I also agree with the poster who talked about getting free samples.  It may not be much, but if you are living on eggs and bread, even something once a week would help you.  In the recent past, I've gotten single-sized servings of cereal, one granola bar, small pack of coffee (enough to make one pot), not to mention the health and beauty stuff such as shampoo/conditioner, etc. 

I would also recommend that if you are in serious trouble, you should let your friends and family know so they can help you.  A friend of mine mentioned to me that his lights had been turned off for two days and he had gone a few nights without food the week before because he did not have enough money (it's a long story about why - I knew he was not doing well financially, but I didn't realize the extent.)  So, I went through my pantry and gave him two bags of food that I probably would have used eventually, but got really good deals on and felt that I could part with it.  I also helped him make a list of people he could call for help.  IMO, that's what friends are for.  They help you when you are in trouble, even if all they can offer you is moral support.

Good luck to everyone in this situation - my prayers go out to you all.

Alison in Pittsburgh

When I was in college, I dropped the meal plan in the Jewish student union where I lived (it was overpriced, and the food, especially the lunch, wasn't too good, either) and lived on what I could make in a toaster oven and/or on a hot plate, both of which I had in my room

This brought back memories!  When I was in college, my meal plan only offered two meals a day, so I had to supplement my meals with a plug-in hot plate.  I didn't have a fridge, but lived in North Dakota, so I kept my one stick of margarine out on my window sill-stayed very cold.  I would boil noodles and add a little butter and a sprinkle of salt.  I just threw away the cheese mix, since I didn't have milk.  I practically lived on noodles until a care package would arrive from home!

Things I do are

1. Don't eat.  I feed the kids first, this stretches the food.

2. Don't eat meat. Meat is more expensive than veggies and beans.

3. Make meals with dried beans (they are cheap).

4. buy store brands.

busy91:

Don't eat meat. Meat is more expensive than veggies and beans.

Veggetables are not very filling but certainly healthy. What do you add them to or serve with them to make the meal filling?

I agree with Alison. There are quite a few websites that post "Freebie Samples". I have been going to the same sites for years now, and have a HUGE stock pile of "freebies". They are great to have, when $$ is low. I average 3-5 freebies a week in my mailbox. If it isn't against the rules of this website, I would be more than happy to share the sites that I use everyday to check for freebies....I would also make contact with a local Community Services Dept, they would be a wealth of knowledge, knowing where someone needs to turn with help getting food. It is a very scary economy out there right now, and only going to get worse thru 2009. I just hope we all can hang on and weather this economy storm.

Beans are added when eating a meatless meal.

I don't eat much meat myself, I have been going back and forth being a vegetarian.  I also use soy products and tofu.  The meat in my house is scarse.

Go to ethnic grocers e.g. Latino, Asian markets. Many of these markets or stands usually have very reasonable price than traditional supermarkets.  $4 or $5 dollars would get you couple ounces of salad. For the same amount, you probably could get couple pounds of vegetables. Meats would be cheaper too. It would stretched out your money and eat better for less.

 If you don't know, do some google searches or ask your friends.

 Make friends with farmers. I helped a farmer out with a couple of little legal matters--he couldn't pay me at the time, but I knew he had his grandbabies at home, so I told him not to worry about it.

Every spring and fall since, a full cow arrives, butchered and ready to go. Folks remember when you take care of 'em, and they'll take care back. 

Yup, I get most of my produce at the Asian Market in my neigborhood.

Chocolatechic, let your church and family know of your need.  Contact your community action agency for assistance with food, heat, medical bills.  Start a coupon swap with your friends, neighors and church to help cut your grocery budget down.  I use coupons and a good sale to be able to donate to the food bank.

AFM has no income requirement to purchase a meal box for $30 which feeds a family of 4 7 dinners.

I also send for freebies that I can use or someone I know can use i.e. diapers.   The mailman is always glad when he's been to our house and unloads.     

Roberta