Summer budget panic!

[DVC Sadie]

Our school system has offered free breakfast and lunch "summer program" for years(way before Katrina in 2005). In our state if you are eligible for free breakfast and lunch you are also eligible for WIC and more often than not food stamps, (it all depends on income).

If anyone is worried about feeding the kids during summer then I urge you to find out what your eligibility requirements are for your area.

Yes, I quoted myuself! I posted above believing that the poster was serious about feeding their kids during summer break, however, after readind the rest of the thread (after posting) I have to say that I cannot believe that ANYONE would consider a vacation more important than trying to feed the famly.

This is truly a upsetting thread, for a lot more reasons then can be properly described.

 

[HoneyBee06]

Well, if I couldn't afford food, I wouldn't go to the local amusement park.
If I could afford the local amusement park, I would put that money into a savings account, saving for something a bit more educational. For example.. just this year, DS11 was studying the Jamestown Settlement and Roanoke Island in history. How cool for him, that he has been there, and even SLEPT on Roanoke island. He aced that test in social studies!

So, I guess there are just differences in all of us, that we will have to learn to accept.

I will have to leave this lovely debate, as it is time to prepare dinner. With food I paid for. Crazy.

Something educational...like Disneyland?

P.S. I pay for ALL of my food AND vacations. Now THAT is crazy.

 

[HoneyBee06]

I went with a friend two years ago who funded the trip because they wanted me to go with them. The kids weren't with me then. As for your comments regarding funding the trip, one stimulus check isn't going to get them off the program. In fact, my fiance's check that includes him, the kids and his mom will fund bills, not anything else. We don't even have a savings right now. So if I use my money for a trip for my kids then that's my choice. Plus some of my money is going towards getting us a second car and to help me pay for classes to be able to get a better job. You have to realize that there are some people who are on that program who are hardworkers just trying to make ends meet until they get in a better financial status. Our situation would not be this way if we weren't in a position where we are financially supporting his mom. But until the government decides to give her funding since she can't work, things aren't going to change. And she deserves her money, because she is widowed (unexpectedly), has lupus, and has frequent respiratory attacks.

As for what someone else had said about this topic being started for another reason, I subbed to this board for that reason, in order to get ideas and share them with other posters regarding lunch ideas for our kids, not to be slammed because I am in a bad financial state right now and want to take my kids to WDW. I love the disboards but I don't like coming on here and being judged for my financial situation or choices.

Again...no one has a problem with having a budget and setting aside money for trips. It's just when you factor in using the government and tax payers money for food while still going on expensive vacations...that rubs people the wrong way because in a sense, they are helping pay for YOUR vacations.

 

[Grumpy'sWife4Ever]

I am really trying to stay super positive here, but when did this post leave the land of "summer budget stretchers" and become a diatribe on who should be or should not be allowed to take vacations? How come all of sudden everyone who is eligible for reduced lunches is scamming the government? I am feeling a bit judged here, and while I am tempted to explain my entire family situation to prove I am not a criminal, won't. I just want to thank those who took the time to share their ideas for summer meals for my kids.

 

[dogluva]

And yet, people making that amount of money are able to purchase DVC and make payments for a WDW vacation

Priorities

Wow. I just don't know how I could allow others to take care of my responsibilty (feeding my children breakfast and lunch on a daily basis) and then turn around and be able to afford DVC and take vacations.

Pride is different for each individual, I suppose

This is how I feel. As much as I would love, love, love to take my children to WDW every year (or just to the beach this summer with the price of gas!), I can't because we cannot afford it. It would never cross my mind to find places to get free food in order to save to go on vacation. I feed them because I had them. I don't think it is anyone's responsibility but my husband and mine. I am a little resentful that I work full time and then tutor on the side, my husband works overtime, and we can't go on an expensive vacation every year (and it it regardless of what you do to cut costs). But someone else can get free or reduced lunch and go to WDW every year (or every other, what ever it doesn't matter-it is still more than us).

 

[HoneyBee06]

I am really trying to stay super positive here, but when did this post leave the land of "summer budget stretchers" and become a diatribe on who should be or should not be allowed to take vacations? How come all of sudden everyone who is eligible for reduced lunches is scamming the government? I am feeling a bit judged here, and while I am tempted to explain my entire family situation to prove I am not a criminal, won't. I just want to thank those who took the time to share their ideas for summer meals for my kids.

I'll be super positive to....be sure to have fun on that Disneyland trip that so many of us here are helping you pay for.

We might be at Disneyland next year to. If I see you, I'll say hello.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Budget stretching ideas for lunch and breakfasts.... Oops is it okay that I stay on topic??

Breakfast - cereal with coupons, stable shelf milk instead of gallons (not noticed during cereal eating, oatmeal is hearty and filing especially with fresh fruit. Aldi's bagels are large and inexpensive. I can use one for both kids. Pancake mix with water on sale. Use powdered sugar instead of syrup for a change or even 100% fruit spread. Stay away from Pop-tarts and muffin type breakfasts. Empty calories and the kids are hungry sooner.

Lunch - Okay, NO one ever suffered from having to eat a sandwich every day. It is the most economical lunch. Elbow macaroni w/ butter. Spaghetti or even leftover's from dinners. Add a bit of fruit or fresh veggies (carrots, celery, brocolli). Soup is also good. Stay away from processed lunches - Ramen noodles, mac-n-cheese, and Chef-Boy-ardee. Not healthy and once again will not keep your child full...

Daytime snacking. Pretzels, crackers, fruit, veggie sticks, nuts, homemade granola bars, homemade freezies, WATER, WATER, WATER, apples w/ peanut butter, and more Water.

When planning dinners, think about what you may be able to do to supplement lunches. I make homemade meatballs w/ my spaghetti dinners. I make sure to set aside extra sauce and meatballs. Then for lunch one day I will get a piece of bread, put on sauce and meatballs and heat up. Great lunch and different and you have already planned on it.

Last, take a look at what the school has been feeding your child. Keep the menu. When they constantly ask for treats show them the lunches. Remind them that they were not eating constantly during school. Yes they are more active during the summer but 1-2 small snacks is enough. Usually they are really only thirsty... Hope this helps. Diane

 

[Va-bear]

When I was growing up we were poor. We never got to go on big trips. My parents were courageous to make sure we had food, clothes, and running water. We were not poor enough for tax payer support so we had to make due.

And people wonder why houses are being foreclosed on and credit card debt is at an all time high. It's because people want new cars and trips to Disney World for their spoiled kids.

Have you ever considered taking them camping? Going to see a distant relative? I'm shocked and bewidlered that your kids will only be happy if you spend money on them. What kind of message are you sending?

I don't pay taxes so you can go to Disney World. I pay taxes for the young men and women dying overseas and to rebuild roads, pay police officers and firemen, educate our children, or any other worthwhile thing that taxes pay for you. Anybody who freely takes this money that other people could use to feed their children need to have their benefits taken away.

I agree, whole-heartedly with this post. Man, we camped ONLY when I was growing up and have amazing memories thanks to it. But also, realizing my parents had to put the majority of their money into raising three kids helped me appreciate them even more.

My DH and I didnt take a vacation together for 13 years (it was even longer than that for each of us seperately) - we didnt even take a honeymoon - we wanted to save for a house and have a amount in savings first. I vacation, diont get me wrong, especially after not having them for so long - not even weekend get-aways. But, when money's tight, they gotta go.

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

Gosh, I sure didn't mean to bring up a topic that would cause people to start pointing fingers at others. I was just saying that summer makes the old grocery budget tighter. I thought maybe some of my ideas would help out those in the same boat. If your aren't in the boat, good for you!!
I didn't mean for anyone to start asking for justification for something as wonderful as a family vacation. I don't think that any of us owe an explanation as to why we would chose to take our kids to Disney.....If it is something we make a priority, if we scrimp and save and put all extra money aside so that we can take a memorable family trip while our children are young enough to enjoy it, and we are blessed enough to able to do so, then I certainly don't feel I need to explain myself. Isn't this kind of what the "budget board" is all about? Tips on making our dream vacations possible? True, some of us have to budget more than others. But in the end, doesn't everyone deserve a chance to see their children's faces as they visit the Mouse??

If the taxpayer is helping to fund the vacations by providing aid in other areas, then yes, you absolutely have an obligation to those taxpayers to explain why they are funding your meals and you can still afford to go on a luxury vacation.

If you were not using funds provided by others, then you would be right - you do not owe an explanation to anyone on how you use your funds.

But you and many here are not. You are using funds for your family that are provided by the United States of America, in otherwords, the citizens of the US.

And it is our obligation to monitor and question whether our taxes are being used in the way they were meant to be used.

 

[noodleknitter]

I appreciate your POV but respectfully disagree. The government isn't providing that assistance out of thin air. It's coming from taxpayers...and yes I know you probably pay some taxes anyway but you should be getting most back if you make so little to qualify for free/reduced lunch. Quite frankly I'm sure we qualify for something somewhere but we would not accept it, we both work enough to pay the bills (dh 2 jobs 1 full 1 part time and me 1 part time job) without asking for anything from anyone else. Even if it was offered, we would say NO THANKS because we have some pride and don't want to put our responsibilities on anyone else. Not saying you don't have any pride but i think maybe you're forgetting that other people are paying that money for your kids to eat free/reduced...and they probably want to take their kids to disney too. I'm just sayin.

If more people thought like you, maybe all of our taxes would ease up a bit, and we all could save a bit more. People who take, take, and take, give those that are truly in need a bad rep. Programs aren't meant to sustain so that you can save for vacation, they are to offer nourishment to those who can't get by without it.

 

[Jenna45]

My comment is really just about the cost of lunch some of you say you are paying here in my town it cost's me roughly 5.00 a day for lunch

The days of 2.25 were 15 years ago when I was in high school

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Budget stretching ideas for lunch and breakfasts.... Oops is it okay that I stay on topic??

Breakfast - cereal with coupons, stable shelf milk instead of gallons (not noticed during cereal eating, oatmeal is hearty and filing especially with fresh fruit. Aldi's bagels are large and inexpensive. I can use one for both kids. Pancake mix with water on sale. Use powdered sugar instead of syrup for a change or even 100% fruit spread. Stay away from Pop-tarts and muffin type breakfasts. Empty calories and the kids are hungry sooner.

Lunch - Okay, NO one ever suffered from having to eat a sandwich every day. It is the most economical lunch. Elbow macaroni w/ butter. Spaghetti or even leftover's from dinners. Add a bit of fruit or fresh veggies (carrots, celery, brocolli). Soup is also good. Stay away from processed lunches - Ramen noodles, mac-n-cheese, and Chef-Boy-ardee. Not healthy and once again will not keep your child full...

Daytime snacking. Pretzels, crackers, fruit, veggie sticks, nuts, homemade granola bars, homemade freezies, WATER, WATER, WATER, apples w/ peanut butter, and more Water.

When planning dinners, think about what you may be able to do to supplement lunches. I make homemade meatballs w/ my spaghetti dinners. I make sure to set aside extra sauce and meatballs. Then for lunch one day I will get a piece of bread, put on sauce and meatballs and heat up. Great lunch and different and you have already planned on it.

Last, take a look at what the school has been feeding your child. Keep the menu. When they constantly ask for treats show them the lunches. Remind them that they were not eating constantly during school. Yes they are more active during the summer but 1-2 small snacks is enough. Usually they are really only thirsty... Hope this helps. Diane

Well if we are back on topic then I may I suggest homemade ice pops? YOu can use the holders from tupperware or a dixie cup with a popsicle stick. You can feeze pudding, yogurt, juice, ice tea etc. Basically anything!

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

Yes, absolutely. Since we have a very small amount of points, we have a small annual fee. We account for that, by setting aside the money monthly.

Out of what? The money that you save by using taxpayer's money?

 

[noodleknitter]

Out of what? The money that you save by using taxpayer's money?

How'd you guess?

 

[Plantlady]

I appreciate your POV but respectfully disagree. The government isn't providing that assistance out of thin air. It's coming from taxpayers...and yes I know you probably pay some taxes anyway but you should be getting most back if you make so little to qualify for free/reduced lunch. Quite frankly I'm sure we qualify for something somewhere but we would not accept it, we both work enough to pay the bills (dh 2 jobs 1 full 1 part time and me 1 part time job) without asking for anything from anyone else. Even if it was offered, we would say NO THANKS because we have some pride and don't want to put our responsibilities on anyone else. Not saying you don't have any pride but i think maybe you're forgetting that other people are paying that money for your kids to eat free/reduced...and they probably want to take their kids to disney too. I'm just sayin.

Oh, I had to just in just one more time..

I am totally find with disagreement on my standards/values. I view myself as a person that it totally up for a debate. It's been a fun afternoon..

Just to touch on a few things you said..

We actually don't get money back on taxes. We only pay taxes. Just to clear that up.

DH has 1 full time job, 1 part time job, in which he's self employed and the state takes 40% of that revenue in taxes. I work two jobs as well. I also help out with his business. Four jobs, two parents. I guess we could give up sleeping? Instead though, we just budget well.

I really think, that anyone that WANTS to take a vacation can. But it has to be a priority. We save. We take budgeted vacations. When we made less money, our vacation destination was a 1/2 day away. Or it was staying with family. We did free stuff. Yes, we've done disney, yes, we'll do it again, but I imagine we are cutting back in MANY areas that others are not willing to. We do this, because to us, having the kids experience the world is a priority.

For everyone concerned, I doubt the kids will qualify this year, because DH completed enough credits towards his master's that he will get a nice raise, on top of his and my annual raises. But, I will be happy to back ANYONE that wants to use the benefits that are available to them. EVEN if they go to Disney.

 

[dogluva]

I wonder if those parents that can't afford deoderant are taking their kids to WDW.

If her kids are so embarrassed by the free lunch and she remembers the humiliation herself, then why not just pay for their luches/meals and not go to Disney. Not every kids needs to go to Disney like she is saying. I would rather my kids remember what it was like to have some dignitiy every day than one week in Disney.

 

[daisax]

However, we will not be planning another trip for long, long time. My son didn't get any financial aid either.

Things may even out in the end. My best friend in high school landed a scholarship because it was between her and another girl. When the committee learned that the other girl's family of 7 went to Europe on vacation over Christmas, that tipped the scales firmly in my friend's favor as far as need went!

If it is something we make a priority, if we scrimp and save and put all extra money aside so that we can take a memorable family trip while our children are young enough to enjoy it, and we are blessed enough to able to do so, then I certainly don't feel I need to explain myself.

If your definition of "scrimping and saving" is taking benefits to feed your kids while banking the savings, that's not being blessed, that's playing the system.

We don't even have a savings right now. So if I use my money for a trip for my kids then that's my choice.

Do you think about the behavior you're modeling for them? If their only framework for savings is to save 51 weeks a year and have a fun time the 52nd week, then start all over again... is that a life lesson you really want to teach? You also have the immediate example of having to support a parent who was not prepared for the unexpected twist of fate -- doesn't that make you want to dig down and make sure your kids aren't in the same boat 30 years from now?

They won't be permanently scarred if they don't go to WDW until they're in their 20s -- I didn't. We only did day trip vacations when I was a kid -- my parents were putting aside money for our educations and their retirement, so now I'm happy to say that in my middle age as I'm trying to manage in this economy I don't have to support my widowed mom. And I thank her for that.

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

The OP didn't asked to be judged nor to she request information on getting free food for her kids for the summer. She asked for help stretching her food budget. Simply putting "Not attacking anyone" before your post doesn't make it any less hurtful. It really isn't anyones business who gets free/reduced lunch.

It is every bit the taxpayer's business on how their money is being used.

IF posters are not using government funded programs to supplement their incomes, then absolutely it is nobody's business how they use their money.

BUT...by choosing to use government funds, they are also choosing to be accountable to the taxpayers on how those funds are used.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Oh, I had to just in just one more time..

I am totally find with disagreement on my standards/values. I view myself as a person that it totally up for a debate. It's been a fun afternoon..

Just to touch on a few things you said..

We actually don't get money back on taxes. We only pay taxes. Just to clear that up.

DH has 1 full time job, 1 part time job, in which he's self employed and the state takes 40% of that revenue in taxes. I work two jobs as well. I also help out with his business. Four jobs, two parents. I guess we could give up sleeping? Instead though, we just budget well.

I really think, that anyone that WANTS to take a vacation can. But it has to be a priority. We save. We take budgeted vacations. When we made less money, our vacation destination was a 1/2 day away. Or it was staying with family. We did free stuff. Yes, we've done disney, yes, we'll do it again, but I imagine we are cutting back in MANY areas that others are not willing to. We do this, because to us, having the kids experience the world is a priority.

For everyone concerned, I doubt the kids will qualify this year, because DH completed enough credits towards his master's that he will get a nice raise, on top of his and my annual raises. But, I will be happy to back ANYONE that wants to use the benefits that are available to them. EVEN if they go to Disney.

Just bolding this so others can see.-

I think if anyone WANTS to pay for food so they can eat they can.

 

[flamestarrdust]

If her kids are so embarrassed by the free lunch and she remembers the humiliation herself, then why not just pay for their luches/meals and not go to Disney. Not every kids needs to go to Disney like she is saying. I would rather my kids remember what it was like to have some dignitiy every day than one week in Disney.

My kids aren't embarassed by it. One, because it's all they've ever known since the financial situation has ALWAYS been difficult and Two, because pretty much every other kid in their grade gets it, too.