Author Topic: Poverty in a first world country, y'all!  (Read 110 times)

Akrasiarage1336

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Poverty in a first world country, y'all!
« on: October 08, 2018, 03:57:06 am »
There's good news and bad news. I know people tend to prefer the bad news but I'm actually wicked proud of the good news (albeit also deeply ashamed; it's an odd mix of emotions).
I made minimums for the first time today. On a desperately broke ass, can't even pay the phone or internet budget. It can be done.
The bad news is that the money is about to get worse. My husband and I have been out of work for a week due to the season (it's a ski town so in the off season about four people live here).He also eats like a horse so the food we do have is going to run out soon again.
Public assistance isn't an option. I don't have an ID. The nearest food bank is 35 miles away and I have no transportation.
I want to remain in recovery. I want to have more days like this. But I really need some advice here.

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maststocedartrees

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Re: Poverty in a first world country, y'all!
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2018, 02:06:20 pm »
Congratulations on making minimums! That’s a huge accomplishment, especially when you’re dealing with food insecurity.

Re: resources, are there any churches in your area that might offer assistance? Either directly, or through helping you get to and from the foodbank? Do you have the ability to grow food? Some public libraries have seed banks, and you might have some success with indoor container gardening. Would you be open to soliciting donations online? I know a number of people who have been able to use online donation sites to help with cost of living. It might be especially helpful to use donations to help get on public assistance.

I’m guessing you’re well versed in tips and tricks to make food stretch, but just as a reminder, go for calories above all else. That’s what will keep you going. If you would like, I have a free PDF of a cookbook specifically designed for people trying to make the best of limited means that I’m happy to share.
« Last Edit: October 08, 2018, 02:08:04 pm by maststocedartrees »

Panda7353

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Re: Poverty in a first world country, y'all!
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2018, 05:27:03 pm »
YES!!! Hitting minimums is wonderful!!!! Would you feel comfortable sharing what country you are in? I only know what is available here in the US but there are members from other places who might know more if they are near you.It might be possible for you to use the barter system.Some friends of ours have a small farm and they trade extra eggs,meat,etc for items or services.....they just traded beef for a beautiful quilt and something else for car repairs...and mastocedartrees ideas are really good.And if you are near the grocery stores that have bulk bins,the prices are usually a lot lower than the same thing packaged.

JDylah_da_Kylah

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Re: Poverty in a first world country, y'all!
« Reply #3 on: October 08, 2018, 05:41:56 pm »
Congratulations on making minimums! <3 Seconding what Panda and Maststocedartrees have said here. <3

Are any of your neighbors willing to barter food for other things? Not sure if that's an option, depending on what everybody else's situation is like and how close you are (i.e. if you're strangers, that might be awkward), but I thought I'd toss it out there, too.

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Dyl.
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Xena

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Re: Poverty in a first world country, y'all!
« Reply #4 on: October 08, 2018, 11:01:01 pm »
I'm in the same boat. Dried beans, oatmeal, pasta, peanut butter is how I've survived many a day. I stock up when things are on sale & buy bulk if I can, tho my living space is very limited so that's not often. I live very bare bones too tho, no real internet, rarely go out, no car, so I can afford food (tho even then it's still hard). Do you have any discount stores near you, like that sell food that's almost expired or have big dings in the can?

catsquiet

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Re: Poverty in a first world country, y'all!
« Reply #5 on: October 17, 2018, 12:47:25 pm »
I'm in a similar situation. I eat a lot of pasta, beans, and homemade bread with butter. I'm lucky that I've been able to rely on my parents for help. I also earn a little money online doing surveys and transcription jobs and selling things on Ebay. Is that kind of thing a possibility for you?
Is your husband able to qualify for public assistance? Since you're both temporarily unemployed, it seems like there should be some kind of help available, even if you personally don't have the ID you need.