Veronica Merritt, a single mother of 12 from New York, has recently opened up about the financial struggles she faces due to the cost of living crisis. She revealed that she has been forced to rely on food stamps to feed her large family, as she simply cannot afford to do so otherwise. Despite facing criticism and trolling on social media platforms like TikTok for her situation, Veronica remains steadfast in her love for her children and her determination to provide for them.
Veronica candidly shared that her food bill has skyrocketed to a staggering $24,000 a year, leading her to feed her family a diet consisting mainly of inexpensive staples like macaroni, hot dogs, and packet ramen. She expressed frustration at being judged for her financial situation, especially by those who suggest she should not have had so many children. However, Veronica adamantly stated that she does not regret having her kids, emphasizing that motherhood feels like her “superpower.”
As a content creator on TikTok, Veronica has used her platform to shed light on the challenges she faces as a single mom of 12. She explained that her family receives $1,400 in food stamps each month, but this amount is insufficient to cover their food expenses due to the rising cost of groceries. In the past, Veronica managed to feed her family of 12 for just $500 a month, but now she estimates needing $2,000 to $3,000 monthly just to provide basic meals like ramen.
The financial strain extends beyond food costs for Veronica and her family. With the average American household spending $1,080 per month on groceries, the impact of inflation on household budgets is evident. Veronica shared that she also incurs expenses for Christmas presents, birthdays, school supplies, and housing costs, amounting to a total annual expenditure of $58,000.
Despite the financial challenges, Veronica remains resilient and resourceful. She is determined to support her family through her work on TikTok and by selling paintings. While her income from TikTok fluctuates, Veronica remains hopeful and proactive in seeking ways to increase her earnings to meet her family’s needs.
Veronica’s journey into motherhood began at a young age when she had her first child at 14. Over the years, she welcomed 11 more children, each bringing joy and fulfillment to her life. While she acknowledges the difficulties of being a single mom of 12, Veronica cherishes the bond she shares with each of her children and refuses to pick favorites among them.
Despite facing criticism and judgment from others, Veronica remains steadfast in her love for her children and her commitment to providing them with a loving and nurturing home. She acknowledges the challenges of raising a large family on a limited income but remains optimistic about the future and grateful for the blessings she has in her children.