If this was how my cards were dealt, I would likely make it my life's mission.

This country certainly goes all in for cruel and unusual punishment.

As someone mentioned, an Alexa speaker. You mentioned a young kid and Amazon Kids has some great audio games you can play. I've had a blast either playing along with my kiddo or just watching him. Plus you can connect them for use as an intercom.

Occasional outings and a change of scenery might be appreciated as time goes on.

Let me preface this by saying I agree with you and this action is absolutely repugnant. But as the mother to a kindergartener, $40 is absolutely doable. That money is to cover the breakfast and lunch they are missing from school 5 days a week. Breakfast would be a bowl of cereal or oatmeal and a piece of fruit. Lunch is PB&J or chicken nuggets, fruit cup/apple sauce, something snacky like teddygrahams or chips and a glass of milk. It's not name brand foods or varied meals, but it is survivable and depending on the kid (like mine), maybe even preferable. (My kid would be in heaven if I let him eat chicken nuggets every day.)

Sausage and peppers. Italian sausage cooked to death with bitter, mushy, green peppers and Ragu. I hate green peppers so I'm not sure this is one that can substantially be improved upon and I have not tried.

My husband is super guilty of all of this. I tried all of this advice over the years to no avail. Recently I stumbled across a tiktok talking about "right now." It's such a simple and obvious concept but it finally put things into perspective for my husband that made a difference. It goes like this: I spend all day taking care of everyone else's right now. The kids, work, the house, etc. When someone needs something I have to drop whatever I'm doing to help them right then. What I'm doing, my needs, are never met right then. So when I ask for help, even if it can be done later, even if it's irrational, it will help my mental health by fulfilling the "right now" need. Doing one simple chore in that moment when I ask will mean far more to me than 10 big chores tomorrow unasked.

My Cuckoo is going on 5 years of at least weekly service. I love it. Perfect rice every time no matter the type of rice. I only get a crispy bottom +not burnt) if I add butter or leave the keep warm on on a half empty pot.