You may have heard over the weekend that Gwyneth Paltrow decided to see if she could live off of a food stamp budget and purchase a week’s worth of groceries for $29.
Here’s what she came up with:
You guys… when I saw this photo, my jaw dropped. I mean, really? Who would make these food choices if they only had $29?
I’m not sure what rock Gwyneth Paltrow is living under or where her publicist is these days, but I think her photo illustrates the misunderstanding about food insecurity in this country (and made her look like a giant asshole in the process).
I worked with the free and reduced meal program as a school nutritionist for 6 years. I don’t know everything about food insecurity and public assistance, but these are some things I have learned:
– Transportation is a HUGE issue. Lots of food purchases are made somewhere on the walk from the bus stop to home. People buy food where they can find it, even if it’s at a convenience store.
– Some people have major rodent and pest issues, which prevent them from pulling out pots and pans and cooking.
– Shelf-stable products are a necessity for some if electricity is not reliable.
– Some people can’t afford enough kitchen equipment to cook with.
So I will give it to Gwyneth that she is drawing attention to the SNAP program and opening up a dialogue about the difficulties some families face putting food on the table. But perhaps a less insulting photo would have included canned fruits and vegetables, bread, peanut butter, canned meat, etc. All healthy foods that can help stretch your dollar (rather than things like fresh herbs- wtf?)
Okay, I’ll step off of my soapbox now 
I had not seen or heard about Gwyneth’s tweet, but I am surprised to see what food items she chose.
I never considered the rodent or pest issue you mentioned, but that makes a lot of sense. Very enlightening – thanks Sam!
It’s not something we immediately think of but a lot of people deal with the issue.
God, yes. I die a little inside every time someone tries to turn living on public assistance into a “challenge.” Many of the patients I work with recieve WIC, last week I had a mom who we finally got into a living situation with a kitchen, but she still doesn’t have any cooking utensils. Another patient and I were talking about how to roast broccoli and she asked me if fresh vegetables were “the things by the fruit aisle?” I don’t think I’ll be sending them to GOOP for recipe suggestions.
Yes, why the challenge?! And if you’re going to present the info in a “helpful” way, buy realistic food to show how it’s still not enough. She hardly had any protein at all, and her stuff looks like it would make 1 meal. Ugh, so annoying.
Totally agree. I truly don’t think Gwenyth Paltrow could fully understand the challenges of a low income person. It goes way beyond just buying the groceries with the money provided.
Yeah, it’s like… just don’t go there, lol
Yes! I was so annoyed when I saw the picture of her food. It’s so ridiculous.
Completely.
This is almost a mockery. :/ Sure, dried beans are an economical choice, but what if you don’t have a pot to boil them in? The food bank I volunteer at provides people with can openers if they are homeless or else a can of beans would be almost useless. And what the heck with the limes?! I usually skip lemon/limes at the moment, just because the juice will last me longer.
What you said, “her photo illustrates the misunderstanding about food insecurity in this country” is a perfect summation of the topic.
It really is mockery. And ignorant. I just can’t with this lady.
I didnt see this tweet but I totally agree… I work in a high poverty level area and there is no way my patients would even know how to use half those items. Not having a kitchen or stove is definitely a common problem that gets overlooked which is why so many people in those situations buy microwaveable food. I didnt even think of the rodents and pest issues!!! Gywneth missed the mark for sure, thanks for sharing!
I feel like anyone who is trying to make a point about poverty should understand the kitchen issue. But apparently, as you said, she just completely missed the mark.
I haven’t read anything about G. Pal yet, but I’m also surprised that she picked these items!! Maybe she needs a reality check…
Maybe :)
Ugh. Gweneth is s out of touch with reality. In all honesty, I’m sure if I were to attempt the “challenge” it wouldn’t be representative because it’s something I’ve (thankfully) never faced. Rodents and not having utensils would have never crossed my mind.
And limes?! REALLY GOOP?!
I know!!!!! I almost laughed when I saw the limes.
Oh wow! I had not seen this picture before but that’s crazy! Until I moved to Chicago and worked with low income students, I never even realized the burden of not being able to get groceries. Your point of not having transportation to even get to a grocery store is so true! And a lot of areas (in Chicago at least) don’t even have a grocery store that is easily accessible so people are forced to shop at convenient stores. Thanks for bringing light to this!
I think not having access to the grocery store because of transportation is not uncommon. I used to work in a fairly small city and people had the same issue.
Not to mention those who live on welfare, low income, food stamps etc. may not have a fridge to keep all of these items in or know how to cook/prepare them. Quite often they need to purchase energy dense foods to keep their families full, not LIMES AND GREEN ONIONS!
Yikes- I can understand that she may be trying to bring light to an important food security situation but I would agree with you (the author) that she should perhaps do so with a more likely depiction. I have personally worked with lower income clients and this doesn’t represent the best “bang for your buck” (nutritionally or financially), in my opinion.
Thanks for the great post!!
Not to mention many are probably working more labor intense jobs, therefore requiring more calories.
But come on, who stands Gwyneth lately? Pff…
True.