When I was in college I had bouts if poverty. I couldn't afford food and could barely make rent. I utilized a "food pantry" and was able to get pasta, veggies, canned goods etc. It was nice having that help, but the guilt I associated with it was intense. Why should it have been? I was a poor college kid and I now pay heavily in to that system. I'm signing my family up for a Food Gatherer organization that once a month will pick up a box of food/canned goods from your doorstep. It's a nice program.I think the primary problem with this discussion is it implies that a social safety net has to be earned. That's fuckin' weird and progressive countries don't do it that way.
this is true. Not only that, but regardless of what or how government assistance is consumed, it's always implied that there should be shame attached. Whether you have paid in to the system or not.