Food Or Fuel?

By Renee, LSWA

Unfortunately, too many families are having to choose between feeding their family or paying the utility bill.  In these tough times of lay-offs, involuntary unpaid days off and pay cuts, the average family is struggling and compromising on basic needs.  Here are some resources they just may help all of us not have to choose.

1.  Angel Food Ministries:  For $30, anyone can purchase a standard box of food from a local host site that can feed a family of four dinner for approximately a week   There are no income guidelines or special criteria.  If you eat, you qualify!  In addition to the standard box that includes, fresh and frozen meats, vegetables and/or fruit, milk and eggs, there are also Convenience meals for seniors or people on the go, allergy-free box, meat and grill boxes and a fresh fruit and veggie box.  You can purchase as many as would like.  By saving money on your groceries, you can free up money to pay for other expenses.

2.  Plan a menu and stick to it.  Go to the grocery store with a list.  Get only the things you need for your menu.  Use the weekly fliers to plan your menus and shopping trips so you are taking advantage of the specials.

3.  Shop at discounted/off-brand supermarkets.  In our area, Aldi and Save-a-Lot offer groceries at a lower cost.  Most items are generic and the items are not neatly arranged and stocked on shelves but it you're like me, you don't care as long as the food is good and the store is clean!

4.  Use Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) for fresh produce purchases.  I went in with three other families and we bought a share in our local CSA.  For $112.50/family, we receive a box of produce every week for 25 weeks of the growing season.  Two families split a weekly box and we alternate weeks.  That breaks down to a little over $9/week/family for locally grown produce.

5.  Use coupons.  Did you know that you can buy coupons on ebay?  Check it out!  There are also coupon clubs and groups through Yahoo Groups that you can join for free.  The one I know about is FreebieCafe.  Google "coupon" and you will be amazed at all the different websites you will get.  Obviously some are going to be more reputable than others so do your homework.  One mom I know trades coupons through the mail with other moms in different states because not all areas get the same coupons in their Sunday paper. She saves her family $40-70 every month on their grocery bill.

6.  Apply for your state's Energy Assistance Program if you qualify.  Each state has its own way of managing this federally funded program.  Here in Maryland, it is called MEAP. The maximum yearly income standard for a family of four is $38,587.50.  For more information go to DHR.  Your family may also qualify for budget billing.

7.  Use your community's local food pantries and meal programs.  Swallow your pride so your family can swallow healthy nutritious meals!  They exist to help families with a hand up and not a hand out.  Here in Harford County, Maryland, you can access the county Resource Guide for many resources including food and utilities.

Comments

[MAD21]

This is such a difficult choice for so many families. Thanks, Renee, for giving some advice.