Mother of 12 struggles to feed her kids with a huge $24,000 annual food bill

Veronica Merritt, a 39-year-old mother of 12, is facing the immense challenge of raising her large family in today’s tough economic climate.

As someone who became a mother at just 14, Veronica has navigated life’s ups and downs with her children, ranging from her eldest, 24-year-old Victoria, to her youngest, 2-year-old Modi. Veronica’s journey has been anything but easy, especially with the rising cost of living and limited financial support.

Living on a monthly government assistance of $1,400 and struggling with the high prices of groceries, Veronica admits that it’s impossible to adequately feed her family of 11 on such a budget. Where she once managed to feed her family for $500 a month, she now needs between $2,000 to $3,000 to keep everyone nourished, even if it’s just with basic meals like ramen.

Despite the challenges, Veronica has turned her situation into a source of creativity and resilience. She shares videos on TikTok, where she has nearly 450,000 followers, demonstrating how to prepare easy and affordable meals.

While one might assume her online presence translates to financial stability, Veronica reveals that she earns only a few hundred dollars a month from the platform, with her total income from her freelance work and other sources amounting to about $15,000 annually.

The criticism Veronica faces online ranges from harsh judgments about her life choices to heartfelt admiration for her dedication to her children. While some question her decisions and suggest she get a job, others offer words of encouragement, calling her a “supermommy” and praising her unwavering commitment to her family.

Despite the hardships, Veronica makes significant efforts to create memorable holidays for her children, spending around $7,000 on Christmas and $10,000 on birthdays. Her approach includes savvy shopping, such as buying presents years in advance, and finding unique items at thrift stores and clearance sales.

The economic landscape is tough for many Americans, with a rise in homelessness and an increased need for government assistance. The cost of food and groceries has risen by over 11% between 2022 and 2023, adding to the challenges faced by families like Veronica’s.

While some may argue that Veronica should take more accountability for her life choices, her story is a reminder of the broader struggles many are facing in today’s economy. Let us know your thoughts about this article in the comment section below.