Low-income help
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dizzieblondeuk wrote: »It's not, but if you only have $1 in your pocket, which one can you afford?
That's just poor planning disguised as an excuse.
Do you only have a dollar today ... tomorrow ... the next day ... every day? It doesn't work like that and you are using your financial situation as an excuse to validate your poor choices.
That doesn't work, does it?
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hmm. I think I see. But my guess is she has more than $1. Even $5 can get you a bag of white rice, a loaf of bread, a jar of peanut butter and a pound of frozen ground turkey (at least at Aldis). Which is way more calories than 5 frozen dinners.
But I see your point about some up front costs.
$5 will get you the turkey or the rice and bread or the bread and PB...
Food is $$$ here in Canada.0 -
sounds like my finances. im on ssi, myself.
I get hardly any food stamps 39 bucks is all i get. the rest comes out of my pocket.
but anyways. search out a bargain market, like i live in the northwest (spokane,WA) and we have Winco Foods. Me and my boyfriend have done tons of research and found that Winco in our area has the best prices and hurts our wallet the least.
we even went to the extent of having me at winco, and having my bf at Walmart or another store, to compare prices. the prices will always change, but you can get an idea of the cheaper store. make a list of the stuff you would normally buy, and add up everything and see what stores price adds up to be less.
on top of that, i found that coupons are a waste of time. and those couponing shows are fake.
look for your local deals, it may cost gas, but browse the local stores for good deals, or if you have internet, and the store has a website, look for their specials.
you can always hit the food bank, i have had horrible experience with the food bank. people are rude, and just don't care, they cut in line, and people start to fight. so i just don't go anymore.
i recommended shopping at only ONE store. because we shop one a week for our food. and last month we found our self's shopping at 3 different stores, and spent a lot of money, and where starving at the end of the month.
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Like I said to a previous note, but then her frozen meals would be more than they are here, too, right?hmm. I think I see. But my guess is she has more than $1. Even $5 can get you a bag of white rice, a loaf of bread, a jar of peanut butter and a pound of frozen ground turkey (at least at Aldis). Which is way more calories than 5 frozen dinners.
But I see your point about some up front costs.
$5 will get you the turkey or the rice and bread or the bread and PB...
Food is $$$ here in Canada.
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ILoveCockatiels77 wrote: »sounds like my finances. im on ssi, myself.
I get hardly any food stamps 39 bucks is all i get. the rest comes out of my pocket.
but anyways. search out a bargain market, like i live in the northwest (spokane,WA) and we have Winco Foods. Me and my boyfriend have done tons of research and found that Winco in our area has the best prices and hurts our wallet the least.
we even went to the extent of having me at winco, and having my bf at Walmart or another store, to compare prices. the prices will always change, but you can get an idea of the cheaper store. make a list of the stuff you would normally buy, and add up everything and see what stores price adds up to be less.
on top of that, i found that coupons are a waste of time. and those couponing shows are fake.
look for your local deals, it may cost gas, but browse the local stores for good deals, or if you have internet, and the store has a website, look for their specials.
you can always hit the food bank, i have had horrible experience with the food bank. people are rude, and just don't care, they cut in line, and people start to fight. so i just don't go anymore.
i recommended shopping at only ONE store. because we shop one a week for our food. and last month we found our self's shopping at 3 different stores, and spent a lot of money, and where starving at the end of the month.
coupons are not a waste of time.
sometimes you can even get money back when done to the extreme. seen it and related to people who do it
I try to save as much as possible with double coupon days, MFR coupons, store specials.
it takes a lot of work, but if money is tight, it can be worth it-at least in the US
the lds run good food banks. the old ladies were always kind and slipping me an extra container of chocolate milk or insisting we took more veggies.0 -
ILoveCockatiels77 wrote: »sounds like my finances. im on ssi, myself.
I get hardly any food stamps 39 bucks is all i get. the rest comes out of my pocket.
but anyways. search out a bargain market, like i live in the northwest (spokane,WA) and we have Winco Foods. Me and my boyfriend have done tons of research and found that Winco in our area has the best prices and hurts our wallet the least.
we even went to the extent of having me at winco, and having my bf at Walmart or another store, to compare prices. the prices will always change, but you can get an idea of the cheaper store. make a list of the stuff you would normally buy, and add up everything and see what stores price adds up to be less.
on top of that, i found that coupons are a waste of time. and those couponing shows are fake.
look for your local deals, it may cost gas, but browse the local stores for good deals, or if you have internet, and the store has a website, look for their specials.
you can always hit the food bank, i have had horrible experience with the food bank. people are rude, and just don't care, they cut in line, and people start to fight. so i just don't go anymore.
i recommended shopping at only ONE store. because we shop one a week for our food. and last month we found our self's shopping at 3 different stores, and spent a lot of money, and where starving at the end of the month.
coupons are not a waste of time.
sometimes you can even get money back when done to the extreme. seen it and related to people who do it
I try to save as much as possible with double coupon days, MFR coupons, store specials.
it takes a lot of work, but if money is tight, it can be worth it-at least in the US
the lds run good food banks. the old ladies were always kind and slipping me an extra container of chocolate milk or insisting we took more veggies.
I will defend that couponing comment to Americans - here in Canada we don't have the option of "extreme couponing" type savings because coupons are almost always "one per customer" or "one per household" and there is almost always also fine print saying it doesn't combine with any other savings. Nor do we have grocery stores that double the amount like you have down here. Coupons are definitely not going to get you major savings up here, unfortunately.0 -
You can get cheap frozen meals ($1, small Michaelina's or no name sometimes). It's cheapest to find those cooked deli chickens vs fresh/frozen in the stores. They are not big but you can get the most use out of them.
Poster above had it bang out. $5 will get you pretty much one item..lol. Bread has even gone up a lot so we make a lot of our own when we can.
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I don't know the prices in your country but here it's cheaper to buy flour and make your own bread, pizza dough etc. When I was skint I made everything from scratch in batches and froze it... and it saved me a lot. If you can grow a few plants that will help too (even a couple of tomatoes on the window) x0
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ILoveCockatiels77 wrote: »sounds like my finances. im on ssi, myself.
I get hardly any food stamps 39 bucks is all i get. the rest comes out of my pocket.
but anyways. search out a bargain market, like i live in the northwest (spokane,WA) and we have Winco Foods. Me and my boyfriend have done tons of research and found that Winco in our area has the best prices and hurts our wallet the least.
we even went to the extent of having me at winco, and having my bf at Walmart or another store, to compare prices. the prices will always change, but you can get an idea of the cheaper store. make a list of the stuff you would normally buy, and add up everything and see what stores price adds up to be less.
on top of that, i found that coupons are a waste of time. and those couponing shows are fake.
look for your local deals, it may cost gas, but browse the local stores for good deals, or if you have internet, and the store has a website, look for their specials.
you can always hit the food bank, i have had horrible experience with the food bank. people are rude, and just don't care, they cut in line, and people start to fight. so i just don't go anymore.
i recommended shopping at only ONE store. because we shop one a week for our food. and last month we found our self's shopping at 3 different stores, and spent a lot of money, and where starving at the end of the month.
Walmart has a savings catcher app for smartphones and I believe you can also use the saving catcher on a computer. You Scan The QR or Barcode on the cash register receipt (or type a code into a form on their website) and it compares what you paid at Walmart to local competitors and determines who had the lower price. You get walmart store credit for the difference when the competition is cheaper. We typically get about 5% credit each trip. It works with most things in the store with a few restrictions. Vast majority of food is covered
Saves running all over town0 -
Childfree1991 wrote: »I rarely grocery shop. I can't afford it at the moment (I refuse to go on food stamps though because it's too much of a hassle) and they understand. I go to 10 different food banks in my area.
I sincerely hope when you graduate college, get a job and become self sufficient you remember what these food banks did for you. Designed as a band aid to help those without food make it through a day or a week and preventing true starvation you are using as your sole source of food. I hope you take a % of every single paycheck you ever earn in your life and financially support all 10 for decades in thanks for them allowing you to suck up their resources because you find applying for SNAP to be too much of a hassle.
To the OP, is there anyone you can pool grocery money with and then split what you can buy? If you could buy some rice and chicken and things in bulk packages you would both get more for your dollars.
Are there any farms in your area? Some produce farms will give away or sell at an extremely low price produce they consider unfit for sale in a commercial setting.
I don't know anything about Canada. There aren't any social programs or help for people in your situation?
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I know you don't like beans, so I won't suggest them, but things like microwave "baked" sweet or white potatoes topped with frozen veggies, quesadillas with just chicken (use bone in thighs or legs) and some frozen veg, ground turkey made into meatballs, sautéed cabbage as a base for a lot of meals, rice, frozen vegetables, lettuce, pasta, canned fish, and I don't know if you guys have a $1 store or something like we have in the U.S, but we can buy canned tomatoes (use as sauce) and many dried herb/seasonings. Soups are your best friend and you can make any flavor combinations you like and freeze them in individual portions for future meals.
I was extremely poor at one point - $8 to grocery shop for a week for a family of 2. We did eat a lot of rice and beans, pasta, and eggs.
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I think she's getting the available help. Obviously, it isn't enoughChildfree1991 wrote: »I rarely grocery shop. I can't afford it at the moment (I refuse to go on food stamps though because it's too much of a hassle) and they understand. I go to 10 different food banks in my area.
I sincerely hope when you graduate college, get a job and become self sufficient you remember what these food banks did for you. Designed as a band aid to help those without food make it through a day or a week and preventing true starvation you are using as your sole source of food. I hope you take a % of every single paycheck you ever earn in your life and financially support all 10 for decades in thanks for them allowing you to suck up their resources because you find applying for SNAP to be too much of a hassle.
To the OP, is there anyone you can pool grocery money with and then split what you can buy? If you could buy some rice and chicken and things in bulk packages you would both get more for your dollars.
Are there any farms in your area? Some produce farms will give away or sell at an extremely low price produce they consider unfit for sale in a commercial setting.
I don't know anything about Canada. There aren't any social programs or help for people in your situation?
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I am not necessarily low-income (although it definitely seems that way sometimes), but while cutting calories, I have saved a lot of money. As others said, buy foods when they go on sale because they are close to their expiration date and freeze them. Also, most grocery stores throw away the bread at the end of the day that they baked fresh in the morning. Get to know your local grocer and ask if they will give some to you. Canned tuna is cheap and you can do all sorts of stuff with it - make a sandwich, spread it on crackers, put it in with some lettuce for a salad. Costco always sells its Dannon Greek yogurt (18 to a box) for $9.99 about three weeks before they expire, so if you don't have a Costco, I'm sure there are other places which do the same. Hope some of this helps.0
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Childfree1991 wrote: »I rarely grocery shop. I can't afford it at the moment (I refuse to go on food stamps though because it's too much of a hassle) and they understand. I go to 10 different food banks in my area.
I sincerely hope when you graduate college, get a job and become self sufficient you remember what these food banks did for you. Designed as a band aid to help those without food make it through a day or a week and preventing true starvation you are using as your sole source of food. I hope you take a % of every single paycheck you ever earn in your life and financially support all 10 for decades in thanks for them allowing you to suck up their resources because you find applying for SNAP to be too much of a hassle.
This.0 -
It IS a hassle. Too much government, too much application, potential denial, probably going to the welfare office to get a bunch of crap done. The good thing is, food banks come from people and companies who willingly donate. Food stamps...not so much. I'd rather take donations, not a % of someone's paycheck. I don't want to be in that category of people.Packerjohn wrote: »Childfree1991 wrote: »I rarely grocery shop. I can't afford it at the moment (I refuse to go on food stamps though because it's too much of a hassle) and they understand. I go to 10 different food banks in my area.
I sincerely hope when you graduate college, get a job and become self sufficient you remember what these food banks did for you. Designed as a band aid to help those without food make it through a day or a week and preventing true starvation you are using as your sole source of food. I hope you take a % of every single paycheck you ever earn in your life and financially support all 10 for decades in thanks for them allowing you to suck up their resources because you find applying for SNAP to be too much of a hassle.
This.
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I haven't read all the posts, so I apologize if I'm repeating something someone already said. Do you have Aldi or Trader Joe's in Canada? They are budgetary lifesavers. Particularly Aldi. Their produce is perfectly fine and tends to be far cheaper than anywhere else, as are most of their other products. They also have great prices on dairy. And canned goods, cereals, etc. Just like any supermarket, you want to look at labels, etc. for content, but it's really an amazing store and I find the products to be of extremely high quality, generally. Trader Joe's is not quite as inexpensive, but you can eat well from there too for far less than supermarket prices. Good luck!0
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I know you mentioned the dislike of legumes, but if you have a blender there are good homemade black bean brownies or white bean blondies that are really inexpensive & high in protein.
If you're doing the white rice, as mentioned by earlier posters, ground turkey is a great option with some veggies chopped up. Aldis is a great place to find some inexpensive veggies.
If possible another way to stretch the budget is homemade pancakes, you can add in some of the higher fiber flours too.
Plain Yogurt with frozen fruit (defrosted in microwave or overnight in fridge) is another good one for breakfast. Frozen berries tend to be a little less expensive & last longer. Frozen veggies are also often less expensive & last longer than fresh.
Eggs used to be a great inexpensive protein source, but they are rising right now in the us. Skillet veggie omelets or quiche.
I worked years with low income families, not to mention growing up in an extremely low income household, I found a flexible list - that I could adapt based on sales at the local store & bringing a calculator shopping helped a lot. Down here in the US on top of food banks, a lot of our local churches do weekly meals & at these they would send home extra fresh fruits, apples or bananas with the people who come.
Somewhere I have a huge binder with a bunch of $1 meal plans, but I thinka bunch have beans.
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We have a $12 a week budget for food. I hit the clearance bins at vege shops and I wait for the offal to go on clearance at supermarkets. I then do a big cook up and freeze. For me, at $12 I care more about nutritional value than taste... It's just as well I like offal.0
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Childfree1991 wrote: »
It IS a hassle. Too much government, too much application, potential denial, probably going to the welfare office to get a bunch of crap done. The good thing is, food banks come from people and companies who willingly donate. Food stamps...not so much. I'd rather take donations, not a % of someone's paycheck. I don't want to be in that category of people.Packerjohn wrote: »Childfree1991 wrote: »I rarely grocery shop. I can't afford it at the moment (I refuse to go on food stamps though because it's too much of a hassle) and they understand. I go to 10 different food banks in my area.
I sincerely hope when you graduate college, get a job and become self sufficient you remember what these food banks did for you. Designed as a band aid to help those without food make it through a day or a week and preventing true starvation you are using as your sole source of food. I hope you take a % of every single paycheck you ever earn in your life and financially support all 10 for decades in thanks for them allowing you to suck up their resources because you find applying for SNAP to be too much of a hassle.
This.Childfree1991 wrote: »
It IS a hassle. Too much government, too much application, potential denial, probably going to the welfare office to get a bunch of crap done. The good thing is, food banks come from people and companies who willingly donate. Food stamps...not so much. I'd rather take donations, not a % of someone's paycheck. I don't want to be in that category of people.Packerjohn wrote: »Childfree1991 wrote: »I rarely grocery shop. I can't afford it at the moment (I refuse to go on food stamps though because it's too much of a hassle) and they understand. I go to 10 different food banks in my area.
I sincerely hope when you graduate college, get a job and become self sufficient you remember what these food banks did for you. Designed as a band aid to help those without food make it through a day or a week and preventing true starvation you are using as your sole source of food. I hope you take a % of every single paycheck you ever earn in your life and financially support all 10 for decades in thanks for them allowing you to suck up their resources because you find applying for SNAP to be too much of a hassle.
This.
What is "that category of people"?
From what you have posted, you are going to several food banks because you over extended yourself on a apartment close to a campus so you don't have to ride a bus and you don't want a roommate to share expenses. Also since one of reasons you don't want to go to the welfare office is potential denial you probably have too much to be taking from food banks.
I hate to tell you, people aren't making donations to a food bank to help people in your apparent situation. It appears there is plenty you can do on your own to pay for food.0 -
Your rent seemt so be very high compared to your income. Would it be possible to find something cheaper, hence freeing money for other things? A move doesn't need to cost much: just give a few tenners to some students with a van.
I also work 2 jobs and that helps with the rent, but only from September thru June. The apartment I live in is actually in my parents name and I rent it from them and would go for about $1400/month if they were to rent it with me not there.
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dizzieblondeuk wrote: »Regarding the non-food portion of your budget, have you looked at changing your cell phone provider? Work out how much you use monthly, and then look online for comparative deals. There's often a significant saving to be made, especially if you are able to keep the same phone and just do a SIM change onto a cheaper contract or tariff. Also, energy providers, are you able to switch, or are your bills wrapped up in your rental payment? Again, there are huge savings that could be made if you can do this. I've saved hundreds on my energy bill this year by switching providers. I'm hanging onto my current mobile phone contract for now, but I'll be looking to get a better deal in the next 3-4 months. The providers count on essentially 'lazy' customers, who don't proactively check their current tariffs against the best deals in the market on a regular basis.
But I can only echo what people have said about the food - buy as much bulk produce as you can afford, invest in freezer bags and containers, and use in-season and local produce as it's always the cheapest. Think soups, stews and big one-pot dishes that can be divided up. Dried pasta and a homemade tomato sauce is way cheaper than a microwave meal - honestly! One little tip, if you're cooking something in the oven for an hour or so, always stick a few potatoes (white or sweet) in at the same time. Saves on energy costs, and you have a couple of lunches or side dishes sorted! And learn to like oatmeal for breakfast - there's nothing cheaper or more filling! I have it every single day!
Finally, you mentioned about Kraft singles being cheaper than real cheese slices - that may well be, but Kraft singles definitely won't be cheaper, pound for pound, compared to a block of cheese that you slice yourself. Use the calculator on your phone to work out the price per pound, and you'll see just how much of a premium you're paying to get the Kraft product!
Cell phone plans in Canada are pretty much the same across the board and I am with one of the cheaper providers, even though it is a part of Telus (there are three main providers, Rogers, Bell, and Telus, and they have bought up the smaller companies) . I do have a homemade tomato sauce recipe. The type of block of cheese that you are mentioning runs about $15 at Superstore and I am not much of a cheese eater and I would end up throwing most of the cheese away.0 -
melissajayne1980 wrote: »Your rent seemt so be very high compared to your income. Would it be possible to find something cheaper, hence freeing money for other things? A move doesn't need to cost much: just give a few tenners to some students with a van.
I also work 2 jobs and that helps with the rent, but only from September thru June. The apartment I live in is actually in my parents name and I rent it from them and would go for about $1400/month if they were to rent it with me not there.
Is it possible to increase your job hours?
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Thank you for this post. I have a 80.00 per week grocery budget for my family of 5. I do it, but it's definitely hard. I am struggling to get a protein allotment in every day because foods that are high in protein are also pricey. Greek yogurt is 5.00 per tub. That has a whole 4 servings in it, and is still far from enough. Meat is expensive period. Chicken breast is 4.00 or more a pound. I keep within my 1200 calories every day, but my macros suck. Ugh.0
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Until you're in the same domestic violence situation, zipPackerjohn wrote: »Childfree1991 wrote: »
It IS a hassle. Too much government, too much application, potential denial, probably going to the welfare office to get a bunch of crap done. The good thing is, food banks come from people and companies who willingly donate. Food stamps...not so much. I'd rather take donations, not a % of someone's paycheck. I don't want to be in that category of people.Packerjohn wrote: »Childfree1991 wrote: »I rarely grocery shop. I can't afford it at the moment (I refuse to go on food stamps though because it's too much of a hassle) and they understand. I go to 10 different food banks in my area.
I sincerely hope when you graduate college, get a job and become self sufficient you remember what these food banks did for you. Designed as a band aid to help those without food make it through a day or a week and preventing true starvation you are using as your sole source of food. I hope you take a % of every single paycheck you ever earn in your life and financially support all 10 for decades in thanks for them allowing you to suck up their resources because you find applying for SNAP to be too much of a hassle.
This.Childfree1991 wrote: »
It IS a hassle. Too much government, too much application, potential denial, probably going to the welfare office to get a bunch of crap done. The good thing is, food banks come from people and companies who willingly donate. Food stamps...not so much. I'd rather take donations, not a % of someone's paycheck. I don't want to be in that category of people.Packerjohn wrote: »Childfree1991 wrote: »I rarely grocery shop. I can't afford it at the moment (I refuse to go on food stamps though because it's too much of a hassle) and they understand. I go to 10 different food banks in my area.
I sincerely hope when you graduate college, get a job and become self sufficient you remember what these food banks did for you. Designed as a band aid to help those without food make it through a day or a week and preventing true starvation you are using as your sole source of food. I hope you take a % of every single paycheck you ever earn in your life and financially support all 10 for decades in thanks for them allowing you to suck up their resources because you find applying for SNAP to be too much of a hassle.
This.
What is "that category of people"?
From what you have posted, you are going to several food banks because you over extended yourself on a apartment close to a campus so you don't have to ride a bus and you don't want a roommate to share expenses. Also since one of reasons you don't want to go to the welfare office is potential denial you probably have too much to be taking from food banks.
I hate to tell you, people aren't making donations to a food bank to help people in your apparent situation. It appears there is plenty you can do on your own to pay for food.
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melissajayne1980 wrote: »I am on a government disability pension with no food stamps (for some reason Canada doesn't give out food stamps) and minimum work due to the fact that I can only make a certain amount of money each month, which comes to under $20 grand for the year. I don't particularly carefor legumes, as I end up leaving most of them on my plate or in my bowl and avoid soups like minestrone. I get about $906, with about $525 going to my (I get about $375 for shelter costs with the 906), which leaves me about $382 for gas, bill for my cell phone and credit card and when those are paid off, I probably don't have a lot for groceries and sometimes end up having things like hot dogs or an inexpensive microwave meal because its cheap and the only thing I can basically afford. I also get Kraft singles because they are cheaper than the real cheese slices. Stuff like quiona (sorry if I misspelled it) is out of the question due to cost and usually buy white rice because I can afford it. I don't get brown rice because it is also a bit more expensive than I can afford. Can somebody direct me to a site that I can use to get low-budget healthy meal ideas? I also subscribe to a site called Budget Bytes. I would really appreciate any help. Remember I don't like legumes.
Budget Bytes is a great site. My family enjoys recipes from there.
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/recipeindex.htm
http://www.budget101.com/frugal/dirt-cheap-recipes-815/
I don't know the costs of things in your area but I have been low income.
Meal planning and budgeting are super important.
I always spent less when I shopped for 2 weeks at a time instead of more often.
Buying ingredients and cooking usually gives you more for your money than a single frozen or fast food meal.
Eat less meat- beans, lentils, pasta, eggs, oatmeal, potatoes, pancakes, cheese, peanut butter.
I learned to make tortillas, pizza crust, and breads. The ingredients are cheap. It just takes time.
I learned to eat- and like- beans and lentils. http://www.lentils.ca/recipe-box/recipe-index
I prefer white rice and mostly eat that. I buy a big bag and it lasts quite awhile.
Homemade soup is a great dollar stretcher. Cut up meat and vegetables and put them in soup, stir fry, or casserole to make it stretch farther.
Buy generic or store brand items.
Buy fruit and vegetables that are in season. Visit a farmer's market.
Garlic, onions, potatoes and carrots are good staple foods to have on hand.
Buy foods that are filling- fiber, protein, fat.
Canned fruits and vegetables are not bad for you. They are less optimal than fresh or frozen but do contain nutrients.
Drink water.
Buy items that are less processed and cut, skin, bone or shred them yourself.
A whole chicken can give you meat for 5 or 6 meals. Chicken thighs can be cheaper than chicken breasts.
Buy larger containers if the cost is less- compare prices per serving or use. I buy larger containers of yogurt.
Reduce waste- use what you buy, buy frozen vegetables, use most perishable items first, buy fruits and vegetables with a longer shelf life.
You can freeze a lot of foods so if there is a good deal on something take advantage of it.
Popcorn can be a cheap snack. I buy a bag of kernels and pop it on the stove.
If you can buy little food then you want to get enough calories and nutrition from the food you are eating. Planning your meals and pre-logging can help.
Maybe you can do something in exchange for meals like clean a person's house or walk their dog.
Share cost of making a meal once a week or something with a family member or friend. Never turn down free food or meals from your family or friends if they invite you over.
Check out food banks and any assistance programs even if you are not sure you qualify or think they are a hassle. Local churches may have programs that can help you or offer meals every so often.
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Childfree1991 wrote: »
It IS a hassle. Too much government, too much application, potential denial, probably going to the welfare office to get a bunch of crap done. The good thing is, food banks come from people and companies who willingly donate. Food stamps...not so much. I'd rather take donations, not a % of someone's paycheck. I don't want to be in that category of people.Packerjohn wrote: »Childfree1991 wrote: »I rarely grocery shop. I can't afford it at the moment (I refuse to go on food stamps though because it's too much of a hassle) and they understand. I go to 10 different food banks in my area.
I sincerely hope when you graduate college, get a job and become self sufficient you remember what these food banks did for you. Designed as a band aid to help those without food make it through a day or a week and preventing true starvation you are using as your sole source of food. I hope you take a % of every single paycheck you ever earn in your life and financially support all 10 for decades in thanks for them allowing you to suck up their resources because you find applying for SNAP to be too much of a hassle.
This.
I'm glad you responded to the poverty-shamers, because I'm interested in your replies. My mom was a social worker before she retired and I know how tough it can be to get assistance. My brother is mentally ill and much of his assistance was only made possible from her countless hours advocating for him.
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Some really, really great advice on this thread. To take advantage of bulk foods like a big bag of rice on sale, the first stop is something like a Food Bank (which we have here in Canada) to save a week's grocery money. Tuck that money away for the next sale. Tuck the savings away each week for further sales. Soon you have a surplus of the basics at home and don't need the more expensive convenience foods any more.
When things were very tight I made sure I had flour (salt, sugar, baking soda), powdered milk, and eggs always on hand. There are dozens of foods I could make if I just had these at the end of the month. Scrambled eggs. Pancakes. Pigs in a blanket. Biscuits. Cake. Pie. Pizza pie. Fresh noodles.
Looking back the appliance that saved me the most was my freezer. There went day old bread, bananas before they went black (for smoothies or cake) chicken carcass for soup, and celery leaves for the selfsame soup.
Superstore had a door crasher sale on a big container of blueberries. I knew the two of us could not finish them fresh. So I pre bagged most of them in snack baggies and I am still enjoying them a week later.
By the way, the rent described is very reasonable for Canada and I suspect is already subsidized.0 -
Childfree1991 wrote: »
Until you're in the same domestic violence situation, zipPackerjohn wrote: »Childfree1991 wrote: »
It IS a hassle. Too much government, too much application, potential denial, probably going to the welfare office to get a bunch of crap done. The good thing is, food banks come from people and companies who willingly donate. Food stamps...not so much. I'd rather take donations, not a % of someone's paycheck. I don't want to be in that category of people.Packerjohn wrote: »Childfree1991 wrote: »I rarely grocery shop. I can't afford it at the moment (I refuse to go on food stamps though because it's too much of a hassle) and they understand. I go to 10 different food banks in my area.
I sincerely hope when you graduate college, get a job and become self sufficient you remember what these food banks did for you. Designed as a band aid to help those without food make it through a day or a week and preventing true starvation you are using as your sole source of food. I hope you take a % of every single paycheck you ever earn in your life and financially support all 10 for decades in thanks for them allowing you to suck up their resources because you find applying for SNAP to be too much of a hassle.
This.Childfree1991 wrote: »
It IS a hassle. Too much government, too much application, potential denial, probably going to the welfare office to get a bunch of crap done. The good thing is, food banks come from people and companies who willingly donate. Food stamps...not so much. I'd rather take donations, not a % of someone's paycheck. I don't want to be in that category of people.Packerjohn wrote: »Childfree1991 wrote: »I rarely grocery shop. I can't afford it at the moment (I refuse to go on food stamps though because it's too much of a hassle) and they understand. I go to 10 different food banks in my area.
I sincerely hope when you graduate college, get a job and become self sufficient you remember what these food banks did for you. Designed as a band aid to help those without food make it through a day or a week and preventing true starvation you are using as your sole source of food. I hope you take a % of every single paycheck you ever earn in your life and financially support all 10 for decades in thanks for them allowing you to suck up their resources because you find applying for SNAP to be too much of a hassle.
This.
What is "that category of people"?
From what you have posted, you are going to several food banks because you over extended yourself on a apartment close to a campus so you don't have to ride a bus and you don't want a roommate to share expenses. Also since one of reasons you don't want to go to the welfare office is potential denial you probably have too much to be taking from food banks.
I hate to tell you, people aren't making donations to a food bank to help people in your apparent situation. It appears there is plenty you can do on your own to pay for food.
+1.0 -
The public regulations are super strict, but that doesn't mean that expired or dented cans are unusable. Half my pantry is made up of these, bought on sale. As long as the seal is still intact the food is safe. I hope that these foods are not just thrown out, because i can guarantee that people would be willing to take them home.Man, that's not cool. If people are going to donate, they should do better than just getting rid of what nobody can eat.
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I will defend that couponing comment to Americans - here in Canada we don't have the option of "extreme couponing" type savings because coupons are almost always "one per customer" or "one per household" and there is almost always also fine print saying it doesn't combine with any other savings. Nor do we have grocery stores that double the amount like you have down here. Coupons are definitely not going to get you major savings up here, unfortunately.
Most Americans think they can't extreme coupon for the same reasons. The rules you mention are pretty much universal. Not that many stores double, none in my area. There are tons of rules and restrictions. Extreme couponing is quite difficult to do no matter where you are. In the vast majority of cases, coupons don't save you a lot. I will only use coupons on items already on sale. If I get both a manufacturer coupon and a store coupon for the same item, I consider myself lucky. Couponing is a big game. You have to enjoy the "hunt" or it drives you crazy.0
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