I know that you're saving for a rainy day (if your husband loses his job), and I think that is very good.  The fact that you've been eating only bread and eggs for three weeks makes me think this qualifies as a rainy day though.  If you eat like that for too long, you WILL make yourself sick in the long run and medical expenses are far far more expensive than groceries. (It also saps your energy and makes it hard to think to solve problems in the short run.) You mentioned that you just miss the income requirements for food pantries. Maybe allow yourself to take a little out to carefully supplement what you're eating to maintain your health.   "Too much" savings also disqualifies people from some government programs, so do keep that in mind. (The amount varies by program and possibly by state.  In Indiana $2000+ is the disqualifier for several.)

Her food requirements do look challenging!  We are here though and can try to think of ways to cut down the costs.

Since you're in Ohio, I'm hoping that there's an Aldi in your area.  If so, they typically have really good deals.  They don't carry all of that, of course, but what they do carry is less expensive.  (I haven't seen quinoia, buckwheat, venison or xylatol there, but I have seen most of the rest.)

I buy bags of frozen fish for good prices at Walmart and Aldi.  I've also sometimes seen frozen melon at Walmart.  Produce is limited at Aldi, but is usually cheaper than anywhere else unless there is an especially good sale.  Since you have to keep it on hand all the time, you might want to buy when it's in season/on sale and then freeze some to use during the more expensive times.

As far as the buckwheat, etc. some of the things that I used to buy at health food stores, I now find much cheaper at Meijer and occasionally Kroger.  (Something I bought at the health food store was 1/2 the price at Kroger!) 

I don't know if those ideas will help much, but I am praying for good solutions as well as peace for you!

Hang in there!

This  may be kinda random, but I've thought it before when you've dicussed your daughter's severe food allergies.  Because of their severity is it considered a disability of any kind?  I mean, she's going to be on this limited diet for the rest of her life and it's going to cost her more $$ b/c of it -- and for now it's costing *you* more b/c of it.

 That is something to look into for her. I have a friend whose kids have PKU. Their insurance pays for their  kids food. Babs

Chocolatechic,

While your daughter may not be able to eat foods from the food programs, you and your husband most likely can!  Two programs immediately come to mind, and one or both could be very close to you.  Angel Food Ministries and Great Food For All both are in Ohio and very good programs!  Here are links to finding host sites in your area.  Food is restaurant grade and because there is one order date per month, each program acts as a co-op and is able to obtain foods at lower costs, i.e. no overhead!  One basic box serves a family of four for a week or a single for a month -- with your stretching capacity, it's sure to last longer!

http://www.angelfoodministries.com/hosts.asp  

http://www.greatfoodforall.com/files/Downloads/OhioHost.pdf

Please do not deprive yourselves of needed food groups.  A $30 box is an investment for you. 

Do investigate what programs for which you might be able to apply. 

Take care and keep us up to date on this!

Chocolatechic, I sent you a Private Message.

Lynnea Berr:

http://www.angelfoodministries.com/hosts.asp  

http://www.greatfoodforall.com/files/Downloads/OhioHost.pdf

 

 

Maybe next month I'll be able to afford this.