My husband and I both worked full-time until 2004, when my youngest child was nine months old and I became a part-time worker. Our combined income was barely enough to cover our bills and a friend suggested I look into the WIC program.

Cheryl is an elderly lady, and she improves her health, as well the health of her community, by participating in a community supported agriculture farm sponsored by the Community Action Agency of St. Louis County with CSBG funding.

Because of these programs, I was able to meet the basic needs of my children and focus on improving our lives by attaining a college education.

Safety net programs help a grandmother afford health care, food, and electricity.

SNAP and TANF benefits help Shayna provide for her 5 year-old son.

SNAP and Medicaid allow Mary to provide for her son.

Without the help of AFDC (now TANF), food stamps and childcare I honestly don't know where I would be today.

A few days ago, an acquaintance I went to high school with posted this picture on Facebook: “The Food Stamp Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is proud to be distributing the greatest amount of free meals and food stamps ever. Meanwhile, the National Park Service, administered by U.S. Department of the Interior, asks us to ‘Please Do Not Feed the Animals.’ Their stated reason for the policy is because the animals will grow dependent on handouts and will not learn to take care of themselves. This ends today’s lesson.”

Federal and state safety net programs help Ruth survive and stay in her home.