For Becky, her grandson’s graduation represented more than a cap and gown. It marked the end of a journey that began 10 years ago when she and her husband moved from Alabama to Atlanta to help raise their grandson.
“It wasn’t an easy time,” Becky said. “But it was an easy decision. Moms show up for their kids, and even more so for their grandkids.”
Starting over in a new city wasn’t simple. Becky and her husband became primary caregivers for much of their grandson’s school years while also navigating their own health challenges.
Becky works part time because of a disability. Her husband is also disabled.
As the years passed, expenses continued to grow.
“Senior fees, clothes, activities with friends, and rising rent,” she said. “It all adds up.”
That’s why SNAP/EBT became an important part of their family’s story.
“EBT gave us a cushion,” Becky explained. “It wasn’t a lot, but it gave me a little peace of mind.”
That cushion helped bridge the gap between her part time income and the everyday costs of raising a child.
“One of the hardest things is making sure the basics are covered,” she said. “Sometimes just putting food on the table is hard for families.”
Becky has successfully maintained her SNAP benefits over the years by staying informed and keeping up with program requirements. But she remembers what happened when SNAP benefits were temporarily interrupted for many Georgia families during the government shutdown in 2025.
“We felt it right away.”
The family relied more heavily on food banks. Becky remembers waiting in long lines and sometimes arriving after all the food boxes had already been distributed.
Even during those difficult times, she stayed focused on her grandson.
Now, as he prepares for college, Becky knows a new chapter is beginning.
