Back in 1973 as newlyweds we were caught with job losses at the beginning of the gas crunch. No work available. He cleaned chicken houses...
We qualified and took food stamps for I think 3 or 4 months. And federal cheese. We had to go in I think quarterly to re up the food stamps... but didnt need to after that bump.
Iirc we received about 22.50 which is about 163 in today’s money. I learned to budget... Best thing that happened and life long. Only basics were permitted and I learned to cook with them. Burger, smelts, pig liver, potatoes, macaroni, PBJ, bag lunches.
Nothing junky was permitted on the stamps and they were coupons that were recognized by everyone. Shame is a motivator. Although I was extremely grateful.
The system was put into place for situations just as yours.
I was several months looking for work right out of grad school. If DW didn't have a job, we might have seen you in the food stamp office.