Background on Food Assistance
In 2008, Kevin Curry utilized the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) after graduating from Harvard Business School during a global recession and experiencing difficulty finding employment. A caseworker informed him that SNAP serves as a resource for individuals during transitional periods.
Curry, who is the founder of Fit Men Cook, a platform offering meal preparation tips and budget-friendly recipes, has shared strategies for accessing affordable food. This follows reductions and delays in SNAP benefits due to a government funding delay in November, impacting recipients.
Strategies for Accessing Affordable Food
The following strategies are available for individuals seeking free or low-cost food:
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Utilize SNAP Double Up Food Bucks: SNAP recipients may be eligible for programs like "Double Up Food Bucks" in participating states. This initiative matches SNAP EBT dollars, allowing recipients to acquire double the amount of fruits and vegetables. The program aims to enhance access to fresh, healthy food for low-income families.
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Contact the USDA National Hunger Hotline: For up-to-date information on local food pantries and meal sites, individuals can contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-647). The hotline operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Online searches for pantries may sometimes provide outdated information.
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Visit Multiple Food Pantries: Different food pantries offer varied selections of items. Visiting multiple pantries can enable individuals to find specific food items they require.
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Inquire About School Food Programs: Parents can consult with school social workers regarding available free breakfast, lunch, and after-school food programs for children. Participation in these programs can contribute to reducing household grocery expenses.
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Purchase Discounted Food Near Expiration: Applications such as Flashfood and Too Good to Go facilitate the purchase of discounted food items nearing their expiration dates from grocery stores and restaurants. Availability of these services varies by location.
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Request Grocery Store Discounts: Some grocery store employees may be willing to offer discounts on groceries upon request, particularly if a customer communicates their financial situation.
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Identify Grocery Store Deal Days: Many major grocery chains, including Albertsons, Aldi, and Kroger, often release new deals and markdowns on specific days, such as Wednesdays. Shopping on these days may provide access to lower prices.
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Shop During End-of-Day Markdowns: Towards the end of the day, grocery store workers might offer reduced prices on items like fresh meat or bakery goods as they are being prepared for storage.
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Prioritize Cost-Effective and Nutritious Foods: When building a grocery list, focus on long-lasting, filling, and nutritious options. Examples include beans, lentils, rice, oats, pasta, canned goods, and frozen fruits and vegetables.
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Maximize Ingredient Use for Multiple Meals: A strategy involves purchasing a few core ingredients and using them across several meals. For instance, $16 worth of items like potatoes, ground turkey, an onion, a bell pepper, cheese, enchilada sauce, and black beans can be utilized to prepare multiple dishes for a week.