligation and respect towards their local community and employees, even if it means costing a bit more (and thus eating out less).
We cannot expect good food and service at a cheap price; for a profit in that scenario, someone (employees, animals, environment) is going to be taken advantage of monetarily. It's all about the profit margin in capitalism.
Rhonda Alan you the best !
The problem is your country is already broke and yet you keep spending on other countries. You don't rehabilitate your own but you mind other countries problems. Plus you really need to close your boarder and stop immigration, that will give you more burdens. Most immigrants will have one person working and the rest are just dependents, they also bring in their mom and dad grandma and grandpa that don't contribute to anything but just take freebies and pensions. Did you know that in UK many muslims are arriving and taking support from government. Like I heard here in Philippines a muslim is talking about Uk, they will put everychild under their relatives name so that they can all be listed for the help. They cheat and will put many names of children, they said you can get many support in uk like free apartment and free food in food bank plus monthly allowance, and the more children you declare the bigger you get for allowance and apartment. Just like USA you take the burdens of third world and you add more headache to your country. Stop taking asians, mexicans, africans, and all kinds of poor. Even if this people will work it's not right to give it to them, you have to make your own people work. The situation is the salary goes down and employers like immigrants it's cheaper and no benefits specially illegals. So the real american born specialy white will not be given a job or will not want it if it's too cheap labor, they will like think about it, coz cheap labor is lower or equivalent to a food stamp, so why will they work anyways? If the american will be offered a job that earns like 1200 or minimum and than the food stamp is also in that price why will they work if the salaries is the same with getting food stamp. First thing you need to do is shut and close the boarder, stop taking zombies from third world. and second, stop importations and free trade, your people buys imported goods, but other countries don't buy your goods, so it's not fair deal, if there is a choice in stores, americans will keep taking the imported cheap goods not local made and that will kill your manufacturing companies of USA. And you need to stop sending help to charities and why do you bother helping others if there is problem inside your country. And make your people work, kick out all illegals and give their jobs to your people and stop food stamp. Plus the other race makes so much babies so stop letting them in close your boarder and kick out all illegals.
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
We need a Nobel Prize for being a genuine man of decentcy and compassion to his fellow man. He's got my vote. Even if it is 5 years too late. I've never bought from one of his establishments. But, if I ever get out from under living hand to mouth, no, I do not get food stamps and never have, I will enjoy a meal and one of his 'Cares' shops and I will do what I can to pay it forwards. Peace, you reinforced my beliefs in the human race.
I don't buy groceries at all. I work at a restaurant that gives me 1 free meal a day. I have been doing it out of necessity, but recently found out people are doing it on purpose and call it intermittent fasting.
How can you classify only 46.5 million people as living in poverty when 48 million have to use food stamps. That's in distinction without a difference territory to me.
yeah, but those other 1.5 million don't use resources to get food stamps.
Yeah, never mind I got the numbers switched around lol
cause not everyone on food stamps need them. they game the system
Joe Smith You're in republican talking point fantasy land.
Leggo My Ego because food stamps covers those up to 1.5 percent above the poverty line, who also need help.
Like a person recently widowed and now has 2 kids and a dog to feed with an income that covers only 1.5 mouths and needs more time to get their life back together without worrying about what they will eat.
people work better when they arent as worried about food. people can make better decisions when they arent listening to their stomach "talk" most of the day.
people can spend money on rent if they dont have to choose between rent and food etc.
Wath the cost of living and food going up why ask is Americans takeing advantage of food stamps how about asking or the rich takeing advantages of the working or poor.by not giving them wages that meet the economic growth .could this news lady live on minum wage 7.25 hr. Part time at that.thats why we have food stamps they should make the super rich pay for it that work people for nothing and pocket million of dollars of the backs of their employes.at lest this wealthy man has a idiea but what is the news lady sounding worried she might be in a low tax breaket and pays less then a 40 aweek minum wage worker.
Thank you Ron Shaich for doing this challenge and for bringing attention to American poverty. The donation style restaurants are genius. You are an inspiring person.
I was a manager at a low rest housing apts & people on food stamps really don't "starve" bc they go to food pantries, shelters that provide free meals,churches, family & friends. They just don't live like this. I know bc I've been around people on food stamps. They have ways of getting free meals all the times.
Yes, trying to feed yourself on Food Stamps is not easy, but most of these Food Stamp challenges are misleading. Food Stamp recipients receive their allotment monthly not weekly. Buying $31.50 worth of groceries to last a week is difficult, but buying $126.00 of groceries to last a month is easier. Now if you have two people living in the household your monthly allotment will be much higher ( not sure if it doubles?), thus making your monthly shopping much easier. If you are eligible for Food Stamps, most Food Pantries will give you foods, stretching your allotment much further. Yes, I know it is not easy, but by buying in bulk, watching for sales cutting out junk you can survive comfortably on Food Stamps!
thegoatman62 No, it doesn't double. In fact, they take into account that you might buy in bulk. Also, don't assume that because someone lives in Section 8 housing, they get more in total benefits (like, adding what their rent is w/o section 8, to medical benefits and food stamps, and totaling it). It doesn't work that way either. Rent going down means less in food stamps, because they want you to use extra cash on food. And when grandma gets a COLA raise in her social security, she pays more in Medicare, but gets less in food stamps, because they go by gross income, not net.
Also, grandma can't go to the food pantry. They give out boxed and canned food, that's high in sodium and fat. Grandma won't live much longer, if she's eating food pantry food and has heart failure.
I once read a book titled The Nickle and Diming of America. The writer takes her own journey through simulated food insecurity as well as living on minimum wage. I love that this CEO is building resttarau ts to help the hungry. Perhaps if he could read that book and look at the complete working poor life in our country. Kudos for your work in the right direction!!
You can still buy canned goods at Dollar Tree and sometimes cheaper at other stores (certain things). Stretching the dollar is what is needed.
Lapri B Have you learned how to read labels, little girl? About those Dollar Tree foods. High sodium. Hello?
Oh this guy goes on about the expense of food.. while Panera is probably one of the most expensive places that I eat at (considering the portions). Sure, I go to much nicer restaurants sometimes, but I usually bring tons of food home or have leftovers that last for 1-2 days. Whenever I go to Panera, I leave hungry with 12$ out of my pocket!
Des Moines, Iowa...
Panera donates ALL its left over baked goods to local food pantries.
Good company.
I know this because in the past I went to those food pantries, realized who was providing the quality loaves of bread and rolls, and now I'm a loyal customer since my situation improved.
You get out of this world what you put into it. True for companies also.
1:37 "Each night, when I go to bed, I'm engulfed by a sick feeling that comes from eating too many carbs." This is highly ironic, considering his company is called "Panera Bread".
Jesus said to feed the hungry.
Actually, He said, "teach a man to fish"...
He fucking charges 20$ for some damm mac n cheese.
KolokoGamer are you serious?his mac n cheese is that expensive? I never ate at panda bread
Latoya Guion $20 is an exaggeration. The price is $4.99 to $7.99
I am sorry, but increasing minimum wage to an absurd amount hurts the economy, as it makes small businesses unable to survive whilst larger businesses simply increase costs, thus increasing ALL costs as the economy is a perfect sphere. Due to this phenomenon, increasing minimum wage changes extremely miniscule whilst affecting so much and decreasing the value of the American dollar, or YOUR ENTIRE 401k would be worth much less.
I recently discovered YOU! You are my ANGEL and my Life HERO! Thank YOU for Giving a local Food Depository for the Poor in the Christian Church in LaGrange, Illinois! In my temporarily unemployment position, I WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL to YOU helping me when I REALLY, REALLY NEEDED IT! You'll NEVER KNOW!
Once, again, Thank YOU from the Bottom of my Heart! Eileen! Thank YOU and Love You!
Omg! For real!? I can shop for a months worth of meals for 4 people(2 kids) for under $150! Smart shopping. Coupon clipping. Home made meals. Farmers market produce.
Its possible!
part of the problem is people get $150 worth of food stamps so they think, oh I can only get $150 worth of food this month. food stamps are not supposed to be depended upon as the only way you pay for food. they are intended to help pay for a majority of them but god forbid you spend $20 of your own money on them.
+Kyle Lambert Most people don't have that 20 bucks. You're a dreamer.
Hamsa Rosenberg I know, that's what jobs are for
@@PoppaCap69 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Its assistance not life support
Panera gives tons of food to the needy.
People who do this our stupid ! This is meant to help pay for your food not be your only source of food. So glad that you gotta work to be on food stamps is back.
+aquwaholic You don't have to work. It is meant to be a months worth of food.
When calling out stupidity, you should probably use the correct word! You ARE the weakest link!
Unless you are unable to work
People here in the USA don't even know what poverty is. I bet every person in poverty owns a phone and a flat screen TV and eats everyday and has a car and fresh clothes. Now go to Africa where people only have a mud hut and one pair of clothes and beat up shoes with holes in them and don't eat sometimes for 2 or 3 days, now that's poverty.
Aviation Nut thank you exactly what I was going to say.. poverty in America means color TV cell phone food house.. poverty in Zimbabwe for example, sewer running down in between the Huts. no food to speak of no electricity disease death.. that is real poverty
Aviation Nut-Your comment exudes nothing outright ignorance. You automatically ASS-ume that Africa has mud huts. You’re probably dumb enough to believe that Africa is a country too. If the colonizers (YOU) would keep your greedy asses out of Africa, pillaging their resources, then they’d be a lots better off. You wouldn’t even be able to use your cell phone or any other electronic device if it weren’t for the resources that comes out of Africa.
Now let that marinate on your “high IQ” brain! The last time I checked, there’s many parts of America that aren’t anywhere near great for for human habitation. People who live in the Appalachia Mountains are dirt poor, wondering where their next meal is coming from. So it’s safe to say that they don’t have clothes or shoes, much less a pair with holes in them.
koshcon-It’s a well established FACT that America is nothing but a rancid shithole. Whitey is even in Africa thinking he’s supposed to be giving handouts. WTF makes white people think they’re owed farmland in South Africa? Go back to Europe!
Unhinged Dotard
You're an idiot!. I am Japanese studying in the US for the last 4 years. I been to Congo, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Burkina Faso with the organization called doctors without borders 3 times as a student doctor helping sick people in poverty and you're gone tell me crap that people in poverty don't live in mud huts in African countries?. Are you that stupid and ignorant?. I personally seen with my own eyes people dying from starvation in Africa. Please tell me how the hell did I a 26 year old Japanese man colonize African countries?. I been to 16 countries within the last 7 years and the only thing I ever did was help people. We help people here in the US that don't have money for doctors too, i been to people's houses here in the US that are in poverty and I been to people's houses in Africa that are in poverty and there is a huge difference in being poor in Africa and poor in the USA. You are literally the dumbest person I talked to I try to defend Africa and you're gone call me a colonizer. Go get your head checked because I don't remember the last time Japan colonized Africa, you're literally sick. By the way my IQ is 141, but you should really check yours if you think America is worse then Africa. Please go get your head examined. The only people I ever got racism from was black people, not one white person ever called me some racist Asian names but black people did it almost everyday in school and same happened when I went to Africa they would laugh at my eyes and I still helped everyone and didn't take it to heart. Why do you think every other race considers black people to be the dumbest?. It's because of sick idiot's like you. Why do you think there is no successful black nation?. Again it's because of people like you thinking everything is perfect in Africa and whatever is wrong is everyone else's fault. You're just a waste of my time.
Fitton the 3rd there are people in this country that has gone without food, without shelter, without medicine because there isn't enough money through no fault of their own. If this hasn't happened to you then you have nothing to say.
Maybe someday he'll stop charging 10 bucks for half a sandwich.
Welcome to the real world.
46.5 million live in poverty? That is total BS! What's the new definition of poverty? One car, one flat screen TV and one cellphone?
+TheFloridaPappy $11,800 a year is the "new definition" of poverty. If I didn't own my home outright, I couldn't live off that, and neither could you.
+Adam Rainstopper - Where's your reference for $11,800? I believe that to be a PIDOOMA number. So 46.5 million live on family incomes less than $11,800 a year? Interesting. That figure equates to $5.67 an hour for a job, less than the minimum wage. I venture to say more than that is available from government assistance.
I have absolutely no problem helping people that need it, but there has to be a better method of screening out the slugs.
TheFloridaPappy That is the federal poverty line. It was pulled out of someone's ass, because it doesn't even take into account the cost of living in many states being high enough that 11,800 won't even cover rent in a one bedroom, but not my ass. This is really easy information to find, you are on the internet right now, all you have to do is (literally) google "What is the current federal poverty level?" and it's the first result. I even typed it out for you, so you can select it, right-click and go to "search google for "What is the current federal poverty level?"" and it will come up. I don't know if more than that is available from government assistance alone, but I pay taxes, and if I am going to continue to do so, I fucking *demand* that at least that be available to people who don't have any other means of survival. I have never called the cops in my life and I'm pretty sure I am capable of defending myself, my home, family, and do NOT wish to pay for killing huge numbers of civilians overseas, nor do I wish to pay the 6 figure salaries of politicians who will then go on to make 7 figures as lobbyists after they leave office, so I think I am entitled to have SOME say in where my money goes, and I want it to go to people who are going to spend it on food and other necessities. If I can't get that little bit, I am going totally under the table and off-grid. *You* can go ahead and pay for military and cops if you want their services, but don't make *ME* pay for shit I don't want.
+Adam Rainstopper - Again, interesting. The first, non-ad, hit for "What is the current federal poverty level" is government income numbers and related to Obama-care. Also interesting is the fact that one of the things you don't want your tax money spent on, the government has and absolute constitutional responsibility for - the military (cops are a different matter, that's local.) The things you DO want your money spent on are not the responsibility of the government - social welfare programs. The government does nothing efficiently. When our tax dollars go through the government, there's always less coming out than went in (gotta pay those 6 figure and 7 figure salaries), not only that, but it gives government more power over the people. So why would you want the government to control the money of social welfare programs? That should be private charities and foundations. Not too hard to see that the politicians wind up using the programs to buy votes and convincing people they need government for survival. That keeps people in poverty. If social welfare programs were private, you'd have complete control over where your dollars go for that purpose. Having said that, if American tax dollars didn't go to the military, I'm pretty sure we'd be typing these comments in German or Russian.
TheFloridaPappy Oh yeah, because the Ruskies would just casually march on in and subjugate 315 million armed people. If there was some kind of *REAL* threat of foreign invasion and it was proven to be so, I would pay a share toward, and/or participate in armed resistance against that invasion. That is not what the US military does though. They are the invadERs, and the citizens of the lands they invade and occupy are called "terrorists" when they take up arms to resist a foreign occupier. (not saying people who do suicide bombings against civilian targets aren't terrorists, but the ones in Iraq or Afghanistan who pick up a rifle to fight the invading army are not, any more than you or I would be if Russia tried to invade and conquer here and WE shot at them and planted explosives to stop them). I don't want to pay a cent for that.
If there is going to be a "government" that I am expected to support with roughly half of what I earn, then I do want it to give that money to people in need. If there wasn't a state, there wouldn't be corporations or quadrillionaires able to Hoover up all the resources, the capitalist class relies heavily on state-power to break up strikes and smash any potential resistance to their power. Without the state, they would have no means of doing these things by themselves. This would allow the unwashed masses far more control over their own lives, particularly in industry and allocation of resources, and the few who still slipped through the cracks *COULD* very easily be taken care of by private charity, but that is not the case in a state-capitalist society. Private charity isn't capable of taking care of all the poor and unemployed and disabled that this kind of system creates.
I don't particularly care what the "constitutionally legitimate" role of the state is, I wasn't there to sign that contract, therefor it doesn't apply to me. Everyone turns to this piece of parchment as if it is a restraint on state power, but it was that document that created the federal government in the first place. It isn't going bye-bye next week, and if it did, it would be a shock to the entire society, and no one would have a chance to adjust. That said, it fails to meet its burden of proof, and demonstrate that it is morally justified and pragmatically necessary, therefor it is illegitimate. As long as this illegitimate power structure still exists, I'll do anything in my power to apply pressure on it to do some good.
He made a whole lot of sense.
imagine being on food stamps and being on a medically nesicary diet of high protein and being disabled where you can't work, and only having food stamps!
I always end up leaving hungry after ordering $12 worth of food at Panera Bread. That's like priviledged food stamps..