As the effects of the economic downturn trickle down to Main Streets all over the United States, we are encountering more and more people who are so strapped for cash that they can’t afford to feed their families. When faced with a situation this dire, everyone looks for ways to feed their families, and they need to find ways that don’t cost money. Although it may feel as though finding ways to get food when you don’t have money is an impossibility, there are ways that one can get free food.
Here is a look at some of the possible ways by which one can get food so that they can feed their families.
*Food Banks –
Food Banks are a great resource for those who are down on their luck, need some supplemental assistance, or who are enduring some horrible financial hardship. The food that food banks provides will depend on how much they have and how many people there are in your family. Most of the time, what you get will be non-perishable staples. It won’t be fancy, and there won’t be much, but it will suffice for a short amount of time.
*Churches –
Sometimes churches open their doors to those who are in dire straights, especially if you happen to be a parishioner. Many churches have weekly dinners before their prayer session or Bible study. If you belong to a church, you can almost certainly go to that weekly dinner and bring your family, and if you can’t afford to pay, they won’t deny you admission.
*Soup Kitchens –
Soup kitchens existed during the depression. People who were unemployed and penniless would go to these kitchens and once a day, they’d be able to get a meal. It may be 80 years since the Great Depression destroyed the lives of so many people in this country, but many people are facing situations that are similar to that which people faced during the depression.
Soup kitchens may offer one daily meal that is free. It will generally be something very filling. Because the organizations that have these soup kitchens feed so many people and operate on such a tight budget, much of what they feed people will be high carbohydrate, starchy casserole type meals. Still, they are free, and in some places, you will be able to eat at such a place every day.
*Homeless shelters –
Many homeless shelters cook a big evening meal for the residents. The shelter obviously has limited space to accommodate people who want to stay there, but even if you aren’t staying there, you may be able to take advantage of free meals. Again, the shelter may only offer a meal once daily, but it’s better than nothing.
*Donate Plasma –
Many cities and towns of varying sizes across the country have places where people who are in need of money can go to donate plasma. They will be paid for their donations and may donate as often as twice a week. You will have to prove that you are physically healthy and a nurse will take your vitals. If you are taking some medications, this may prevent you from donating, but this can be a good and reliable source of money.
*Barter –
If there are people whom you can trust and with whom you are comfortable sharing your plight, talk to them. See if you can barter to do some service or chore for them in return for an invitation to come join them in a meal. If they know that you are in dire straights, they may be willing to think of ways to have you perform services for them in return for food or a meal.
There may be other potential places where you can get food to feed your family. Schools will often offer indigent children free breakfast and lunch. The size of the town you live in, it’s proximity to major cities, and the median income for the area may all be factors that will determine the extent to which services are available where you live.
In general, unless family is able to be of assistance, the most likely source of assistance will be a church, and when you contact a church, they will respect your needs and wishes. The current state of the American economy has effected many families adversely, and one should never feel ashamed of the need to provide their family with food.