I have $7 for groceries.

rebelate

That would be gas money to drive to your moms. Is it possible that you can't afford to live on your own and support yourself? If you seriously only have $7 to last almost 3 weeks, you've got some serious challenges going on. If you are in the states, that is what food stamps are for. If you don't qualify, then things are not quite what they seem. (i.e. someone might make too much money but manage it poorly.) I recommend that you get help...whether it be through your church or community welfare services, and be honest with yourself regarding your situation. Not everyone can afford a certain lifestyle on a small budget, and one needs to eat. What will you have to forgo to make sure that you have enough money for food?

Not being mean, just the same things I'd ask my kids before letting them move out...

ps. Just read your profile. You might consider giving up "craft food and beer" if you are a starving college student. I would suspect that many of us ate lots of pb and jelly while going to school (I lived on it for lunch at school, and casseroles of whatever I could throw together for dinners)...many have gone before and lived to tell about it. Giving up extras and gourmet treats in lieu of plain but cheap and nutritious meals is kind of a given (and I also worked full time while at university full time, and still ate simply and cheaply)....

Last edit, promise! Both my children worked part time on campus (in addition to working part time off campus)...go to your dept to hire out for tutoring or any other area that hires (cafeteria, library, landscaping, trash pickup). The pay is lousy (usually minimum wage) but your hours can be flexible to fit between your classes. You definitely need to pick a job or two if you can't afford to feed yourself.

Lol @ gas money to drive to your mom's. Not everyone has the luxury of having a parent, or ones who can support them, or help them. I've been in a "have $5 to last all month" and it wasn't from poor budgeting it's from life just happening, and not being able to control it.

That being said - Churches! I work at a grocery store and there's St Vincent that gives people vouchers. I don't know how common food banks are if you live in a more rural area.Try soup kitchens if need be for the day, or hit up some friends.

Good luck. I could try to pay pal you something.

rebelate

I've been there. I coped by dating men (no sex, just dates) old enough to be my father, and letting them pick up the tab. Was that a really low thing to do? Sure. But after several days without food it sure did seem like a good idea. One man even took me grocery shopping when he came to pick me up and peeked in my fridge looking for a beer.

I didn't have the internet to turn to for advice. I had no idea what a food bank was and how they worked. Now I know, and I donate regularly.

Seriously, OKC and try to go out on dates and go out to eat.

I've done it.

SerenaFisher

Wow 7$... I would get rice, and beans, and as everyone has already said go to food shelters, talk to your church, if friends can help let them.

It sounds like you are going down a more positive road though, good luck with the interview. I am not in your position but I know how it feels to be broke. I have been out of work for six weeks because I had a baby, I worked for three years at the same company but because I was "per diem" for the last ten months because I wanted time to get our new house in order. Ironically just as I go per diem we get pregnant. Either way the company didn't care so no income for six weeks. I am going back to work tonight (THANKFULLY) but all of my bills are one month behind, he works fifty hours a week but we've been living on rice, peanut butter, and both of our mom's cooking... I am so glad I have my family and his family for support. I have no idea what I'd do without them. Props to you girl. Good luck!

Jessiebell527

..a sign and a cup that says please donate generously? ...?

I really hope what they say about karma is true. SMH.

booboo68

Check your local farmers market. I know that ours puts stuff out at night for free that is still good but now 100% fresh and there are people that go there nightly. There is one older man that will walk up with a broom and sweep the walkway to the market and then he will look at what they have to offer for free. I guess his way of paying back.

jackiecamarena

So, I had never heard of food banks before prior to this thread.
You just go and people give you food, for free? say whaaaa?
Yes, they totally do.

And I totally just went.
Got so much good stuff.
Rice, beans, pasta, orange juice, 8lbs of pears, and veggies.

Will definitely be paying it forward when I have the means to.

katmix

edited post

Buzymomof_3

so glad it worked out for you !

patrickkelly69

not much

monicalosesweight

That's wonderful! I was worried about you. It's tough to make ends meet in college without not eating right.

Monica

itsjustdawn

So, I had never heard of food banks before prior to this thread.
You just go and people give you food, for free? say whaaaa?
Yes, they totally do.

And I totally just went.
Got so much good stuff.
Rice, beans, pasta, orange juice, 8lbs of pears, and veggies.

Will definitely be paying it forward when I have the means to.

I am really glad they helped you!! I donate locally to our Second Harvest Food Bank. Food for thought (no pun intended), if you have an extra $5 to spare some day, that can buy quite a few cans of food, or a huge bag of rice. I add my donation to my food budget/list each week - I buy canned veggies, 5lbs bags of a Mexican brand of brown rice (it's way cheap!), pasta (I should be getting whole wheat but I haven't), and turkey chili with no beans. I kept wondering how to get some protein items to these people. And I tend to limit it to $5/week. They appreciate the donation, no matter how big or small, and I am so glad to see that someone was able to benefit from others' donations.

As a side note - I encourage everyone to think about this. Most of us here have some means of income - consider donating to a local food bank throughout the year, not just at the holidays.

sweetnlow30

So, I had never heard of food banks before prior to this thread.
You just go and people give you food, for free? say whaaaa?
Yes, they totally do.

And I totally just went.
Got so much good stuff.
Rice, beans, pasta, orange juice, 8lbs of pears, and veggies.

Will definitely be paying it forward when I have the means to.

I am so glad things worked out for you :flowerforyou: I started out at 17 (I'm 31 now) and I have had some very low times as well so I know exactly how you feel. Hang in there girl. Better days are ahead!

jackiecamarena

not much

It's way more than I have and way more than what I could've gotten for $7.
No complaints here.

LoosingMyLast15

So, I had never heard of food banks before prior to this thread.
You just go and people give you food, for free? say whaaaa?
Yes, they totally do.

And I totally just went.
Got so much good stuff.
Rice, beans, pasta, orange juice, 8lbs of pears, and veggies.

Will definitely be paying it forward when I have the means to.

so happy to hear you were able to get SO MUCH food. good things happen to good people.

iggyboo93

Also, I am fully aware my profile says I am into craft food and beer. This is something I like as a hobby when I can afford it, duh.
I have a ****ty family situation and I got kicked out of my house at 18. No, it wasn't my choice to move out. I would be in a stable place if I could be. I am trying to live as normal of a life as I can as a now 21 year old. I have tried applying for food stamps, but have gotten rejected because I don't have a job. I have an interview for a pretty awesome and stable position next week, so wish me luck, guys!

And thank you, everyone, once again for your support!
Really didn't think this many people would care.

That's AWESOME news about the interview. Also very glad to read that you went to the food bank and the housing situation is looking up. Things do get better - keep positive and seize opportunities.

efirkey

Based on what you have I think you should get Rice, Ramen noodles and dried beans. I do think you should go to a food bank or maybe a church and ask for help. The most they will say is no, but they are more likely to help you if they can.