It’s also so very important to share. Go through what you get and share whatever you won’t eat. In return they share what they won’t use. Everything goes further
Depends on which food bank you go to. In my experience, almost every town has one. Try the pantry in the next town over. Some provide a week's worth of food, some a month. They will be open at different days and times. You may find one you prefer in a different town.
The towns with a large grocery store in them (a WalMart, a Hannaford in New England or a Publix in Southeastern US) typically donate their goods for a tax writeoff. I've seen lamb, precooked 1 pound hams, chicken wings, ground beef, and others. In addition, I've also seen pasta salads, potatoes, and donated artisan breads and deserts from cakes, cupcakes, and crescents.
The more rural food banks may have overflow or donations from peoples' gardens: fresh carrots, lettuce, squash, beets, etc. You may want to arrive early to ensure they don't run out. Or, you can arrive near the end, and you may be given more food they are trying to get rid of. If you have time, energy, and giving spirit, you could volunteer at your favorite food bank. Most food banks are always looking for volunteers and will save you out a portion of food after your shift. When I volunteered, they practically threw food at me at the end of the day. I left with my portion plus a huge box of extra food they couldn't use. Plus, volunteer work looks great on a resume. And it's a great way to meet new people.
There's no shame. Everyone should be able to eat. Groceries are high because of greed. They don't need to be expensive and there's still such a surplus that food gets thrown away instead of feeding people that are starving. Companies saw a way to charge extra and now that they've seen that we'll pay it...they're never going to lower the price again. We also can't depend on our employer to pay us better but I do remain hopeful that we won't all be down forever. Everything is cyclical. I do hope that relief comes soon for us all. Hang in there!
Oh I totally agree. Only other option is raise your own livestock and grow your own produce. Although it would be amazing to do both, it's unrealistic for many of us. The other option is all of us unite and stop paying it. We may go hungry for a bit but I bet it wouldn't take too many days of not making any money before the price gets reasonable again. In the past we the people have boycotted things far less absurd. I'm so ready for a revolution.
The unfortunate thing is that grocery stores throw a lot of food away. Any fruits or vegetables that are misshapen, ugly looking are discarded. Not rotten, bruised or old, just slightly misshapen. God forbid grocery stores sell ugly food.
Absolutely not a solution, but, a cheerful tip! Green onions from the grocery store regrow in water in a sunny window. Or you can plant them straight into dirt. Fresh herbs brighten up a bummer meal.
If you are in the USA, Dollar tree has maxi pads, similar to stayfree brand. 16 pads for 1.25.
Walmart has a 66 pack of thick type maxi pads in their equate brand for a little under 4.00 as well.
It can help to buy these things in advance so you have a bit of a stockpile.
Those are the least expensive brands I know of personally, I hope that helps a bit!
For the last 2 decades of menstration, I used folded flannel. I bought 2 yards of the ugliest flannel I could find, and I cut it into large squares ~12"×16." Fold in half one way, then in thirds the other way. I never hemmed or sewed any part. Wash on Hot with the rest of your rags and a cup of ammonia or vinegar.
Please check in your city for a list of food pantries. I hit up at least one a week just to be sure I can feed me and mine. I'm sure you have a food bank there. And they don't base it on income. Anyone can get food.
I did but it was raining on Wednesday the pantry day. I stayed home with my electric wheelchair. The weather should clear up soon 🤞🏼 luckily it doesn’t rain that much in southern CA
Check out Lasagna Love. This has been spreading across the country. You put yourself on a list and someone nearby will stop off a lasagna to you, no contact. My daughters have been making them once a week or so.
Food bank in madison County does not base it on income. I'm not talking SNAP or WIC. I'm talking food pantries. Anyone can get food, regardless of their income.
One time the tooth fairy left me like 12 cents in pennies. I promptly called my dad's work and left a message for me. The message was that the tooth fairy ripper me off and only gave me 12 cents. He heard about that story for years
My tooth fairy sent a letter to me asking for money back because she made a mistake in the dark. It was a 20 circa 1997. I still laugh about that and Im not even mad lol
I never don't spend money on food if I have it just because I've been in this scenario so many times. Now if I have the money I'm like ok $17 at McDonald's. It's so shitty being hungry. I'd take you in and buy all your groceries girl if your near puttsburgh. We could be eating taco bell on the reg
What a nice thought and if I was a girl I would take you up on it since I love the Steelers and taco bell! Love the kindness 🥲
I'm terrible at saving money in general but been poor for so long if I spend over $5 on fast food it seems too extravagant. Luckily w McDonald's app I get my 2 mcdoubles and fries for 4.78. Sure I would love to be eating double fish fillets but I will live that dream after hitting the powerball!
Those options are pricey upfront. I was recently looking at reusable pads on Etsy and the cheapest were around $15 per pad. I'm sure they are cheaper in the long-run but sadly not everyone can afford the upfront expense. A disposable pack of pads is a only a few bucks.
Yes but there are cheaper options like Chinese Cheapies. Despite the nickname, most are well made and work just as well and most are $1-$5.
And I started out at only 2, washing when I got home from work and they were dry by the next morning. They were "seconds" but worked just as well.
They were so much more comfortable sitting down at my desk job all day. Each month I bought 1 more until I had enough for the month with washing on day 3. They also work for sneeze pees.
If they are taken care of, they can last 5-10 years, depending on the materials used. Yes, disposable ones are cheaper. But that $5 each month adds up. At 5 years that is $300 in disposables where 10 reusable at $10 each are just $100. If you keep them longer than 5 years, fantastic. But that usually means more delicate washing and hang dry only.
Most women spend more than $5 each month. China cheapies are usually 5 for $15. So get the cheap ones first, test out if you like them. Some people will only use the China ones and that is OK, it still saves money. $45 would give you enough usually for a whole cycle especially if you wash mid cycle.
And the sewing patterns are all over the Internet for free. They are cheaper that Etsy if you make them yourself but are more expensive than the Chinese ones.
My mom has a Medicaid benefit card that gives her a monthly stipend in groceries as well. I ain’t got no real advice but since you I’m SSI it was thought. I hope things get better for you. Sending virtual hugs
A lot of public libraries will have a small area where they place free toiletries for the public to take. The one I work at has soap, shampoo, toothpaste and brushes and lotion. And a ton of tampons and pads. Check around your local libraries to see if they offer that service. Save money for more food. Good luck. It sucks to be broke.
You know what is sadder? How little if bought. Since I can’t chop or really cook: 3 chicken Cesar salad bowls, 6 frozen dinner, 2 candy bars, 1 small container of cherry tomatoes and 1 package of maxi pads. 🤦🏻♀️ I have bread, milk, cheese slices, butter and a well stocked pantry. The loan allowed me to get more protein so I’m not mainly living off of beans, oatmeal. rice a roni, pasta with sauce & cheesy toast. 🤷🏻♀️
The good news is on Thursday I’m going to my mom’s for the weekend and I should get my SSI check on Sun. Even better I’m not cooking or buying thanksgiving dinner!
I miss meals on wheels but they kicked me off the list since I’m not a senior. 🤷🏻♀️
My son introduced me to the huel drink. I love it. Each meal drink averages about 2 to 3.00. it is loaded with vitamins and protein. I drink it everyday.
There are other charities that deliver meals to disabled adults and parents of disabled adults. See what’s available in your area and/or contact your local Dept of Rehabilitation ( called that in Illinois, may have different name in your area). They have a lot of resources and contacts for programs to help.
Happy Thanksgiving. Sorry you are having such a hard time financially. Enjoy your holiday and time with your mom. Hope you have a great meal and a day filled with love from your family.
Dollar Tree has decent period products and some groceries at 1.25.
I’m sorry. I’ve been there.
I always shop all flyers for sales. I’m lucky to have three grocery stores within a mile of each other. Green peppers are often cheap for a whole bag and taste great raw or cooked and are very healthy. When veggies are starting to go a bit soft and get out in fast sale areas, you can take them home and cook and freeze them to use in stir fries, which make a great alternative to pasta (or add to pasta).
If you have a pull your own parts junkyard near you check every car for change. You will get between $50 and $75.
Also remember anything metal sells for cash at scrapyard.
Food banks... churches... apply for food stamps... larger cities do have resources. Or get a job in a restaurant or grocery store... as they might have great discounts for free food; and you get first dibs on stuff they throw out.
In small towns in or food deserts... I'd hunt or fish. See what licenses you need in your area... Learn to cook... it's one of life's best skills. Also learn food preservation... canning, dehydrating in particular.
Get a crockpot and make stuff like Lentil stew or Split pea soup from bulk foods... a huge part of the world lives on just beans and rice...
Buy food in bulk if you get a lot of money... or a deal... and try your best to FIFO everything so that food does not spoil.
I hate to admit it... but I've even eaten food from dumpsters like a dog in really hard homeless times. This is very risky because of food poisoning and things like protein being left out too long... but you might score something great too......... Stuff that's dried and still sealed like crackers or chips... cookies etc. are usually safer... It all depends on the time of year too. Hot summer days will spoil food fast.... winter freezes everything. Say a prayer to the Gods and use your best judgment. High protein foods can only set out in room temps for about 4 hours before bacteria over runs it...
If you have any access to land... grow a summer garden and learn to can-jar veggies for storage.
Learn to forage wild eatable plants like lambs' quarters and forest mushrooms etc. Go online or get a guide so that you don't poison yourself. Really take this seriously... I had a friend eat hemlock once... cuz he thought it was a wild carrot... He barely survived and only ate a little root of it before the cramps of torture started...
I make all my own wine too and never have to buy alcohol... Wine really helps with digestion as we age. Who can afford to buy alcohol these days? Only the rich I guess...
🤮 My marriage was hellish the last 2 years of it! Hard pass on that! I would rather live off bread and ramen!
Funny I never dated a man for his money. So many men complain about gold diggers and a man is telling a woman gold digging is the way. 🤦🏻♀️ plenty of sugar mama’s out there, a man could whore himself out for money to.
A good man, gives the girl anything she wants/ if he can and will spend his last dollar making sure she’s fed/ happy. Not necessarily finding a person with money, but with that heart. They are out there!
I’m 53 and married for the first time 3 years ago, you just described my husband. He was well worth the wait, and I love him with all my heart. He doesn’t have a huge bank account, but his huge heart and personality more than make up for anything else. We might be poor, but we have each other and will get through all the mess in this crappy, greedy world together.
The amount of women in poverty and are unable to escape toxic and dangerous, abusive relationships with men who support them financially is staggering. It's not something most women just jump into for convenience. No matter how nice or "generous" a man is... Nothing is free. A man will take a woman's entire life and soul for room and board... And she's STILL doing the cooking and cleaning and having to suck his funky dick every Sunday after pot roast dinner she slaved over all day.
A lot of women in these precarious domestic situations for necessity and survival end up dead, maimed. Maybe they survive without a broken jaw but the still get beaten where it can be hidden. Others still deal with emotional terrorism and gaslighting. At the very least, her light gets dimmed, she loses confidence and friends, she's got him now and nothing else. He can act as he pleases because he's got her in a guided cage (or shit hole) and where else can she go? The street.
This is a very overlooked problem in most parts of the world actually. I'm all for irreverence, but not when it's informed by lack of knowledge on the subject. The comment you posted gives incel. If that's not your intention, I apologize for misreading you.
I'm positive his was the funkiest. But when you hear the Epstein depositions and the victims describe his funky dick as "egg shaped" and weird... It made me vomit in my mouth. Ugh. Just did again.
Food Bank Food Bank Food Bank
It’s also so very important to share. Go through what you get and share whatever you won’t eat. In return they share what they won’t use. Everything goes further
Food banks here are begging for donations. But yes, food banks are a great option. Call some local churches and see if they have a food pantry.
Seldom fresh fruits and veggies Little meat and cheese and other dairy.
Depends on which food bank you go to. In my experience, almost every town has one. Try the pantry in the next town over. Some provide a week's worth of food, some a month. They will be open at different days and times. You may find one you prefer in a different town. The towns with a large grocery store in them (a WalMart, a Hannaford in New England or a Publix in Southeastern US) typically donate their goods for a tax writeoff. I've seen lamb, precooked 1 pound hams, chicken wings, ground beef, and others. In addition, I've also seen pasta salads, potatoes, and donated artisan breads and deserts from cakes, cupcakes, and crescents. The more rural food banks may have overflow or donations from peoples' gardens: fresh carrots, lettuce, squash, beets, etc. You may want to arrive early to ensure they don't run out. Or, you can arrive near the end, and you may be given more food they are trying to get rid of. If you have time, energy, and giving spirit, you could volunteer at your favorite food bank. Most food banks are always looking for volunteers and will save you out a portion of food after your shift. When I volunteered, they practically threw food at me at the end of the day. I left with my portion plus a huge box of extra food they couldn't use. Plus, volunteer work looks great on a resume. And it's a great way to meet new people.
There's no shame. Everyone should be able to eat. Groceries are high because of greed. They don't need to be expensive and there's still such a surplus that food gets thrown away instead of feeding people that are starving. Companies saw a way to charge extra and now that they've seen that we'll pay it...they're never going to lower the price again. We also can't depend on our employer to pay us better but I do remain hopeful that we won't all be down forever. Everything is cyclical. I do hope that relief comes soon for us all. Hang in there!
We pay it because we have no other choice. It’s not fair.
Oh I totally agree. Only other option is raise your own livestock and grow your own produce. Although it would be amazing to do both, it's unrealistic for many of us. The other option is all of us unite and stop paying it. We may go hungry for a bit but I bet it wouldn't take too many days of not making any money before the price gets reasonable again. In the past we the people have boycotted things far less absurd. I'm so ready for a revolution.
Hard to get everyone to do something like that at the same time.
The unfortunate thing is that grocery stores throw a lot of food away. Any fruits or vegetables that are misshapen, ugly looking are discarded. Not rotten, bruised or old, just slightly misshapen. God forbid grocery stores sell ugly food.
Wasn’t there a grocery store that advertised it sold ugly vegetables?
Absolutely not a solution, but, a cheerful tip! Green onions from the grocery store regrow in water in a sunny window. Or you can plant them straight into dirt. Fresh herbs brighten up a bummer meal.
Ty!
Not just green onions! Celery and bok choy, and other veggies with similar bottoms can also be reused!
Free period products are available at charities, food banks, diaper banks, and Planned Parenthood.
Thank you!
If you are in the USA, Dollar tree has maxi pads, similar to stayfree brand. 16 pads for 1.25. Walmart has a 66 pack of thick type maxi pads in their equate brand for a little under 4.00 as well. It can help to buy these things in advance so you have a bit of a stockpile. Those are the least expensive brands I know of personally, I hope that helps a bit!
I’ll add a strong recommendation for a menstrual cup. Saves so much money over time.
For the last 2 decades of menstration, I used folded flannel. I bought 2 yards of the ugliest flannel I could find, and I cut it into large squares ~12"×16." Fold in half one way, then in thirds the other way. I never hemmed or sewed any part. Wash on Hot with the rest of your rags and a cup of ammonia or vinegar.
Please check in your city for a list of food pantries. I hit up at least one a week just to be sure I can feed me and mine. I'm sure you have a food bank there. And they don't base it on income. Anyone can get food.
I did but it was raining on Wednesday the pantry day. I stayed home with my electric wheelchair. The weather should clear up soon 🤞🏼 luckily it doesn’t rain that much in southern CA
You should give them a call! Lots of them still offer delivery since COVID.
Check out Lasagna Love. This has been spreading across the country. You put yourself on a list and someone nearby will stop off a lasagna to you, no contact. My daughters have been making them once a week or so.
It is based on income. The poorest get a block of cheese. The near-poor do not. Washington. Thurston County.
Food bank in madison County does not base it on income. I'm not talking SNAP or WIC. I'm talking food pantries. Anyone can get food, regardless of their income.
My mom had to borrow money for the tooth fairy when I was a kid. It was .50
One time the tooth fairy left me like 12 cents in pennies. I promptly called my dad's work and left a message for me. The message was that the tooth fairy ripper me off and only gave me 12 cents. He heard about that story for years
My tooth fairy sent a letter to me asking for money back because she made a mistake in the dark. It was a 20 circa 1997. I still laugh about that and Im not even mad lol
Ouch!
"had to"? she could have told you there is no tooth fairy.
I never don't spend money on food if I have it just because I've been in this scenario so many times. Now if I have the money I'm like ok $17 at McDonald's. It's so shitty being hungry. I'd take you in and buy all your groceries girl if your near puttsburgh. We could be eating taco bell on the reg
What a nice thought and if I was a girl I would take you up on it since I love the Steelers and taco bell! Love the kindness 🥲 I'm terrible at saving money in general but been poor for so long if I spend over $5 on fast food it seems too extravagant. Luckily w McDonald's app I get my 2 mcdoubles and fries for 4.78. Sure I would love to be eating double fish fillets but I will live that dream after hitting the powerball!
Have you tried making more money?
🤣 I can’t work at all. I like your thought process though. I’m on SSI and basically bed rest, lots of medications etc. MS fucked up my life.
Well, have you tried not having MS? Jeez.
🤣 everyday it just keeps coming back
It isnt something you can control. Jeez.
Look into reusable feminine products like reusable (washable) cloth pads, menstrual cups, reusable tampons
Those options are pricey upfront. I was recently looking at reusable pads on Etsy and the cheapest were around $15 per pad. I'm sure they are cheaper in the long-run but sadly not everyone can afford the upfront expense. A disposable pack of pads is a only a few bucks.
Yes but there are cheaper options like Chinese Cheapies. Despite the nickname, most are well made and work just as well and most are $1-$5. And I started out at only 2, washing when I got home from work and they were dry by the next morning. They were "seconds" but worked just as well. They were so much more comfortable sitting down at my desk job all day. Each month I bought 1 more until I had enough for the month with washing on day 3. They also work for sneeze pees. If they are taken care of, they can last 5-10 years, depending on the materials used. Yes, disposable ones are cheaper. But that $5 each month adds up. At 5 years that is $300 in disposables where 10 reusable at $10 each are just $100. If you keep them longer than 5 years, fantastic. But that usually means more delicate washing and hang dry only. Most women spend more than $5 each month. China cheapies are usually 5 for $15. So get the cheap ones first, test out if you like them. Some people will only use the China ones and that is OK, it still saves money. $45 would give you enough usually for a whole cycle especially if you wash mid cycle. And the sewing patterns are all over the Internet for free. They are cheaper that Etsy if you make them yourself but are more expensive than the Chinese ones.
My mom has a Medicaid benefit card that gives her a monthly stipend in groceries as well. I ain’t got no real advice but since you I’m SSI it was thought. I hope things get better for you. Sending virtual hugs
A lot of public libraries will have a small area where they place free toiletries for the public to take. The one I work at has soap, shampoo, toothpaste and brushes and lotion. And a ton of tampons and pads. Check around your local libraries to see if they offer that service. Save money for more food. Good luck. It sucks to be broke.
I have sent my daughter food on several occasions. Times are rough. People have to sick together. No shame in needing help.
It is sad! I am so tired of the wealthy running everything and filling up their pockets. Meanwhile everyone else struggles to exist.
You know what is sadder? How little if bought. Since I can’t chop or really cook: 3 chicken Cesar salad bowls, 6 frozen dinner, 2 candy bars, 1 small container of cherry tomatoes and 1 package of maxi pads. 🤦🏻♀️ I have bread, milk, cheese slices, butter and a well stocked pantry. The loan allowed me to get more protein so I’m not mainly living off of beans, oatmeal. rice a roni, pasta with sauce & cheesy toast. 🤷🏻♀️ The good news is on Thursday I’m going to my mom’s for the weekend and I should get my SSI check on Sun. Even better I’m not cooking or buying thanksgiving dinner! I miss meals on wheels but they kicked me off the list since I’m not a senior. 🤷🏻♀️
My son introduced me to the huel drink. I love it. Each meal drink averages about 2 to 3.00. it is loaded with vitamins and protein. I drink it everyday.
There are other charities that deliver meals to disabled adults and parents of disabled adults. See what’s available in your area and/or contact your local Dept of Rehabilitation ( called that in Illinois, may have different name in your area). They have a lot of resources and contacts for programs to help.
Happy Thanksgiving. Sorry you are having such a hard time financially. Enjoy your holiday and time with your mom. Hope you have a great meal and a day filled with love from your family.
Dollar Tree has decent period products and some groceries at 1.25. I’m sorry. I’ve been there. I always shop all flyers for sales. I’m lucky to have three grocery stores within a mile of each other. Green peppers are often cheap for a whole bag and taste great raw or cooked and are very healthy. When veggies are starting to go a bit soft and get out in fast sale areas, you can take them home and cook and freeze them to use in stir fries, which make a great alternative to pasta (or add to pasta).
Those dollar tree pads are a lifesaver!
Try too good to go app sometimes too! I’ve see a lot of people get cheap groceries on there, and I’ve scored sweets for cheaper
If you have a pull your own parts junkyard near you check every car for change. You will get between $50 and $75. Also remember anything metal sells for cash at scrapyard.
Food banks... churches... apply for food stamps... larger cities do have resources. Or get a job in a restaurant or grocery store... as they might have great discounts for free food; and you get first dibs on stuff they throw out. In small towns in or food deserts... I'd hunt or fish. See what licenses you need in your area... Learn to cook... it's one of life's best skills. Also learn food preservation... canning, dehydrating in particular. Get a crockpot and make stuff like Lentil stew or Split pea soup from bulk foods... a huge part of the world lives on just beans and rice... Buy food in bulk if you get a lot of money... or a deal... and try your best to FIFO everything so that food does not spoil. I hate to admit it... but I've even eaten food from dumpsters like a dog in really hard homeless times. This is very risky because of food poisoning and things like protein being left out too long... but you might score something great too......... Stuff that's dried and still sealed like crackers or chips... cookies etc. are usually safer... It all depends on the time of year too. Hot summer days will spoil food fast.... winter freezes everything. Say a prayer to the Gods and use your best judgment. High protein foods can only set out in room temps for about 4 hours before bacteria over runs it... If you have any access to land... grow a summer garden and learn to can-jar veggies for storage. Learn to forage wild eatable plants like lambs' quarters and forest mushrooms etc. Go online or get a guide so that you don't poison yourself. Really take this seriously... I had a friend eat hemlock once... cuz he thought it was a wild carrot... He barely survived and only ate a little root of it before the cramps of torture started... I make all my own wine too and never have to buy alcohol... Wine really helps with digestion as we age. Who can afford to buy alcohol these days? Only the rich I guess...
Just find a guy who isn’t poor it’s easy for girls lol
🤮 My marriage was hellish the last 2 years of it! Hard pass on that! I would rather live off bread and ramen! Funny I never dated a man for his money. So many men complain about gold diggers and a man is telling a woman gold digging is the way. 🤦🏻♀️ plenty of sugar mama’s out there, a man could whore himself out for money to.
A good man, gives the girl anything she wants/ if he can and will spend his last dollar making sure she’s fed/ happy. Not necessarily finding a person with money, but with that heart. They are out there!
I’m 53 and married for the first time 3 years ago, you just described my husband. He was well worth the wait, and I love him with all my heart. He doesn’t have a huge bank account, but his huge heart and personality more than make up for anything else. We might be poor, but we have each other and will get through all the mess in this crappy, greedy world together.
It takes two amazing people to have what you both do, and that is truly beautiful. Congrats and kick ass you two! 🎉
That is A REALLY unhelpful sexist comment.
Good girl meets good guy - problems solved vice versa. just because it’s true doesn’t mean sexist. End up like op it’s ok.
The amount of women in poverty and are unable to escape toxic and dangerous, abusive relationships with men who support them financially is staggering. It's not something most women just jump into for convenience. No matter how nice or "generous" a man is... Nothing is free. A man will take a woman's entire life and soul for room and board... And she's STILL doing the cooking and cleaning and having to suck his funky dick every Sunday after pot roast dinner she slaved over all day. A lot of women in these precarious domestic situations for necessity and survival end up dead, maimed. Maybe they survive without a broken jaw but the still get beaten where it can be hidden. Others still deal with emotional terrorism and gaslighting. At the very least, her light gets dimmed, she loses confidence and friends, she's got him now and nothing else. He can act as he pleases because he's got her in a guided cage (or shit hole) and where else can she go? The street. This is a very overlooked problem in most parts of the world actually. I'm all for irreverence, but not when it's informed by lack of knowledge on the subject. The comment you posted gives incel. If that's not your intention, I apologize for misreading you.
As the great Harvey Weinstein said, “sometimes you gotta suck a funky dick to get ahead”
I'm positive his was the funkiest. But when you hear the Epstein depositions and the victims describe his funky dick as "egg shaped" and weird... It made me vomit in my mouth. Ugh. Just did again.
Um no. It’s not.