Posted in Special Thoughts of Mine

I received a comment this evening to a post from a year ago, and the commenter was asking where to find food (click here for the post & comment).  Rather than just answering that comment there, I thought I would do a whole post on it for everyone.

Times are tough everywhere right now, for many reasons.  Unemployment is at the highest its been in many years, the fuel prices have driven up the prices not only for fuel, but for items purchased in grocery stores, and elsewhere.  The price of corn for the consumer is going up, as much of the corn being planted is going for processing as an alternative fuel.  This, in turn, will drive up meat prices, as the corn used for feeding livestock isn't being planted as much (the farmers get more $$ for it when selling it for alternative fuel sources), which means the feed will have a marked price increase, and the ranchers will need to recoup their losses in that area.  The list goes on and on....

So what is a family to do when they have hungry bellies and not enough money to buy food?  I can give some tips to stretch what food you can purchase:

• Use less meat.  Alternative sources of protein include legumes/beans, cheese, eggs, and the soy burgers you can buy.  Americans, in particular, consume way too much meat!  An adult serving is the size of a deck of cards, roughly, and many Americans consume much more than that in an average meal. 
• Use less expensive cuts of meat.  Cook them in a slow cooker, and they will be as tasty and tender as the more expensive cuts.
• Cook more stir fry dishes.  Little meat is used, but more veggies, and much better for not only your health, but your pocketbook.  Stir fry is simple to make, and doesn't have to have the fancy sauces that are found on it in the restaurants.  Served with plain rice, its a well-rounded meal and very healthy!
• Try to grow as many veggies as you can.  Even tomatoes and lettuce can be grown in pots in an apartment (yes, I do know this from experience).  The same with the newer varieties of green beans, peppers, squash, and many others. 
• Visit your local farmer's markets and roadside produce stands.  Not only is the produce fresher than the grocer's, but it is grown locally.
• Use up what you have at home first.  Make a list of everything in your pantry and freezer.  Then sit down and come up with some meal plans from there.  You'd be surprised what you really have!  Meals don't always have to include meat, potatoes, bread, dessert, etc.  A simple meal of eggs and toast can suffice in a pinch.
• Go fishing!  Yes, you can catch a fish, clean it, and cook it to serve your family.  You'll most likely need a fishing license, but compared to the cost of buying meat for a week, its well worth the price.  If you don't have a rod/reel, or don't know how to fish, find a friend who does.  If that fails, call your local County Extension Office and they may be able to help in some way.

Now, if it reaches the point where you have absolutely no food, and no way to feed your family, here are some ideas:

• If you have family, call them and let them know of the situation.  Many times someone will help, even if its a package of lunchmeat, a dozen eggs, or a loaf of bread. 
• Check your local Dept. of Human Services (it may have a different name in your state, but will be similar).  They can help you get signed up for food stamps (which will be a blessing temporarily-you can quit using them when you're back on your feet again).  Also, they can give you the names/addresses/phone numbers of those in your area who may have a Food Pantry.
• Call your church.  Many times they will either have a Food Pantry to help those in need, or may be able to connect you with someone in the congregation who may be able to help you with some groceries.
• Call other churches.  The same thing applies as stated above.
• Call the nearest Mission.  Yes, they are generally geared for the homeless, but can often allow the needy to come in for a hot, nourishing meal.
• Sign up with your local Employment Office.  Not only can they help you find employment (even if its flipping burgers temporarily), they can connect you with social workers who can help you find emergency food.

The important thing to remember is that you may have to swallow your pride.  Sometimes we reach the point where we have to ask others for help.  Trust me, I know this isn't an easy thing to do!  I've had to do it a few times in my own life, and it taught me humility in a big way. 

One way that I like to stretch my food budget is by purchasing from Angel Food Ministries.  For $30 you receive a week's worth of food to feed a family of 4.  This is the best deal around, folks!  When you click on their name, it will take you to their site.  There you can find the nearest church to you that participates, and also what the "menu" for the current month is.  Also, they accept USDA Food Stamps, which will help many more families, too.  You can purchase as many boxes as you want, and also after you purchase your first box of food for the month, you can purchase some of the "extras" they offer, which are also bargains.  It's a win-win situation!

I do hope these tips have helped someone in some way.  I know its hard to feed a family during these rough times, but our Lord does make the way for us to do so.  Before doing anything, seek Him, and pour out your situation to Him from your heart.  Allow Him to lead you and guide you to those who can help.

Much love,

Cynthia Robin