Living raw with rising food prices

[GoingtoRAW]

Has anyone other than me been distressed by the high price of produce these days? I go to the stores to shop and I end up walking out sometimes so disgusted by the prices. I have always been a careful shopper and now I have to be even more careful because I have been unemployed for two years. When I am buying food it is so much cheaper to get some processed crap that will make several meals than to buy vegetables to make a decent salad. And fruit is even more crazy expensive than vegetables! So far I have resisted the urge to eat crap. But the problem with that is I am not eating enough because I can't afford to spend more. Maybe I'm missing something. Now I'm looking forward to the farmer's markets to come to my city so maybe I'll get a little break for a few months. Hopefully. Also, wish I had a backyard so I could grow some stuff...but I don't.

Anyone else experiencing my pain? What have you done to make things easier?

[Aleesha Sattva]

health - priceless

[Aleesha Sattva]

seriously i don't care how much it costs... my health isn't up for sale. period. crap is crap. crap doesn't keep me healthy. crap doesn't assist me in my life.

i wouldn't feed crap to my dogs... i won't feed it to myself. period.

*steps off soapbox and smiles*

[changeisgood]

I believe I saw a goal weight you want. Eat the crap you used to and you'll never get there. You'll probably put more weight on which will lead to more health problems.

I go over budget every week, and I have a high budget for my raw food diet. I was miserable too long to stop and go back to old ways. And keep track of what you spend everyday on other stuff. It's amazing how much money 'we' can waste without realizing it.

There are a few threads and other sites that discuss how to lower the budget.

[DebB]

I see you're from Chicago - perhaps this YouTube video by John Kohler (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjhUlVrPT0Q&feature=feedu)might help you out! I would *love* to have a store like that in our city.

(I'm originally from McHenry - NW of Chicago, have you heard of it? It's now considered a suburb...) *Ü*

[Lady Green Jeans]

I look at the grocery add and check out what produce is on special for the week. I then try to plan out my menu around that for the next three to four days. Write out your list of all the items you need to buy and stick to it. I have found that overbuying for longer period ends up as spoiled so is actually a waste of money. I am better off shopping for just the three day period and using it all up.

I don't have a yard in the sense that I cannot dig and plant so I am doing container gardening. Sprouting is also super healthy and not expensive.

Some stores will discount produce or have a discount produce area. Check around.

Farmers' markets are good. Have read that many people go toward closing time and get good deals. Don't be afraid to ask. All they can do is say no.

There is an awsome ebook listed here that gives a lot of good recipes on a budget.

Hope some of this helps.

[GoingtoRAW]

Yeah...I know crap is crap and I don't eat it. As I said, I have not resorted to eating crap - I have just been eating less food because I simply can't afford a lot. I am and have always been a real careful shopper. I make a list prior to shopping and I stick to it. I check the papers and go where the best prices are. I also watch my spending outside of my food budget to the point of only buying what I need, literally keeping track of every penny that I spend and not being wasteful.

I am really asking for help here - not to be critized. As I said in my original post, I have been unemployed for a long time and I am alone - as in no back-up. Things were difficult enough before but now that food prices are rising out of control it's much worse. I will continue to eat less if I have to but as I said - I am looking for any useful suggestions that anyone has. I am thinking that I am not the only person that this economy has affected when they go shopping for food.:heart

[rawnhealthy]

seriously i don't care how much it costs... my health isn't up for sale. period. crap is crap. crap doesn't keep me healthy. crap doesn't assist me in my life.

i wouldn't feed crap to my dogs... i won't feed it to myself. period.

*steps off soapbox and smiles*

:)
This was so cute it made me smile....thank you:heart

[Stina]

It's hard! Do me a favor and use the advanced search button and delve into the wonderful resources availsble in our archives. If I had better computer skillsiwould post some threads for you. It is going to be an increasing challenge as prices rise too.

My big thing is what I don't spend money on......a car, no cable tv, no internet, no new clothes, no manicures, none of that stupid health insurance they offer at my job! You get the idea.

One little thing though....... I kinda make a game of scoring my produce for cheap. I'm constantly ducking into the regular grocery stores and health food stores to see what is on sale without making a trip out of my way.

But I have days I just want to move to a farm............

[dime]

A few things that come to my mind:

* Avoid unnecessary energy expending (e.g. don't exercise too much). I know it sounds kinda bad, but the less you spend the less you need to eat.
* It seems to be kinda cheaper to buy more concentrated foods, like dried fruits. Dates here are 5eur/kg and oranges are 2.5eur/kg, but dates are more than 5 times more nutritious. Looking at food like that (price per calorie) might help save some money. But don't forget about micronutrients, try to meet at least some minimal requirements.
* Avoid buying any extra powders, superfoods, supplements, etc, usually it's a waste of money.
* Check for buying stuff in bulk online. I was buying 750ml olive oil for something like 10eur in the markets, and then I found that 5l is 30eur on ebay. Same for nuts and some similar things. Buy for a month or so and put in the fridge :)

[GoingtoRAW]

Yeah...I do my own manicures and pedicures. I haven't had a new pair of shoes, good shoes, since I don't know when. Last summer I bought some very cheap sandals for $7.00 because the pair that I had been wearing for a few years fell apart. My athletic shoes are probably six years old and very well used. My last winter coat...I got on sale dirt cheap. Hadn't had a new coat in about 10 or 11 years so I didn't really have a choice. The other one was falling apart. When I decide to go out I look for free stuff to do around town or I stay home. I don't buy toys or extras. My computer is almost 7 years old. So you can imagine how slow it is. So, as I am saying, I am very careful with my money so all good advice is appreciated. And again, having been unemployed that makes things even more challenging.

Oh yeah, and I eat pretty simply too!

[siennagray]

I feel your pain, GoingtoRAW. It's hard to hear advice over and over of things you can cut from your budget to free up money, when they never were in your budget in the first place. I've been there too. Unfortunately, I fell into the trap you are trying to avoid.

I encourage you to check into charity options locally. Not being from Chicago, I don't know what they have there. There are two options I know of in my town, however. One of them is a charity that distributes boxes of food from a different church at least once a month. I think they have a produce box and a meat box option- each is supposed to feed a family of 4 for a week. It costs $30/box and anyone can get them no questions asked. Also, we have a traveling bus that gives out organic vegetables to anyone who asks, but it's harder to know where it will be. Perhaps there is something similar in your area if you ask around.

Also, growing anything from seed can save so much money. Even if you don't have outdoor space to use, greens can do quite well in a window. If you could put a couple containers outside as mentioned up-thread, that opens up options too.

If you are physically able to do garden work, but just don't have a spot - you could look into whether any community gardens offer free or discounted plots. Or contact someone nearby with a garden and offer to help out with their garden in exchange for produce. If you don't know of anyone with a garden, try posting in the barter section of craigslist. If you have other skills that could be of use, you could also try to barter with the vendors at the farmers market once that starts up for the season. Perhaps contact some CSAs in your area, and find out if they could use any help in exchange for a partial share.

[GoingtoRAW]

Yeah it's rough. Hoping to have a job soon so I can relax a little. I have never been in a situation like this before. Aside from that....the way costs for everything is going up is really just so depressing to me. I'm not really trying to complain I'm just looking for solutions. I feel really badly for people who really have nothing.

[changeisgood]

Perhaps doing trades or bartering - find people who need something done, older people who can't get around are always looking for shoppers - in exchange for a 'take-out' meal they cook. Single older people are very llimited in funds and alot if not most foods come in larger quantities then they want since it would go to waste.

Do volunteer work somewhere you'd enjoy working at, and perhaps when the timing is right - you'll get hired.

There are many ways around this. I live in a place where the economy hit VERY hard. As the owner of a property management company, I see it everyday.

I, too, haven't bought athletic shoes in over 6 years, and go to the consignment or charity stores for clothes. Netflix and reading are our entertainment.

Our cat was diagnosed with kidney disease - we have to subq a special 'liquid' from the vet and bring her in for blood work every week and we have to buuy special food now. We owe mucho bucks for the vet bill.

Most of us are in the same boat as you. Do one of the fasts. Google ideas for your situation. We feel your pain.

[smiley]

You might want to check this website out:

http://rawon10.blogspot.com/

It's a blog on how to eat raw on $10 day. There are recipes too.

I wish you the best on your raw food journey.

[JCB44]

What about sprouting? Not that you have to eat all sprouts, but grow the seeds yourself. A half pound of alfalfa seeds will grow a great deal of sprouts. You can grow lettuce seeds in pots in the house or on a balcony, just a pot, some seeds, water and time.

[Tenuviel]

You might want to check this website out:

http://rawon10.blogspot.com/

It's a blog on how to eat raw on $10 day. There are recipes too.

I wish you the best on your raw food journey.

wow, thanks for the website! never heard of that one before :). The pea soup looks really good, I think I'm going to make that tomorrow. I did notice the recipes are on the higher fat side though.... the one day there are almost 70g's of fat, but are really low on calories. I would be perpetually b***chy on 1100 calories a day lol! Like all recipes though, I'm sure they can be modified.

oops... never mind, I see there are some higher calorie days in there.... really creative and easy recipes too!

[RighteousYogini]

Hey Going to Raw!
I do feel your pain . . and I find people can respond to your sincere request for advice in such a condescending way. It's unfortunate. My mom was trying to learn more about raw veganism but was turned off the attitude of some people on this site and went elsewhere... Anyway, yes it certainly is more expensive . . . and not all of us can keep packing the $$$ on a visa simply because "It's my health!" That's a harsh and unrealistic response to someone who is truly struggling to get by. I would suggest that you do the absolute best that you can do with what you have today, with an honest perspective about what might be worth sacrificing in order to sustain good health. You don't need the fancy appliances or anything like that . . . perhaps downgrade your cable or make other cutbacks that will give you the space to enjoy feeding yourself nutritious foods. Doing so with the angst of financial stress will counteract the good that you are doing in moving to this new way of life.
Hope that helps!

[Dirkg]

It's quite patronizing to suggest that 'your health is priceless'. I see the same line repeated on some of the more expensive gadget sites (like green juicers).


What we put in our bodies is important, but when it starts causing stress and financial hardship, its time to look at alternatives.

[Tenuviel]

I agree with the above posts... sure, I'd like to be able to forgo things to buy the healthiest food, but guess what? that is impossible on the 25 to 30 a week I have to spend on food. it's not about compromise, the money just does not exist. Poor people with good but little credit don't usually qualify for credit cards or loans either! Especially hard when you can't eat the cheaper calorie dense foods like bananas or dates due to allergies or UC.

[Stina]

Yeah...I know crap is crap and I don't eat it. As I said, I have not resorted to eating crap - I have just been eating less food because I simply can't afford a lot. I am and have always been a real careful shopper. I make a list prior to shopping and I stick to it. I check the papers and go where the best prices are. I also watch my spending outside of my food budget to the point of only buying what I need, literally keeping track of every penny that I spend and not being wasteful.

I am really asking for help here - not to be critized. As I said in my original post, I have been unemployed for a long time and I am alone - as in no back-up. Things were difficult enough before but now that food prices are rising out of control it's much worse. I will continue to eat less if I have to but as I said - I am looking for any useful suggestions that anyone has. I am thinking that I am not the only person that this economy has affected when they go shopping for food.:heart


I honestly don't see that anyone is criticizing you. People are taking the time to answer you and give you ideas, in my case I offered not advice but experience. I've eaten raw while in phases of extreme poverty, so I believe it can be done. The circumstances of your life sound truly difficult right now. Did you take the time to read some of the many threads threads here on the topic? They're very inspiring.

[GoingtoRAW]

Thank you guys who really understand my pain. I don't care what anyone says...it is way more expensive to eat raw. Frankly, if you really think about it - it's more expensive to eat healthy period!!! That doesn't mean that I'm not going to continue to try to do that. I'm just saying that right now it is extremely difficult and I am not eating much. One of the things I love about being raw is that when I get hungry I can eat and not worry about calories. I was able to eat what I wanted and I still feel great and I lost weight.

I eat very simply. Now I have to preserve what I have to make it last longer. As in, just because I'm hungry doesn't mean I can go ahead and eat. I'll just be honest.

I know that things will get better at some point. It's just a real downer right now. I have cut back on everything that I can cut back on. I did that a long time ago. I'm driving a 10 year old car. I'm wearing old clothes and shoes. Really old. I stay home because I can't afford entertainment. So it's TV and reading. That's fine - I enjoy both. I'm just trying to continue to get healthy and do it on a really, really tight budget.

[sidrah]

I hear ya...try to talk to grocery produce manager and ask what they do with fruit that is going bad. Just the other day there was a bucket of fruit being discarded and i was looking at it thinking that bruises are no biggie when i juice it. I also agree fruit/veg/health is more important than spaghetti even if not as cheap, but if money isn't the quoting about perseverance really are of little consolation.


I have been practiving sprouting quinoa. I am not great at it, but it makes a good salad. I grabbed some different beans to try, but got the wrong barley so I don't haev any experience with that. When you can get to a farmers market, the bigger booths usually have a juice/discard pile of greens and citrus that I make use of. Strawberries are ridiculously cheap lately. Maybe make smoothies/paste and freeze for the week to be added into something else.


Good luck:throwhearts:

[SethHall]

You might look at Freecycle. They have all sorts of stuff on there from furniture, clothes, even food. Craigslist has a free section where you can get all sorts of stuff.

You might also see if there is a CSA in your area. They let you work in the garden and you can get free fruits and vegetables. I know that will only last during the summer but hopefully you'll find something between now and then. Good luck!

[January Noir]

Thank you guys who really understand my pain. I don't care what anyone says...it is way more expensive to eat raw. Frankly, if you really think about it - it's more expensive to eat healthy period!!! That doesn't mean that I'm not going to continue to try to do that. I'm just saying that right now it is extremely difficult and I am not eating much. One of the things I love about being raw is that when I get hungry I can eat and not worry about calories. I was able to eat what I wanted and I still feel great and I lost weight.

I eat very simply. Now I have to preserve what I have to make it last longer. As in, just because I'm hungry doesn't mean I can go ahead and eat. I'll just be honest.

I know that things will get better at some point. It's just a real downer right now. I have cut back on everything that I can cut back on. I did that a long time ago. I'm driving a 10 year old car. I'm wearing old clothes and shoes. Really old. I stay home because I can't afford entertainment. So it's TV and reading. That's fine - I enjoy both. I'm just trying to continue to get healthy and do it on a really, really tight budget.

I feel your pain GoingtoRAW.

I was a little taken aback by a member's earlier response, but I'm sure that person meant well. They say the same to everyone I noticed. Sometimes people's responses don't translate well on the internet. It's something we all have to work on.

Anyhoo, keep on keeping on as best you can. When you can do better, you'll do better. Make sense? In the meantime eat the most nutritionally-sound food you can.

If you lived near me, I would invite you to share some meals with me. You would not have to go hungry.

OT: What size shoes or clothes do you wear? If you are a woman and wear a size 6.5 shoe, do I have a collection you may like! I had a shoe fetish (high heels and sandals) and am looking for someone nice to gift many of them to.

[Tenuviel]

I hear ya...try to talk to grocery produce manager and ask what they do with fruit that is going bad. Just the other day there was a bucket of fruit being discarded and i was looking at it thinking that bruises are no biggie when i juice it. I also agree fruit/veg/health is more important than spaghetti even if not as cheap, but if money isn't the quoting about perseverance really are of little consolation.




unfortunately many stores here in PA and Maryland are not allowed to sell bruised or even ripe fruit. that includes spotted bananas! They are also not allowed to give them away or sell at a discount. the farmers market does on occasion, but it isn't open yet. They also spray bleach water on the food in the dumpsters, making it poisonous to eat. Isn't that ridiculous?! these companies are so afraid of lawsuits they can only sell slightly under ripe fruit. My mom works at a grocery store behind the desk, and a lady wanted to buy the spotty bananas for her horses, and they still refused lol

[GoingtoRAW]

I feel your pain GoingtoRAW.

OT: What size shoes or clothes do you wear? If you are a woman and wear a size 6.5 shoe, do I have a collection you may like! I had a shoe fetish (high heels and sandals) and am looking for someone nice to gift many of them to.

Oh that's so sweet January Noir;656742....I wish I wore size 6 1/2 shoes!!!

I am not really even too concerned about shoes and clothes right now because I don't have a job. Plus the clothes and shoes that I have, even though I bought them all on sale and they're old, are pretty well preserved because I take really good care of them. In fact I have one pair of shoes that I've had since 2005 I think, and every time I wear them I get compliments. No one can tell that they are old as dirt. I also have a sweater that I am too embarrassed to say how old it is but every time I wear it I get compliments. So I don't really fret over clothes and shoes. Truth be told, I get a lot of compliments about the things that I wear. That makes me feel good.

Anyhoo, I know that this horrible situation will not last forever. It's just something I'm going through right now. I also know that times are hard for a lot of people right now, and that includes a lot of my family members and friends - even those with jobs - because prices keep going up for everything. They don't just go up for me - they go up for everyone!!!

I did find out some good news at my church today. A local food pantry is going to start coming to our church the first Wednesday of every month and they will have all kinds of fresh food including lots of produce!!! All members were encouraged to come each month. I am excited about that. So things are looking up.

[Got2B.Raw]

It's Spring, how about considering growing some stuff at home? If you are limited on space you could do at least some tomatoes in a window. I have recently started sprouting seeds. They are very healthy and tasty and a quite cheap in the long run.
In a short time you'll be able to shop at farmers markets. You could dehydrate and/or freeze some things. I've seen a prior thread where people had all kinds of money saving tips. I'm not too good and figuring out where that thread was, but it was on this site. Is there someone else who could help out on that?...

[Aleesha Sattva]

I just read this entire thread and I really don't see where a single person has been rude to you. I would look at it this way... they took the time to respond.

My hubby was unemployed for 15 months last year. I did a juice fast during almost the entire time. I went to our local market and explained the situation. They did two things... they set up an account for us and allowed us to shop from the back room where they put the food that can't be sold due to age and condition. I'd go in there twice a week and come home with a huge box.

Between having plenty to juice and plenty to make stuff for my family... we made it through this time with quite a bit of ease.

If it happened again... I'd do the same thing again. Ask for assistance to those around me who have the opportunity to fulfill my needs. Cause if you don't ask... they can't say yes. They might say no... but you won't get a yes if you don't ask.

I hope you are able to find employment soon... :hug:

[Aleesha Sattva]

also... it's amazing what our family and friends toss out. Ask them all to save their excess for you. It's an opportunity for them to assist you.

[RAWatFIRSTsight]

But I have days I just want to move to a farm............

I felt the same way so adamantly that I applied and got a job on a little organic farm in New Hampshire. I start next week!!! Can't wait!!!

[Stina]

I felt the same way so adamantly that I applied and got a job on a little organic farm in New Hampshire. I start next week!!! Can't wait!!!

Congratulations! Theres nothing more important these days than living simply and being close to the earth. Keep us updated.

[The Sproutarian (Mr Raw)]

Has anyone other than me been distressed by the high price of produce these days?

Yes. l wouldn't be able to afford much fruit if l didn't go directly to the farms.

l saw a banana for $4:00 each the other day. Most were wiped out by floods so they are unattainable for most people.


Has anyone other than me been distressed by the high price of produce these days? I go to the stores to shop and I end up walking out sometimes so disgusted by the prices. I have always been a careful shopper and now I have to be even more careful because I have been unemployed for two years. When I am buying food it is so much cheaper to get some processed crap that will make several meals than to buy vegetables to make a decent salad. And fruit is even more crazy expensive than vegetables! So far I have resisted the urge to eat crap. But the problem with that is I am not eating enough because I can't afford to spend more. Maybe I'm missing something. Now I'm looking forward to the farmer's markets to come to my city so maybe I'll get a little break for a few months. Hopefully. Also, wish I had a backyard so I could grow some stuff...but I don't.

Anyone else experiencing my pain? What have you done to make things easier?
l believe Australia has had by far the highest increases in food prices in the modern world. lt is such a big problem that l can't afford to buy fruit and vegetables from shops. l buy fruit from a farmers market and get my greens from sprouts, weeds and grass only...can'
t afford to buy vegies.

But still...even buying seeds for sprouting is becoming very very difficult in Australia. More and more stuff that can only be bought is irradiated foods from overseas. Can't get sesame seeds at all now, and lentils for sprouting are rare amongst a host of other things. Soon l feel l won't be able to continue my live foods Wigmore style diet. 10 years ago = no irradiated stuff. Now = many of the essentials are irradiated and make it hard to do a really good raw diet. ln most health food stores in Australia you won't even be able to get organic alfalfa seed for sprouting, let alone mung and aduki beans. Getting nuts with the shells on is almost impossible, and many nuts are irradiated, so choices of food is quite small. l can't even enjoy sunflower seeds very much because l don't have sesame to cancel out the huge calcium loses, so yeah, not having sesame in the diet really limits the types of nuts l can eat on a regular basis along with the irradiation factor.

Big business has caused all these problems. Local farmers are not getting much support from the public or the government. lt's a truely sad situation over here and worries me the most.

[shaunamom]

Something that we've been doing was look at some of the local books on what was naturally edible in our area. There were weeds growing in my yard that turned out to be wild amaranth. Another invasive vine that I always tear down that turned out to be a native gourd. It was wild!

If you know these, it's possibly you could offer some yard/lawn services to people who may have these edibles growing in their yards, and then you can use what's edible from their lawn trimmings, you know? Offer elderly neighbors with gardens some assistance in picking/trimming/canning some of their produce in exchange for getting to take home some of it. I see lots of bartering going on in our neighborhood these days because of the economy. A dentist I know gave dental procedures in return for car repair from his auto-mechanic. A handy man who was fixing houses, and food was one of the things he would take in trade, sometimes.

I think it's one of those times where as hard as it is, it can actually help us get more in touch with each other as a community, if we can reach out, you know? I've met more people, and feel more connected, right now than I have in decades. It's been hard, because I really don't LIKE having to ask and reach out like this, always, but it's been really kind of amazing at the same time.

Oh, we also did some internet searching to find out every ounce of our food that we could eat, you know? Like the leaves that are on cauliflower - I had no ideas those were edible. They don't taste great, but they're edible.

wishing you good luck on the job search!

[goldielocs]

I haven't read all the posts, but have you considered dehydrating fruits and veggies? I make a point to dehydrate leftovers and anything I find on sale. I have jars of apples, kale, collards, strawberries, blueberries... So far the dehydrated fruits and veggies have carried me through times when finances were low. HTH.

[DawnD]

I have been buying a few things at a Mexican grocery in the plaza where I work. Some deals I have found-15 limes for $1, Ataulfo Mangos for $.50, Roma tomatos 1.99 a pound ($2.49 at Wal-Mart), Papaya $.99 a pound. I can't speak much Spanish so the manager usually waves me over to check me out. They also have some greens that I am going to investigate, cactus, aloe and some strange melons.

[fastfreedom]

It could of already been mentioned. I didn't read all the posts cus I'm feeling a bit lazy this morning.

You could always grow some of your own produce in containers. You don't need a big yard for growing some fresh produce. All you need is some south facing windows that get some good sunlight. "Unless of course you live in the southern hemisphere."

That would save you some money. Well I guess it would if you could get ahold of some good soil for cheap or free. You could always visit some farms and ask for free manure or compost. On a farm there is typically a huge amount of both just sitting there.

[Rawvioli]

I am from Chicago too. Where in Chicago are you from? Do you have a CTA/U pass or a car? Are you organic too? Stanley's on Elston and North ave. has very cheap organic produce. If you are not organic.....SO many options. I used to go out to Family Fruit Market on Cicero and Diversey because they have all sorts of cheap produce. I have gotten in a ridiculous amount of food there and only paid about $4. Where ever you are, I recommend looking at grocery ads and buying on sale.

[speltrong]

Do you have any cooperative type farms around you? Here, you can sign up with a local farm for a certain amount each quarter, and they'll give you a box of organic fresh veggies every week. It's usually much much cheaper than supermarkets. Might be something to look into?

[green goddess]

I realize this thread is a little old now, and my reply may not be so relevant, but I've been thinking about this for the past couple of days, and wanted to add my thoughts!

I don't find being raw that expensive. I fortunately don't have to scrounge every last penny, but if I did, I'd be choosing lots of nutrient-dense foods, like bananas, mangos when in season, sunflower seeds, and other seasonal foods that are cheapest when in season. As for greens, well, I'm lucky to live near trails where I can forage for wild greens like alfalfa and lambsquarters, and sprouting seeds for microgreens isn't pricey either.

So, if I made a meal of 5 bananas and a handful of wild greens, that would cost (with bananas @ 59c a pound) about 70 cents. Later I could have a big handful of sunflower seeds for around 15 cents. Mangos are getting in season, and at 9 for five dollars, a meal of 4 and some wild greens would cost just over 2 dollars. Another banana-wild greens meal later for 70 cents, and the grand total for a full day's supply of calories is: about $3.65. Granted, this would likely get boring for some people, but it's doable!

My next thought, without delving too much into personal territory, is why funds are so lacking to buy food. I understand you've been unemployed for two years; that's not a nice situation to be in, for sure! Is there a physical reason why you can't work (injury, etc.)? Can you pick up some part-time work at a lower-entry job for right now, or even offer services (as others have suggested) with things like yardwork, babysitting, dog walking, anything like that? This may not be my business, and I'm sure you've thought about these things already, but just in case...!

I hope you get a chance to read this, and I'd love to hear how you're doing now! Things will likely be easier with getting into spring and summer and cheaper produce prices! :)

[T-Bird]

I am from Chicago too. Where in Chicago are you from? Do you have a CTA/U pass or a car? Are you organic too? Stanley's on Elston and North ave. has very cheap organic produce. If you are not organic.....SO many options. I used to go out to Family Fruit Market on Cicero and Diversey because they have all sorts of cheap produce. I have gotten in a ridiculous amount of food there and only paid about $4. Where ever you are, I recommend looking at grocery ads and buying on sale

I go to family fruit all the time!!! Great prices!!! The produce isn't as fine as it used to be, and I saw some stock people tossing it around too carelessly - been meaning to write the manager...

Used to go to stanleys - a 6-7 mile trek for me......but got to be that their organic greens were dirty and old - both left to grow too long, and picked too long ago for my tastes.....whereas that at family fruit - while not organic - was young greens, freshly picked and clean. Looking much more vital....so I stopped trekking to stanley, try to grow as much as I can, and rely on family fruit to fill the void....

oh - my family fruit is at cicero and bell plaine....between irving and montrose....