Caution for First Week in November

[Lambykins]

If you live in an Urban/Metropolitan area, please be careful the first week of November. I would strongly suggest doing your grocery shopping THIS week.
Here is what going on:
The gov't. shutdown continues. This will affect SNAP (food stamp) benefits.
Many states do not have contingency funding to fill in the gap left by the federal government not being able to release the funding for SNAP.
On Tik-tok there is a growing movement of SNAP recipients stating they will go the store (Wal-Mart is the one most mentioned, although Kroger and other stores have been mentioned) and simply TAKE "their" groceries without paying. Violence has been mentioned.
Most states load SNAP cards on the 1st or 3rd or 5th of the months, although a few states are different.
It seems some of these recipients are trying to coordinate their efforts. The oft-repeated mantra is "They can't stop all of us!"And talk of bringing weapons and doing it en masse.
The date most mentioned is November 1st at 6:30pm. Yeah, they are even trying to coordinate the time.
I don't know if it will happen, but it's best to be aware.
Full disclosure, I get SNAP benefits. My state, New Hampshire, has decided to close the gap by using funding for the states food banks and increasing distribution sites and increasing the dates food banks and distribution centers are open. I have food storage, so I am not anxious about the situation.

[Uomo Senza Nome]

Unsure which videos you are watching but most seem satirical or attempting to drive panic and bad behavior in nature. The problem is that people sometimes take on line social media seriously even when it is satire and go ahead and do stupid things.

One of the rumours circulating is that Walmart and other grocers are planning on closing the first week of November to avoid being looted. This isn't true. 

In any case I suggest we move this to the government shut down thread since it is potential fallout from that, that and China attempting to manipulate poor Americans.

[Skidjit]

If you live in an Urban/Metropolitan area, please be careful the first week of November. I would strongly suggest doing your grocery shopping THIS week.
Here is what going on:
The gov't. shutdown continues. This will affect SNAP (food stamp) benefits.
Many states do not have contingency funding to fill in the gap left by the federal government not being able to release the funding for SNAP.
On Tik-tok there is a growing movement of SNAP recipients stating they will go the store (Wal-Mart is the one most mentioned, although Kroger and other stores have been mentioned) and simply TAKE "their" groceries without paying. Violence has been mentioned.
Most states load SNAP cards on the 1st or 3rd or 5th of the months, although a few states are different.
It seems some of these recipients are trying to coordinate their efforts. The oft-repeated mantra is "They can't stop all of us!"And talk of bringing weapons and doing it en masse.
The date most mentioned is November 1st at 6:30pm. Yeah, they are even trying to coordinate the time.
I don't know if it will happen, but it's best to be aware.
Full disclosure, I get SNAP benefits. My state, New Hampshire, has decided to close the gap by using funding for the states food banks and increasing distribution sites and increasing the dates food banks and distribution centers are open. I have food storage, so I am not anxious about the situation.

I'm a NH resident in exile due to military orders. Used to live just outside of Manchester (closer to Londonderry) but right now I'm just north of Philadelphia. Been making sure our food stores are good to go but also keeping an eye out when out and about. My family is affected by the shutdown as well but this being my 2nd shutdown, plus higher rank plus being a Eagle Scout / ex-ZS member I'm better off than most.

Regardless if the propaganda is fake, someone will either believe it or actually go hungry. And hungry people are more desperate than the fanatical.

[Z.O.R.G.]

In general, it's always better to buy something before you need than right when you need it.  When an "event" that could create scarcity can be predicted, I usually plus up before.  For this I picked up a family pack of chicken breasts, a family pack of pork loins, and a small roast.  They'll all go in the freezer for a bit, but I'm planning on cooking the roast this weekend.  Between caning, freeze drying, and such I good on vegetables for a while.  

I wouldn't go out and clean out a store but getting a few extra of what you'd use anyway is never a bad idea IMHO.  

[Wasteland Charlie]

We tend to use Wal Mart delivery, anyway. I informed my wife she isn't to go shopping without me and to have her pepperspray in hand (it's attached to her keys) as she leaves work. I have worked during a looting session before, so I am perhaps more cautious than some.

[Anianna]

If anybody here is on SNAP and feeling desperate, don't be afraid to let us know.  I was on food stamps when my kids were little and the shit had hit the fan for us.  I know that feeling.  Whether one of us or many of us pooling funds, I think we can help each other through this.  I can't make promises for anybody else, of course, but I will certainly do all I can.  

Also, if you have an Aldi in your area, they are doing a $40 Thanksgiving meal kit with the ingredients to make a nice dinner, including a whole turkey.  It's a really good deal.  If you don't have $40 to cover an Aldi meal kit to have a nice holiday for your family, let me know.  

[Uomo Senza Nome]

I can also assist with a grocery pickup at your local Walmart if anyone is in desperate need.

Just send me a PM.

[NT2C]

If anybody here is on SNAP and feeling desperate, don't be afraid to let us know.  I was on food stamps when my kids were little and the shit had hit the fan for us.  I know that feeling.  Whether one of us or many of us pooling funds, I think we can help each other through this.  I can't make promises for anybody else, of course, but I will certainly do all I can. 

Also, if you have an Aldi in your area, they are doing a $40 Thanksgiving meal kit with the ingredients to make a nice dinner, including a whole turkey.  It's a really good deal.  If you don't have $40 to cover an Aldi meal kit to have a nice holiday for your family, let me know. 

When I was in college, trying to raise 6 kids, and working multiple jobs, ends still didn't always meet.  I know well the taste of government cheese (and butter, peanut butter, canned chicken, and powdered milk).  Maybe one day I'll post my old Welfare ID card (and y'all can marvel at a young NT2C with gorgeous hair).

The point being, it's no shame to be poor, nor any in accepting a helping hand.  We got lots of hands here.  Reach out.

[Z.O.R.G.]

I'm onboard to help as well.  PM me if you need a hand.

[Uomo Senza Nome]

The courts are now trying to force the Fed to use their emergency funds to pay SNAP. MTF today.