Need groceries? Solutions to manage food insecurity for single moms

ZaCorra

Households that are poor, or living in poverty are more likely to experience food insecurity than those that are not. With the sharp inflation in the cost of living, even average income households may struggle to consistently provide wholesome meals for their families. The math makes it clear: you cannot simply budget your way out of poverty. If you are in a budget deficit or your margins are super slim to none, the way to lasting financial stability is to increase your income and/or reduce your expenses – which is much easier said than done especially when you consider factors like time, transportation, and childcare. This lack of food security can also cause long-term expensive health issues due to the increase in the intake of quick, cheap, processed foods, creating a larger divide of those of a lower economic status. A lack of sustainable access to nutritional food is a complex issue that takes time to address, but we need to eat every day. In the meantime, I’ve compiled a list of immediate and long-term solutions to help combat food insecurity.

Immediate Solutions:

Visit local churches, businesses, farm stands, and non-profits for food pantry distribution

Sometimes these programs also offer diapers, pet food, and other basic household items you may be in need of. There may be some pre-prepared food, but you will get quite a few ingredients you will have to put together to make a meal.

Check grocery stores for a reduced-price program

Many grocery stores are offering reduced price programs for items that may be expiring soon or not as presentable in terms of appearance. In addition to shopping sales and clearances, this can help stretch a grocery budget to include more meals. Some of these programs are for low-income households only, so there may be a verification process.  

Join your community “Buy Nothing” Facebook group

Reach out for help and neighbors may post when they have extra meals/food available to those in need. In addition, being part of a group can provide local information on food drives or other resources for families in need that may not be readily advertised elsewhere. 

Begin cooking daily occasion meals and snacks at home

Eating out for daily occasion meals is sure to stretch your food budget to its max each month. You will be able to get more meals of your money by buying groceries and eating meals made at home. This includes planning ahead for family outings – pack a lunch just like you would for work! A picnic can be a fun family event on its own. Even if there is not enough time or energy to do a whole weekly batch meal cooking session at once – invest the time to make your sandwiches right before work or make extra during regular meals times and portion or freeze for later.

Long Term Solutions:

Adopt a more plant-based diet to stretch budget further each month

Meat, eggs, and dairy are one of the most expensive items in the grocery store. Swapping to a diet that includes more fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes will allow you to increase your food volume and nutrition without spending so much extra. To help shoulder the cost of meat, eggs, and dairy you can set aside a portion of your grocery budget to buy them in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze or otherwise preserve them.

Begin growing some of your favorite ingredients at home

Of course I had to include this on this list! Putting some food production back into your own hands will give a sense of pride and food security as you learn to grow your harvests bigger and bigger. Start off with what you already buy regularly at the grocery store, keeping your available growing space in mind. Alternatively, this can be a way to get more herbs and spices (flavor!) into your cabinet more economically – especially if your growing space is very small. Regrow kitchen scraps for free seeds or plant starts. This may require an investment in grow lights if there is not enough sun available where you want to grow. 

Learn to reduce food waste 

Learning how to use up leftovers, getting comfortable with different food preservation techniques, and how to cook without a recipe will all help reduce food waste and in turn aid in managing food insecurity and help with stretching a tight food budget to include more meals. 

See if your household qualifies for government assistance

Asking for assistance can be nerve-wracking. These programs exist to help those in need and help them get back on their feet and there is nothing wrong with using the resources that are there to be used. Especially when living in a budget deficit, the more relief a household can get, the easier it will be for them to improve their situation and eventually not need the assistance anymore. You deserve to eat regardless of your financial status, and your character is not defined by how much help you need at any given time. Applying for assistance programs may not provide immediate relief, so it’s better to apply sooner rather than later. 

Food insecurity can be overwhelming, especially for a young single mother. It affects households on a spectrum and can make it difficult to handle the already large load of child rearing while providing for a household. Not to mention, the resulting anxiety, guilt, worry, and possible hunger add additional obstacles for setting and reaching goals when you are struggling to make ends meet each month. Little things set you back frequently, and it may feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of debt, negative balances, and no alternative options. I hope this guide will help provide some relief that will allow you to push forward, not just surviving but thriving in life.

I gather this information because I believe our kids deserve to get the nutrition they need to grow regardless of the economic situation that have been born into. Having a whole balanced meal should not be a privilege only afforded by the few. Share this article for those who may be in need of resources to get food immediately with long term solutions to improve food security and nutrition.