From Abundance to Survival: Oya Obinidodo's Struggle After EBT

Oya Obinidodo 
©2025. Oya Obinidodo. All rights reserved.





Rapper Oya Obinidodo is facing a stark and painful reality after leaving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as EBT, after relying on it for two full decades. The transition has not just been an adjustment; it has been what she describes as a "traumatizing nightmare." Once accustomed to a life of luxury that included meals of caviar, lobster, and filet mignon, she now finds herself grappling with the harsh realities of food insecurity.

For 20 years, Oya Obinidodo had the safety net of EBT, allowing her access to high-quality foods that were a staple in her diet. Now, without that support, she’s finding it increasingly difficult to afford even basic necessities. “I’m going broke at an alarming rate because I’ve been buying food to survive,” she stated, a chilling reflection of the struggles many face when suddenly stripped of financial support.

She has a strong aversion to food banks and homeless shelters, finding the experience of waiting in long lines alongside those in need particularly distasteful. The very thought of standing in a queue, surrounded by individuals who are struggling to meet their basic needs, fills her with discomfort. To her, these environments evoke a sense of desperation and vulnerability that she finds hard to reconcile with her own life experiences. 

EBT not accepted sign

The long waits, often accompanied by the palpable tension of uncertainty and anxiety, create an atmosphere that she perceives as heavy and oppressive. She worries that being in such close proximity to those facing dire circumstances might blur the lines between her own privilege and the harsh realities of others. This discomfort is compounded by her belief that these institutions, while necessary, often fail to address the root causes of poverty and homelessness, leaving her feeling frustrated and helpless. As a result, she actively seeks alternatives to support those in need, preferring alternatives that allow her to maintain a sense of dignity and self respect.

What makes Oya Obinidodo’s situation even more heartbreaking is the isolation she feels during this challenging time. With no one to lean on and no support system in place, she expressed feelings of abandonment and loneliness. “Nobody helps me,” she lamented, highlighting a stark reality that many who have lived on government assistance may understand. When the safety net is removed, the fallout can be devastating, both physically and emotionally.

Oya Obinidodo's story is a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding food assistance programs and the realities faced by those living in poverty. While her journey in the music industry is celebrated, her personal struggles are often hidden behind the glitz and glamour. It sheds light on an important narrative: the transition away from reliance on assistance can be a painful and isolating experience, especially for those who may have once thrived in a very different environment.

Oya Obinidodo's grocery store run
Oya Obinidodo's Walmart Grocery store run today that cost $24 just for ingredients to make a couple of sandwiches, bag of chips, 1 dessert, dog treats, and lemonade. 

As she navigates this challenging chapter, Oya Obinidodo brings awareness to an issue that many overlook—the vulnerability that comes with financial instability. Her courage to speak out about her struggles invites society to consider the support systems in place and the importance of compassion towards those who find themselves in similar circumstances. 

In a world where the gap between wealth and poverty continues to widen, Oya’s experience serves as a reminder to look beyond the surface and recognize the real struggles that countless individuals face each day. It serves as a call to action for society to address these issues of food insecurity comprehensively and compassionately. 

Walmart sells expired food 

Expired product from Walmart 
©2025. Oya Obinidodo. All rights reserved.

Today, Oya Obinidodo purchased a $2.98 snack called Stuffed Puffs from Walmart, drawn in by the enticing packaging and the promise of a delicious treat. The fluffy, marshmallow-filled snacks seemed like the perfect indulgence for her afternoon cravings, and she eagerly tore open the bag as soon as she got home. With each bite, she savored the sweet, gooey filling, completely absorbed in the moment. However, her enjoyment quickly turned to dismay when she glanced at the back of the bag and noticed the expiration date. To her shock, it was two months past the indicated date, a detail that had completely escaped her notice during her initial excitement. 

The realization was quite off-putting, leaving her with a sense of unease about the quality and safety of the product she had just consumed. Feeling violated by the experience, she couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal. It wasn't just about the snack itself; it was about the trust she had placed in a well-known retailer to provide safe and fresh food products. The incident left her questioning the integrity of Walmart's food offerings and whether she could rely on them in the future. 

In that moment of disappointment, she made a firm vow to herself: she would never again trust Walmart's food products. This experience served as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to food safety, and she resolved to be more cautious in her shopping habits moving forward. The once-innocent pleasure of a simple snack had transformed into a lesson in consumer awareness, forever altering her perception of the store she had frequented for years.

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