At a certain point in my young aduIt life, I reached a crossroads of intense poverty. I was working and going to school, and I literally had no extra money. I lived in a tiny apartment with only running water, a hot plate, and a few small pans. Yet, I didn't steal anything,
although I had to ask for a few free things. I was on the edge of poverty.
What follows is a Iist of tips on how to eat well and survive with very Iittle money. Using such things as homeless shelters for a warm meal is always an option, but many people have too much pride to do such things, so I'm excluding anything that is an obvious handout.
although I had to ask for a few free things. I was on the edge of poverty.
What follows is a Iist of tips on how to eat well and survive with very Iittle money. Using such things as homeless shelters for a warm meal is always an option, but many people have too much pride to do such things, so I'm excluding anything that is an obvious handout.
Cook at Home Never eat out. Dining out is more expensive. | Stews and soups are miraculous. A big pot with boiling water and whatever you can scavenge dumped in is the nutritious staple of the poor man's diet | Dress as well as you can and keep yourself clean. If you don't. you'll feel worse and also be profiled. It's much easier to scrape together some food if you keep yourself reasonably clean and presentable. |
If you live In an area with recycling, take advantage. Finding 20 or 30 cans can be a bonanza. | Grow some of your vegetables. Fill up large pots with dirt and use them. Tomatoes and potatoes are very easy to grow. | Join or visit a church. Congregations often serve free meals after church and then another meal on a weeknight. I usually felt bad about this. so I would volunteer to do some minor vYOc1< around the church. |
Don't fear the leftovers. Make a large quantity of something and then eat it for three or four days. Don't be afraid to swap some odd jobs for a meal. This works well in local restaurants, particularly at truck stops or greasy spoons, but not at a chain or upscale restaurants. Ask to speak to die manager. offer to wash dishes in exchange for a meat This approach usually works best if you're presentable. | Go to food banks. Remember. everyone needs help sometimes. | Compare prices at the grocery store. Ask about sales, and buy when you know it's a bargain. Use a shopping list. On y get what is on your list. |
Get free stuff at fast-food restaurants. Get free condiments -ketchup, mustard, s alt. and pepper. mayonnaise, and tartar sauce. I remember when I had to do these things to survive. If it weren't for the things I learned. I would not have made it. |