9 Ways to Find Free or Cheap Food When You're Short on Money
When Kevin Curry graduated from Harvard Business School during the 2008 global economic crisis, he was unable to find a job. So, to make ends meet, he turned to SNAP—the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Now, he's shared his survival experience with the publication. NPR.
"I felt awkward," Kevin Curry admitted. "But the receptionist saw my Harvard sweater and said, 'Don't be shy. It's a bridge between where you are and where you're going.'"
Her words completely changed Curry's view of food assistance. "People need support, and it doesn't depend on what they look like. SNAP is a resource for all of us."
On the subject: Americans will receive only half of their food stamp benefits in November: The White House has tapped into its emergency fund.
Today, Curry is the founder of the community Fit Men Cook, a community for fitness and healthy eating enthusiasts where he shares meal prep tips and recipes for healthy, affordable meals. After the US government shutdown in November delayed SNAP funding, Curry began sharing information on social media with his followers about where to find free or affordable food. SNAP recipients faced benefit cuts and delays, as well as confusion and uncertainty.
Curry explained how to get discounts and deals on groceries and how to put together an inexpensive grocery basket if you're short on money.
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If you participate in SNAP, use your card to get double the amount of fruits and vegetables. Check if your state offers the Double Up Food Bucks program, which doubles the amount of SNAP dollars spent on fresh produce.
"The goal is to make healthy food more accessible to low-income families," Curry said.
Call the USDA National Food and Nutrition Hotline for up-to-date information on nearby food pantries and free lunch locations. Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (or 1-866-348-647). The line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 20:00 PM ET.
"You can search online, but sometimes the points listed there no longer exist," he noted.
Don't hesitate to visit multiple grocery stores to get everything you need. Different locations have different products, and if you need something specific, it's perfectly fine to go to a different store.
"I'm not saying you should stockpile food, but having choice and variety in food is a matter of human dignity," Curry emphasized.
Talk to a social worker at your child's school about free breakfast, lunch, and after-school meal programs. Find out what the school offers and whether you qualify.
"If multiple meals are covered by these programs, it can help reduce food costs," Curry concluded.
Curry recommends buying discounted items that are about to go to landfill. Supermarkets and restaurants use apps like Flashfood and Too Good To Go to sell items nearing their expiration dates "at a great price." Download the apps and check if they're available in your area.
Don't be shy about asking for a discount at the store, because, as Curry says, "employees are people too. They understand what it's like." So, if you're struggling financially, tell the cashier and ask if you can get a discount.
“I noticed that people really want to help,” he assured.
Check with your store to see when new discounts and promotions are posted. Many large chains, such as Albertsons, Aldi, and Kroger, do so on Wednesdays—in which case, it's a good idea to plan your shopping for those days.
Curry recommends purchasing food at the end of the day, when employees are clearing out meat or fresh baked goods—at this time, they're more likely to offer discounts.
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Create an inexpensive grocery basket of filling, shelf-stable foods like beans, lentils, rice, oatmeal, pasta, canned goods, and frozen fruits and vegetables.
A few ingredients can make a variety of dishes. Curry spent $16 on potatoes, ground turkey, onions, bell peppers, cheese, enchilada sauce, and a can of black beans, and cooked three different meals for the week. From these ingredients, he made baked potatoes with bean and turkey stuffing, savory waffles, bean-cheese dip, and a frittata.
"It's fun and helps you stock up on food for a long time," he concluded.
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