Candy bar Quote by Mary Potter Kenyon
““I was not above filching empty candy bar wrappers from trash bins at the park or picking up the back cards of batteries from store parking lots. My children all sported Hershey shirts but ate very few of the required candy bars themselves to get them. Trips to the pool were the most rewarding, where candy was sold at the concession stand and the trash receptacles were overflowing with wrappers. On neighborhood trash day, the children and I walked up and down the alleys, where we confiscated extra Pampers points to send in for savings bonds and toys. Even the tennis shoes my children wore on these jaunts were obtained free from the Huggies diaper company.””
About This Quote
Source Memoir: Personal recollections of frugal parenting, 1990s
Describes extreme thriftiness, salvaging discarded items to provide for children despite limited resources
In simple terms: Extreme frugality to support family
Key Takeaway
Embrace resourcefulness and seek value in waste
Themes
frugality
resourcefulness
parenting
poverty
survival
Mood
reflective
determined
hopeful
Type
personal narrative
social commentary
When to use this quote
- raising children on a tight budget
- community recycling programs
- educational outreach on waste reduction
- advocating for corporate responsibility
- budget-friendly family activities
Key Concepts
economics
social stigma
family dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can families balance frugality with dignity?
- What community resources could reduce the need for scavenging?
A Different Perspective
Such extreme measures may reinforce a mindset of scarcity and overlook systemic solutions
