Cutting Your Grocery Budget... Assistance
Apr 05 '00
This is the 18th of several epinions that are focused "getting the most out of your grocery budget". Please take the time to read them all. You may not be able to utilize every tip, but I am sure you will find some tricks and learn some things you didn't know. THERE ARE OVER 150 TIPS ALTOGETHER. I welcome you to attach a comment to this epinion after reading it. You can also reach me at my email if you have specific questions or comments.
ASSISTANCE: I am already prepared for comments on this review. "Anyone that can afford a computer to read this, shouldn't be seeking public assistance". While I don't suggest public assistance as a lifestyle, I understand that sometimes things happen. People may be doing great and then they get sick and can't work. Perhaps the loss of a job or a transfer has triggered a financial difficulty. There are a lot of reasons that people who were doing great, may suddenly end up needing help. Not to mention that many people might copy these tips and pass them on to friends or family that can't afford a computer.
146) SEEK ASSISTANCE: If you are truly in a situation that you can not afford groceries, there are a lot of programs and people out there that can and will help you. I don't recommend that you let them support you for the rest of your life, but I do recommend you utilize this assistance if it is truly needed. I know what it is like to be so overwhelmed with debt that you don't know how you're going to buy groceries. Sometimes if you can just get some temporary assistance, it won't take long before you are able to take care of it yourself again. Don't be ashamed to ask for help. These programs are here to help people in their time of need. And I guarantee that your family and friends would be more offended to find out you were having difficulties and didn't ask for their help than if you went to them and let them help you.
147) SUMMER MEAL PROGRAM FOR KIDS: Most communities have a summer meal program for kids. They serve breakfast and lunch to individuals up to 18 years of age. Find out if your town offers this and take advantage of it. It takes a little commitment, because you have to get there early enough while they are serving breakfast, and then go back for lunch. Most programs require that the meals be eaten on the premises, but allow individuals to have seconds if they finish their first serving. It is generally basic foods, like cereal or fruit for breakfast and sandwiches or salads for lunch, but it's free and it's healthy. And the kids really enjoy getting to go someplace each day during the summer. There are generally no income requirements, just show up and eat.
148) GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE: There are a lot of government programs out there targeted at helping low income families or high-risk families. Contact the local government office and find out which of these services you qualify for. Again, don't be ashamed to ask for help, use it as a way to get back on your feet so you can adequately take care of your family.
149) SALVATION ARMY: The Salvation Army also offers several different programs that can help you during a difficult time. They generally have a food bank, a clothing closet and even have assistance with utilities and prescriptions on occasion. They generally have a sign-up sheet for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for low income families as well. Contact them and see what they offer that could help you out.
150)CHURCH FOOD BANKS: A lot of churches have a food bank (and clothes closet) that they offer as an assistance to the public. Most churches only offer these services one day a week or even one day a month, but you can contact churches in your area and see if any of them can help you.
151) FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Like I said before, it will offend your family and friends more to find out you needed help and didn't tell them than it will if you ask them for help. A lot of times friends will ban together and do a food drive or give you a food certificate to help you out. Show them you appreciate their help and be responsible with what you are given.
152) FOOD STAMPS: As far as government assistance goes, I think food stamps is one of the best. I was on food stamps after my first daughter was born and it was a tremendous help to me. It gave me the opportunity to use my income to pay my medical bills and my utilities. Within just a few months I was able to take care of things myself again and I requested that they drop me from the program. Be responsible with any and all assistance you are given. Use it while you NEED it, but don't become dependent upon it.
153) WIC: WIC (Women Infants & Children) is a great program especially for pregnant or nursing moms. They provide you with milk, cheese, cereal, beans, eggs and much more. They give you a certificate that you take to the store and redeem. You are limited in some areas as far as brands or size, but on some things you are allowed to pick the item of your choice. The selection changes according to who is receiving the assistance, be it a pregnant or nursing mom, an infant or a toddler.
154) REDUCED OR FREE MEALS AT SCHOOL: I was hesitant to even fill out the application for reduced or free meals for my daughter when she started school. I just figured our income was too high to qualify. The principal asked all families to fill out the application because it helped them to receive special funding, so I did. We didn't qualify for free meals, but we did qualify for reduced, which turned out to be a tremendous help for us.
Hopefully these tips will give you some ideas of places you can ask for help if you need it. Thanks and good luck in your efforts to strengthen your grocery budget.
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Member: Martie
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