13/10/2026
Jackie Payne asked women a simple question: “If I brought an elected official to your house, what would you show them to help them understand your life?”
An older widow said, “I’d show them my fridge. Because it’s empty.”
She went on to describe her empty pantry. The food she used to make when her husband was alive. Everything empty now.
Another woman talked about rationing her prescriptions because she can’t afford to take all of them. So she schedules which ones to take this month, which ones to skip. Self-medicating by necessity.
These aren’t statistics in your morning newspaper. These are real women. And they’re in real economic pain. A pain that sadly, many are feeling.
This is why we listen. This is why we ask. This is why your voice, your vote, your action matters.
This conversation is important. Listen to Jackie’s full story on Beyond Should now. And then share it.
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