--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I was not above filching empty candy bar…" description: "\"“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 ch..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef8/mary-potter-kenyon-25514_candy-bar_i-was-not-above-filching-empty-candy-bar_1591535.jpg" --- # I was not above filching empty candy bar wrappers from… ![“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…” quote by Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef8/mary-potter-kenyon-25514_candy-bar_i-was-not-above-filching-empty-candy-bar_1591535.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef8/mary-potter-kenyon-25514_candy-bar_i-was-not-above-filching-empty-candy-bar_1591535.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef8/mary-potter-kenyon-25514_candy-bar_i-was-not-above-filching-empty-candy-bar_1591535.jpg) > ““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.”” [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Candy bar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/candy-bar/) [Candy Sold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/candy-sold-5743659/) [Coupon-crazy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/coupon-crazy-38578/) [Hershey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hershey/) [Refunding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/refunding-156206/) [Rewarding Candy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rewarding-candy-6033539/) [Sported Hershey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sported-hershey-6033541/) [Tennis shoes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tennis-shoes/) [Wrappers Trash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wrappers-trash-6033540/) ## Related quotes > [“Compulsive? I lived and breathed refunding, and my children benefited with their wide variety of toys, balls, and T-shirts I obtained through my hobby.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/compulsive-i-lived-and-breathed-refunding-and-my-children-benefited/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“I started taking walks with my children on trash day just to collect the extra proofs of purchase. We’d roam the alleys together, stopping…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/i-started-taking-walks-with-my-children-on-trash-day-just-to-collect/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“For thirty-two years I went shopping with my coupon box in tow without ever seeing another consumer with either a coupon box or binder.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/for-thirty-two-years-i-went-shopping-with-my-coupon-box-in-tow/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [The National Association of Theater Concessionaires reported that in 1986, 60% of all candy sold in movie theaters was sold to Roger Ebert.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-letterman/the-national-association-of-theater-concessionaires-reported-that-in/) [David Letterman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-letterman/) > [“Budget airlines are often making money from canceling their passengers flights and not refunding them.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-magee/budget-airlines-are-often-making-money-from-canceling-their/) [Steven Magee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-magee/) ## More by Mary Potter Kenyon > [“We continued talking as my purchases were rung up—about the first Christmas, the sadness of ending up in a cemetery on a holiday, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/we-continued-talking-as-my-purchases-were-rung-up-about-the-first/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“Compulsive? I lived and breathed refunding, and my children benefited with their wide variety of toys, balls, and T-shirts I obtained through my hobby.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/compulsive-i-lived-and-breathed-refunding-and-my-children-benefited/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“Can you remember another time when your chest felt like this?” My fingers splayed across my aching chest as I carefully pondered her question.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/can-you-remember-another-time-when-your-chest-felt-like-this-my/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“I held back from seeing Jacob much during those weeks. He wanted only his mother, and I wasn’t sure I could handle seeing him…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/i-held-back-from-seeing-jacob-much-during-those-weeks-he-wanted-only/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“Later, as I attempted to lean over the high sides of the hospital bed to kiss David, I couldn’t reach either his forehead or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/later-as-i-attempted-to-lean-over-the-high-sides-of-the-hospital-bed/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“What’s wrong?” he asked, and I motioned for him to take a seat. He listened quietly as I explained what had happened. By the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/what-s-wrong-he-asked-and-i-motioned-for-him-to-take-a-seat-he/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“Don’t you believe that Jacob can be healed?” some persisted, pressuring Elizabeth to believe—just believe—and Jacob would be healed. The underlying message was that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/don-t-you-believe-that-jacob-can-be-healed-some-persisted-pressuring/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“Despite their inherent messiness, consumers aren’t about to give up on a mode of savings that is so much under their control. Afer all,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/despite-their-inherent-messiness-consumers-aren-t-about-to-give-up-on/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“Initially, after David’s diagnosis, I would cringe when I read books or articles by cancer survivors who stated that cancer had been a gift…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/initially-after-david-s-diagnosis-i-would-cringe-when-i-read-books-or/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“Tonight I attend my thirty-fifth high school reunion with some trepidation. I have not seen most of these former classmates for thirty-some years. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/tonight-i-attend-my-thirty-fifth-high-school-reunion-with-some/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“For the majority of our marriage I was so busy mothering babies and nursing on demand that by the end of the day I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/for-the-majority-of-our-marriage-i-was-so-busy-mothering-babies-and/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“Whether it means producing a piece of art, writing a short story, or simply bringing beauty into our home or into the lives of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/whether-it-means-producing-a-piece-of-art-writing-a-short-story-or/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“What were you going to make for Christmas dinner?” one of my older children asked in a very reasonable tone. I cleared my throat,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/what-were-you-going-to-make-for-christmas-dinner-one-of-my-older/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“I started taking walks with my children on trash day just to collect the extra proofs of purchase. We’d roam the alleys together, stopping…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/i-started-taking-walks-with-my-children-on-trash-day-just-to-collect/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) > [“You have no idea how well you are doing,” John complimented me just a few minutes after he mentioned the Christmas card. What did…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-potter-kenyon/you-have-no-idea-how-well-you-are-doing-john-complimented-me-just-a/) [Mary Potter Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) [Explore all 23 Mary Potter Kenyon quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-potter-kenyon/) ## More Candy bar quotes > [“Nine times out of ten, people pick the wrong food. No, it’s not the sugar (GI = 68), it’s not the candy bar (GI…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-perlmutter/nine-times-out-of-ten-people-pick-the-wrong-food-no-it-s-not-the/) [David Perlmutter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-perlmutter/) > [“For several months they'd been drifting toward political involvement, but the picture was hazy and one of the most confusing elements was their geographical…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hunter-s-thompson/for-several-months-they-d-been-drifting-toward-political-involvement/) [Hunter S. Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hunter-s-thompson/) > [“I tell Dylan I have to go to the bathroom. I shut the door and try to pee, but my dick's already sticking straight…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katie-kacvinsky/i-tell-dylan-i-have-to-go-to-the-bathroom-i-shut-the-door-and-try-to/) [Katie Kacvinsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katie-kacvinsky/) > [I like crazy, childlike, candy bar-filled cakes with gooey caramel, chocolate-covered nuts, marshmallows, and the like.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ron-ben-israel/i-like-crazy-childlike-candy-bar-filled-cakes-with-gooey-caramel/) [Ron Ben-Israel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ron-ben-israel/) > [“Yeah, that’s exactly how I feel when I’m around you: confused, but still satisfied.' I freeze, trying to figure out how to cancel it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elle-lothlorien/yeah-that-s-exactly-how-i-feel-when-i-m-around-you-confused-but-still/) [Elle Lothlorien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elle-lothlorien/) > [In fact, two slices of whole wheat bread increase blood sugar to a higher level than a candy bar does. And then, after about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-davis/in-fact-two-slices-of-whole-wheat-bread-increase-blood-sugar-to-a/) [William Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-davis/) > [If you eat one less candy bar or donut a day, you're doing your body some good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/if-you-eat-one-less-candy-bar-or-donut-a-day-you-re-doing-your-body/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [“My first and last name is like a candy bar in your mouth that you can chew on as you say it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jarod-kintz/my-first-and-last-name-is-like-a-candy-bar-in-your-mouth-that-you-can/) [Jarod Kintz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jarod-kintz/) > [“She narrowed her eyes at him. She wanted to tell him that it was his fault, that she would never have tripped if he’d…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kimberly-derting/she-narrowed-her-eyes-at-him-she-wanted-to-tell-him-that-it-was-his/) [Kimberly Derting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kimberly-derting/) > [America is becoming a drug infested nation. Drugs are becoming cheaper than candy bars. We are not going to let it happen any longer.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-trump/america-is-becoming-a-drug-infested-nation-drugs-are-becoming-cheaper/) [Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-trump/) > [“So Where’s the Chocolate Group? As we have said, we’re not going to pull a fast one. There are no forbidden foods, because deprivation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evelyn-tribole-elyse-resch/so-where-s-the-chocolate-group-as-we-have-said-we-re-not-going-to/) [Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evelyn-tribole-elyse-resch/) > [“Things I Used to Get Hit For: Talking back. Being smart. Acting stupid. Not listening. Not answering the first time. Not doing what I’m…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-thurber/things-i-used-to-get-hit-for-talking-back-being-smart-acting-stupid/) [Bob Thurber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-thurber/) > [“She didn't want the medi-techs. She wanted a fucking a candy bar.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-d-robb/she-didn-t-want-the-medi-techs-she-wanted-a-fucking-a-candy-bar/) [J.D. Robb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-d-robb/) > [I like it when you reach into a vending machine to grab your candy bar, and that flap goes up to block you from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitch-hedberg/i-like-it-when-you-reach-into-a-vending-machine-to-grab-your-candy/) [Mitch Hedberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitch-hedberg/) > [“I picked up a lot of my arguing-with-Mom techniques from Mimsy. She always says if you state the facts, Mom won't argue with you.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/courtney-turk/i-picked-up-a-lot-of-my-arguing-with-mom-techniques-from-mimsy-she/) [Courtney Turk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/courtney-turk/) [Browse all 93 Candy bar quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/candy-bar/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“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. 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