Today I was out grocery shopping. A lady approached me with a very small toddler and a newborn baby. She was very apologetic and nice. She explained her food stamps had been cut off and she couldn't afford baby formula. We chatted for a bit, she showed me which ones her babies use, and I ended up paying for $270 worth of baby formula. She was very kind, and gave me her phone number when I asked to keep in touch. When I came home and explained to my fiancé why I was $270 down on my grocery budget, he told me he was pretty sure it was a scam. I can't believe I didn't even consider this, but she seemed so genuine and gave me her phone number, so I'm not convinced it was a scam. Does anyone know?
Update: Basically the consensus is that yes, it was a scam. Thank you to the people who were kind in explaining things, especially the person who explained the WIC thing to me. For context, because some of you are calling me stupid (which I was being at the time), I am 20, just went through a traumatic event this last Thursday, was exhausted and just wanted to restore some faith in humanity with everything going on personally and in this world. Please don't call me gullible or stupid; I've already lost so much this week and now $270, which is weeks of work for me. I know strangers' words on Reddit shouldn't affect me, but it does. Most people are nice though, so thank you to the people who helped me learn. I'll do better next time.