Broke and affordable raw foods......

[Beanie]

Due to the price of gas and trying to be a full time student again while supporting myself and a bunch of vegan animals, I have VERY little money for food. Any ideas? I'm eating more nuts, seeds, avocados, and raw corn in order to fill up on less food, but I'm thinking of adding cooked beans and grains....*:eek:!* And grains don't like me much. Any ideas? I'm going to shop now at a Farmers Market and have stopped buying organic produce....*:mad: *.....but I don't really have much of a choice for the next couple of months. :( :(

[CAdreamer]

Buy the best nutrition you can afford and still be satisfied (not hungry)....sprout some seeds and grains of your own and enjoy the inexpensive harvest...barter with a local farmer or fruit stand....do the best you can and trust that there will be a brighter future for you.

[Autumn]

I feel for you. :( Do you have friends that you can go in with to buy larger quantities from the farmer's mart (at cheaper prices)? Stick with local, in-season produce (cheaper). Try to shop at the end of the day to see if you can get better prices (It's been my experience that they'd rather sell at a reduced rate than load it all back up). Buy only what you will eat (to reduce waste/cost). Buy in quantity those items that are on sale (even if it means rotating/eating maybe a selection of 8 items for a week rather than 15). Ask at the farmer's market if they know anyone who would be willing to split bushels with you. (Perhaps someone has asked them before, too!)

Best of luck to you. :)

[rawpriestess]

sprout as many things as you can.

Victoria Boutenko once talked about the cost of raw foods, and said that you can feed one person for an entire year on $72.00 worth of seeds if you sprout them.

So, just add as many in as you can.

I like Autumn's idea of buying with friends, so you can purchase more for less.

[RawTruth]

The previous suggestions are great -- it's beyond amazing what abundance you can reap from sprouting. I'd like to add that you can save considerable money by buying whatever is on sale at the market (if you must buy from supermarkets). Eating raw and living foods can be very economical, especially if you eat simply -- veggies, fruits, seeds & nuts -- and forego the "specialty" purchases like cacao, maca, agave nectar, coconut oil, hemp seeds, etc.

Best of luck to you. Most of us have been there at one time or another -- some even now. Keep your chin up and your energy going out - you'll more than make it through.

[rawgrrl]

Are there any CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture) in your area?

Also, some food banks carry produce.

[Aasyah]

I understand of cutting back on certain things, i am a part-time student via internet, and work part-time, and i had to make the decision of just cutting back and buy only what i need, not what i want. I have been looking for some farmer markets in my area (Ohio-Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Michigan)to shop, I love organic fruits and veggies but that is to expensive for me. i try to plan my meals in advance for the week or month and just gradually work with what i have in my kitchen.
do not worry you will do fine, you are getting some great tips/advise. Stay strong help is only a click away :D