Gwyneth Paltrow probably can’t eat on $29/week

The S in SNAP is 'supplemental' and no one is suppose to use only this allotment, although it is quite possible with good budgeting and basic cooking knowledge. Now that EBT cards can be used at fast food and snack bars, many children will be hungry.

This is how SNAP benefits are figured:

Example: Calculating a Household’s Monthly SNAP Benefits

Consider a family of three with one full-time, minimum-wage worker, two children, dependent care costs of $81 a month, and shelter costs of $858 per month.[16]

• Step 1 — Gross Income: The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour. Full-time work at this level yields monthly earnings of $1,256 monthly.
• Step 2 — Net Income for Shelter Deduction: Begin with the gross monthly earnings of $1,256. Subtract the standard deduction for a three-person household ($155), the earnings deduction (20 percent times $1,256, or $251), and the childcare deduction ($81). The result is $769 (Countable Income A).
• Step 3 — Shelter Deduction: Begin with the shelter costs of $858. Subtract half of Countable Income A (half of $769 is $384) for a result of $474.
• Step 4 — Net Income: Subtract the shelter deduction ($474) from Countable Income A ($769) for a result of $295.
• Step 5 — Family’s Expected Contribution Towards Food: 30 percent of the household’s net income ($295) is $89.
• Step 6 — SNAP Benefit: The maximum benefit in 2015 for a family of three is $511. The maximum benefit minus the household contribution ($511 minus $89) equals $422.

The family’s monthly SNAP benefit is $422.

Here’s what $29 looks like.

If I were doing it, I wouldn’t buy salt, processed meat, or cold cereal.  I’d assume I had a few things in the cupboard like condiments.

Here’s what Gwyneth Paltrow bought:

And I sure wouldn’t buy limes.