Don't know what to do

[RowanC]

And if you want to just do some sprouting to add raw to your diet, I'd be happy to buy and send you seeds from my cooperative. They're very inexpensive and come in sealed one pound bags.

[vickiesltw]

We have a mom's program that I can be in here, but they only allow me non-organic milk, cheese, cereal, carrots, and juice.

Maybe you should consider joining the mom's program. It is not ideal I admit, but, there are a couple of things to remember.

You have little ones and they can certainly eat all that. Would not be the best but, certainly would not be the worst.

Also, I know years ago when my children were still alive I was in one of those programs and they gave me more food then I could consume with my little ones. I traded with family and neighbors to get things I needed. Ex. for the 4 of us they gave us Several galloons of milk a week. We traded those for fruits and veggies.

BTW My hubby just looked over my shoulder and indicated this may not be legal depending on the program. so I am in no way advicating you break the law. LOL

Just ideas I know you have a lot of them. curious where are you located.

[AmericanMadman]

I buy my raw at costco...

19lbs of oranges for 12$
2 1/2 pounds of almonds 10$
whole watermelon about 10 pounds 6$
strawberries like 2 or 3 pounds 7$
2 1/2 lbs of spinach 4
2.5$ FOR A PINEAPPLE
2$ FOR A HONEY DEW
1$ for a bunch of bananas
6$ for a large bag of apples close to 20 of them in a bag

Costco kicks butt...! THe membership fee pays for itself

[Lady Green Jeans]

Lots of good advice posted here. I am currently seeking a vanpool to join to really help my budget, so that is something to seriously consider. Search online, post a flier at the market, call your chamber of commerce for referrals. With gas prices what they are, bound to help.

The medical bills is the primary reason I am posting, though. I have worked with a good number of medical providers over the last 10 years. Suggest you call and talk to them about your account. Advise them that you are a "self-pay" on a tightly budgeted fixed income. As for a reduction in the balance. I have only been refused two times in all the requests I've done. Successes include for a small company who had to pick up the medical tab for several surgeries, worked in a company doing extensive medical bill processing, and for my helping my brother in law with my sister's medical bills when she was terminally ill. Don't need to be perfect, but the attempt--approaching it with a sense of success does help! Most reductions were in the 50% range, but some were 25% to 35%. A couple were write-offs and some were (blessings from above--over 60%).

Best of luck and prayerful wishes for you.

[GoddessInTheRough]

I don't know your situation, but what I read today. I want to mention a rather drastic solution. When I went through my divorce years ago, I had to work two jobs, seven days a week. I was getting child support, only that just covered the rent. I bought a used car to get to my jobs, and let me tell you, the salesmen had me labeled: Desperate Divorcee Seeks Klunker

That car gave me so much trouble, that for four months it kept going to the shop. It cost more than rent to maintain! I finally had to decide between getting a third job, or having my husband take over the kids (he had a great job). I declared bankruptcy. Being a working class person with old-fashioned values, I dreaded the shame of such a move. But it was that or not feeding my kids properly and being home to parent them. If you are spending that much on medical and dental bills, try to see a financial advisor who can work with your creditors to make much smaller payments until you get more money coming in! You need full stomachs now.

As to regular produce, you can soak it in a bath of Clorox bleach and water. (I think it's something like an ounce for a sinkful---check that out. It kills 0ver 90% of germs and bacteria.)

If you are staying home with your child, is it possible to watch one other child from some mom who can't afford regular day care? You can go to the local church and see if some families would donate toys to you that their kids have outgrown.

My heart goes out to you and your family. No matter what you decide to do, be safe and put each other first.

[Rawkinlocs]

Wow! That's some EXPENSIVE produce! I agree with Rowan on doing the best you can for now. The mom's program you mentioned sounds like W.I.C. (Women Infants and Children) program.

If you DO go with that, get the healthiest stuff they'll allow you to get! Try to avoid the milk and cheese as that will only set you and your (little ones?) for allergies, possible skin problems such as eczema and a whole host of other problems you don't need adding insult to injury! Food stamps WILL buy produce and in fact, not sure about your area, but when I lived in Michigan, Trader Joes and our natural food store accepted food stamps for ANY of their food items!