ill find this interesting in a sad way. Yum Brands is pushing for people to be able to use snap (food stamps) at their restaurants as I posted in the other thread.

While I was looking into Yum Brands a bit further, I came across this. I summarize it this way. HOW does a company promote receiving tax money here in the USA in their push to "help" people and yet they GIVE their first 1 million to Africa? HUH? How is that? Yes, I see it appears some of it is given charitably, however, they seem concentrated on taking care of the world, not the USA perhaps since they are launching a plan here.

Yum! Brands — Defining Global Company that Feeds the World | The world's largest restaurant company: KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, A&W All-American Food, Long John Silver's

dl

Yum Brand Headquarters happens to be in Louisville where I live. I am absolutely appalled it should even be considered a person who gets food stamps can use that money to buy restaurant food. Every week I make a choice: for me and my family (I am the only female in a household of 5 men) to have enough groceries in our pantry, refrigerator and freezer to get us from one paycheck to another. I shop only sales, I clip coupons, and I cook from scratch. Every week I make a choice of either buying a meal out or, using the money I'd spend on one meal, buy groceries and eat a few days. I always - without fail - choose the groceries.

I don't even want to patronize anything affiliated with Yum Brands until the nonsense of using a SNAP benefit for meals is off the table, as in immediately. Frankly, I'm sickened by it and their practices. And using the money for charity is all smoke and mirrors I think.

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Catt
~ Mirror Mirror on the wall, I am my mother - after all! ~

That's really... interesting.

This is something that I do think is very cool:

Pay-what-you-want Panera called a success - USATODAY.com

Not everyone is so generous, but that's OK with Brooke Porter, who manages the restaurant. She knows that times are still hard for many. She has seen families down on their luck come in to celebrate birthdays with a meal they normally couldn't afford. A teacher laid off after 25 years stops by on his way to job fairs. He can't afford to pay much but makes up for it by volunteering at the store.

"If a man in a suit and tie leaves a dollar for a $10 meal, that's fine," Porter said. "We don't know his story."

Only a few take advantage of the system — "lunch on Uncle Ron" as Shaich calls it. He still fumes over watching three college kids pay $3 for $40 worth of food. Generally, peer pressure prevents that sort of behavior, he said.

"It's like parking in a handicapped spot," Shaich said.

I would venture to guess that some of the people on food stamps or snap are employees of Yum restaurants working part time who make so little they need it to feed their families. I wonder how many of those will pick up food on the way home?

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

If anyone is interested in contacting YUM Brands directly to express their thoughts on this issue, the number is (502) 874-8200

They are on eastern standard time so I was unable to speak to anyone since it's after 5 pm est. I was unable to find an email directly to their corporate office, almost everything on their web site is channeled to the 5 brands.

dl

I read an interesting article today about how "we" need to go back to gardening for ourselves. The local food banks here, and everywhere, I'm sure, are crying out for donations of food. The author of the article said that people need to learn how to grow their own food. There was a lot more to the article, obviously, but, I agree with him. It may not be the easiest thing to do, but, it can be done. It's certainly not the "cure" to the problem, but, it could help. Green beans are soooooooo easy to grow.

Just a thought, of course.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

We have had a couple of "community" gardens here--and they have seemed to do well.

We have a huge problem w/ suburban deer. Last year Fish, Wildlife & Parks determined that there were several herds, to the tune of over 150 deer living in town. It was nothing for me to open the front door and see several deer in my front yard! And they have little fear of humans. Deer in rut can be aggressive and dangerous....
So, it was decided that the deer population had to be culled. Traps were set, and any deer caught was humanely euthanized. The animal was then given to a local meat processing plant (who donated their time and talents), and the meat was then given to the local food bank. Over 600 lbs of meat last year! Win, Win situation for everybody!

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

I am usually not one to discuss my personal life on a public forum but maybe if someone that is in the situation can shed some light to those that question it. Over 2 years ago my husband was laid off of work he was able to go on unemployment but of course while he was on unemployment he tried to get another job. However, because of the economy no one had called him and we remained on unemployment for 2 years until it ran out. We both pumped our resumes out there constantly for 2 years with no call backs at all. In the midst of the bad economy I knew things had to change for both of us. We decided to go to school and get our degrees. We both knew that without a degree chances of our life changing was not going to happen. While on unemployment we decided to move out of state to Florida where my husbands family is. We had no choice as where we lived was very expensive and job opportunities are scarce and hard to come by. His unemployment ran out last year and we had to go 4 months with no income! No joke at all!! We had no choice but to go on food stamps to feed our children. I hated being on assistance but was very grateful that they are there for when you need them.

Finally, in December of last year after sending out over 150 resumes a week a job came through for my husband. Not the best job it does not give us enough money for groceries but it does pay the car payment and car insurance. We still need the assistance so my children can eat. I graduate in a week and I hope something comes my way soon. I have applied left and right for jobs even had a job interview and because I have no experience yet they do not want me. It is very depressing but I have to keep going and hold on to a glimmer of hope that something comes our way. Again, We do not abuse the system and we are not crack heads we are just a typical family trying to survive in this awful economy.

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SAHM of Bailey 12, Tyler 10 , Emily Ann 6, and Ryan Matthew 4 yrs old.

Aryia, this is NOT the type of situation anyone here has a problem with, IMO. Food Stamps and Welfare are a stepping stone when needed, not a way of life. It seems as tho you are using it that way. You and your DH went back to school to get a better job. The problem people have with those on assistance is the ones that do NOT try to make their situations better.

Hopefully you are able to get employment soon and things continue to improve for you. I would stock pile food while on assistance, if you can.

Hope That Helps.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

I do agree with you completely. I hate being on them and I cannot wait for the day that I can just call them and say stop my benefits! I am trying so hard to get a job and at this point will take anything that will hire me. I would love to get into the medical field where my degree is but it seems because I have no experience I am not wanted. How does one get experience?? I really need a break! I just wanted to toss my situation out there to let everyone know that just because one is on them doesn't mean we are not trying to get off them, or that we do not eat healthy and use them for good purposes. I do not believe in using them for fast food. I honestly cannot afford to eat out and we do not even when my husband gets his check every week. I cook every single night at home. Do I miss going out to eat? yes!! of course I do. However, we cannot afford it right now and on assistance so therefore we cannot. Ok enough rambling.

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SAHM of Bailey 12, Tyler 10 , Emily Ann 6, and Ryan Matthew 4 yrs old.

HI there Aryia I hear ya sweetie and totally understand I truly feel so bad for your suituation for you and your husband and your four children, I know you sincerely are doing the right thing. It is so sad that so many people are laid off and they cannot find a job. Our country is in such a financial mess, even with all the people who have excellent education behind them it is not enough. Anyway, hugs and blessings sincerely hope all works out with you and your family..God bless you all.....Peace. Catherine

Thank you. I have faith that something will come my way soon. I just have to keep plugging away at it. Thank you again.

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SAHM of Bailey 12, Tyler 10 , Emily Ann 6, and Ryan Matthew 4 yrs old.

aryia, it sounds like you are the perfect candidates for the assistance you're getting, and that you're not a 'system abuser' in the least. I'm impressed that you went back to school with four kids and survived! :-) I just have three (and it sounds like my three are older than yours) and am back in the school saddle right now and don't know that I have the brain cells left for it. My best guess is that anybody who can pull that off is bound for big things once something opens up for you somewhere! :-)

I think you are not alone in this boat. I am sure that something will break open and it will be awesome for you! You sound like a strong person in a very difficult situation. You are who the benefits are for.

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RJB 3/18/60 - 5/22/04
We miss you, sweet brother
God Bless the USA!!!!! Praying for my Youngster son at United States Naval Academy, class of 2014!!

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