Low-Income Families Struggle with Food Security
109 posts across 20 communities in the last 30 days; 72% from r/povertyfinance.
“Sorry you experienced this, OP. I also volunteer at a food bank and at least from the vol side, we don’t look at things like that or judge you. We also don’t want or even care that you “prove” you need it - we’re here for you and anyone else that needs food. Our pantry has a…”
“I always felt too ... something to go to a food bank. I went to my town bank for the first time and it was amazing. I can't believe I never utilized this before and am kicking myself. I recently was denied SNAP benefits and I finally gave in. I wish I had sooner instead of…”
“I have volunteered at a food pantry for years. In ours, it's like grocery shopping - you pick what you want from what is available. What is available, however, is limited. If you can't or won't eat some items, nobody will judge you. Just don't take them. What will annoy pantry…”
These complaints highlight the daily struggle for low-income families to access adequate and safe food. Many rely on food pantries and charitable organizations to survive, often facing challenges like limited resources, restrictive diets due to allergies/medical conditions, and feelings of shame or guilt associated with seeking assistance. The situation is exacerbated by unexpected expenses and a sense of being trapped in a cycle of poverty.
SOURCES (60)
“That’s also good food you are keeping from going to waste [re: food bank friday haul]”
“Forget them. I’ve seen people pick up food who were elderly driving luxury cars. But we don’t know their story so we give from the heart. Believe me, the people giving away food are not judging you and most people in line really don’t care. This is our reality right now so brush it off. If that lady is so busy judging others, maybe she doesn’t belong in that line. And her friend, just agreeing is not ok either. [re: Judged for using food bank while overweight.]”
“I’m so sorry that happened. I really hope you will go back or go to another food bank in your area and get what you need. She probably felt judged for going to the food bank, so she decided to judge someone else to make herself feel better. Or maybe she was one of those self-appointed judges of who “really” needs food. Some people are just so ugly on the inside. I’m sorry she’s so miserable. Take care, and please go get the food you and your daughter need soon. ❤️ [re: Judged for using food bank”
“Yeah, my food bank specifically addresses this. Even if someone shows up driving a newer vehicle or owns a name brand coat or whatever that doesn't mean they're not in need. There's a million reasons why someone poor could be driving a borrowed car or whatever. Also... people in poverty are statistically more likely to be overweight so there's that [re: Judged for using food bank while overweight.]”
“Unfortunately people who use systems like this are often the first to try to exclude others because they think fewer people getting served at the food bank = more food for themselves. You see the same thing for medicaid, housing resources, etc. I work in for my state governemnt's Benefits Program and we get people on benefits trying to tattle on other people for not being really in need over the weirdest percieved infractions. [re: Judged for using food bank while overweight.]”
“Originally posted in poverty finance, but thought it would be good here too. I love seeing posts about great experiences at food banks / churches / non-profs, etc. Many people who use these services rarely give back, but: There are great benefits to PARTICIPATING and CONTRIBUTING to these orgs. Early access. Volunteers often get early access to donated goods. Like a co-op, many orgs prioritize their own in-need members who donate hours or expertise to the overall mission. This isn’t “cheating,””
“Sorry you experienced this, OP. I also volunteer at a food bank and at least from the vol side, we don’t look at things like that or judge you. We also don’t want or even care that you “prove” you need it - we’re here for you and anyone else that needs food. Our pantry has a shopping system where you walk through and pick a number of items you want. No one’s sitting there like omg they grabbed the doughnuts instead of the canned green beans! And if they are, out loud or even thinking it, they ar”
“Even overweight people deserve to have regular meals for themselves and their children. You aren’t taking it away from someone who needs it more. Please don’t let a couple of jerks stop you from going to the food bank. A medical condition can make managing weight difficult. It isn’t as simple as skip meals. [re: Judged for using food bank while overweight.]”
“I'm so sorry that happened--it is terrible! Know that you have every right to use a food bank. People who say things like that are miserable inside and they just want to spread their negativity to others. Please don't let her get you down! [re: Judged for using food bank while overweight.]”
“I’m sorry that happened. Never being ashamed of what you’re going through. You got this. And that lady is a -unt. [re: Judged for using food bank while overweight.]”
“I used to WORK at a food bank and I was nowhere near as fat now and some old lady asked me “when are you due?” People suck. [re: Judged for using food bank while overweight.]”
“Babe yall were literally in the same line who gives a damn what some two random ass people have to say your child is hungry ??? [re: Judged for using food bank while overweight.]”
“I was standing in line at the food bank waiting my turn when some older lady who was standing behind me randomly said to her companion, 'this guy is clearly not missing any meals'. She said it so loud, it was very obvious that she wanted me to hear. The person she was with agreed and said something along the lines of people like me take advantage of the system while the ones who really need the help, have to go without. It was really embarassing and I wish I had spoken up for myself but”
“I love seeing posts about great experiences at food banks / churches / non-profs, etc. Many people who use these services rarely give back, but: There are great benefits to PARTICIPATING and CONTRIBUTING to these orgs. Early access. Volunteers often get early access to donated goods. Like a co-op, many orgs prioritize their own in-need members who donate hours or expertise to the overall mission. This isn’t “cheating,” it’s usually designed into organizations as a way of building resilience, res”
“I always felt too ... something to go to a food bank. I went to my town bank for the first time and it was amazing. I can't believe I never utilized this before and am kicking myself. I recently was denied SNAP benefits and I finally gave in. I wish I had sooner instead of struggling for so long. submitted by /u/halfasrotten [link] [comments]”
“Depends on how the food bank is set up. The one in my mom’s county gives you a prefilled box. You get what you get and that’s it. No option for accommodations for dietary restrictions including allergies, ARFID, vegetarian/vegan, etc. because they have to serve way too many people. Clients usually go through the box before loading into their vehicle and send the food they won’t eat back with the cart. I have ARFID and some food allergies so it wasn’t helpful for me. The food banks in my county a”
“I have volunteered at a food pantry for years. In ours, it's like grocery shopping - you pick what you want from what is available. What is available, however, is limited. If you can't or won't eat some items, nobody will judge you. Just don't take them. What will annoy pantry volunteers is complaining about the selection. We don't have any control nor input into what food that's on offer. We sometimes have a limited amount of other items that we can give to someone who t”
“[redacted by moderator] [re: What would someone do at a food bank if they have ARFID?]”
“your reminder to go to a food bank and not be embarrassed if you need food!! submitted by /u/Any_Satisfaction_81 [link] [comments]”
“have you tried a food pantry yet, since this is exactly what they’re there for and they may have toiletries too? [re: I have a 25 dollar “budget” how can I stretch this to last me 2 weeks atleast?]”
“thank you. luckily i do get groceries at the food bank most weeks. i have a bunch of homemade meals in the freezer, too. i have enough for rent and most utilities. it’ll turn around soon but the lack of joy has been bordering on crippling in my free time. [re: any advice on combatting hopelessness?]”
“Hunger pains ain’t worth much nowadays 🤦🏾♂️ submitted by /u/UnderpaidUberDriver [link] [comments]”
“I want to second this. When I was desperate, food banks and churches were there for me with financial help. Many churches truly DO wish to reach people with help. Try the United Methodists or your local Catholic parish. The Salvation Army also has programs to help especially at Christmas time; one year the only Christmas gifts we had were from them. [re: When does it get better?]”
“Not sure what kind of food you win with this but here's free McDonald's for whoever needs it! submitted by /u/smalltomatos222 [link] [comments]”
“Food pantries give you what they give you usually, so I advise going, and then using your income to supplement whatever you need but don’t get! likely the hygiene items but you might get some from a pantry. [re: I have a 25 dollar “budget” how can I stretch this to last me 2 weeks atleast?]”
“I got these both today in the same hour. 😩 complete emotional roller coaster. Just know that just because you get a no the door is not always closed. We’re all out here trying to eat. I just want to bring some positivity and hope because I never thought this would happen to me. submitted by /u/Lucky_Cupcake_584 [link] [comments]”
“Dollar tree will go a long way. Canned meats help stretch a lot of food pantries give canned meat. [re: I have a 25 dollar “budget” how can I stretch this to last me 2 weeks atleast?]”
“I’ve looked up some local food banks! I’ll start utilizing those and try to pay off my phone bill so that I can switch! [re: Single Mom of 2 Making $52k a Year. How Is Anyone Surviving in This Economy?]”
“Do you have any food pantries in your area? Even just a few weeks of no grocery expenses will help. I know you’re exhausted, but there are a million ways to spoil children for free. Take them to the library once per week. Go to a park every other afternoon and play with them. I used to make eggshell snakes and inedible “pies” from the family’s food waste as a kid. I would play with a bottle of shaving cream for hours (either on the shower walls or a clean baking sheet). I would decorate a cardbo”
“I would look into local food banks, and many churches often offer either food hampers or soup kitchen type things. I often will use a handful of dry cereal a couple times a day to get me through multiple days of having no meals at all. I’d also reach out to a student aid person from your college and see if they offer any sort of supports or resources for students who are struggling to feed themselves. [re: How to deal for with pain during hunger?]”
“is there fruit you can have? or something like ramen noodles that is cheap? I would ask around and see what other students are doing for food. There's got to be a cheaper way to get something that is plentiful, For example, someone selling cheap food to college students or workers- like boiled eggs, steamed corn. Also canned goods like canned tuna, corn on bread is good. Aim for thicker brown bread. [re: How to deal for with pain during hunger?]”
“I’m a college student, and a large portion of my money goes toward rent and utilities. I use my scholarship to buy food, but I have to be frugal; it works out to just one meal a day plus a snack. I spend the whole day, from morning until late afternoon, in class on an empty stomach, and sometimes I get terrible stomach pain. Drinking water only makes it worse. I don’t want to spend money on ready-made meals, but I can’t cook anything myself because I don’t have a refrigerator. Any advices?”
“You should definitely talk to your school’s student services office to see if there is any charity or food assistance available. Then, head over to financial aid and see if there is anything you can do to get extra loans or grant money, including work study. If you can’t get an official work study, check out other on campus jobs. There may also be paid opportunities to participate in research studies for grad students on campus - definitely look into that as well. Don’t be afraid to ask around -”
“Winco is great for groceries if you have one near you, I can eat real cheap if I get my groceries there [re: Phone and grocery advice]”
“From someone who had to pick from gas and food for over 2 years, visit a pantry. I didn't know we had them in my area at the time and would have been "too embarrassed/proud" to go at the time and I would have been a fucking idiot. Now is the worst time to go but go. Holiday time is when people visit them so they tend to run low on common things. When you are in better shape later on in life, support your local food pantries over mega company charities. It impacts your community dir”
“I heard if you call little Caesar’s before they close, they give away leftover unsold pizza and goodies. I know it’s not finance technically but free, hot food is better than nothing [re: I have a 25 dollar “budget” how can I stretch this to last me 2 weeks atleast?]”
“Why do so many people resist food banks? [re: I stopped trying to "hustle" my way out of starvation and completely changed how I buy groceries. It saved my sanity.]”
“Confirmed. You really aren't allowed to ask for help! [re: I stopped trying to "hustle" my way out of starvation and completely changed how I buy groceries. It saved my sanity.]”
“Don't forget to visit your local food pantries. They are in the business of helping [re: I stopped trying to "hustle" my way out of starvation and completely changed how I buy groceries. It saved my sanity.]”
“We are so thankful for free food. [re: I stopped trying to "hustle" my way out of starvation and completely changed how I buy groceries. It saved my sanity.]”
“Go to the food pantry first...then figure out what else you need. Hopefully your food pantry will give you some rice, beans, noodles and or mashed potatoes and a few canned veggies. All of those items can be stretched to last a few weeks. Since you're not employed right now jump on Facebook and look for local farmers that might need help, fall harvest is happening and it may be a way to earn a few bucks and get free produce. Wishing much success. [re: I have a 25 dollar “budget” how can I st”
Have you checked local foodbanks already? [re: Help with food?]
“Did you apply for WIC? You should get it at least for your 4yo? [re: having to choose between meds & food is debilitating]”
“I second this, you may be able to get a lot of food and toiletries you thought you had to buy! You can use the money to buy other food items or double up on your preferred items. Based on what you get at the pantry you can meal prep. Good luck with the interview!! [re: I have a 25 dollar “budget” how can I stretch this to last me 2 weeks atleast?]”
“Sadly, some churches are struggling financially, like my church. We don't have any food or gift cards to hand out. We can barely keep our lights on. However, we know where the food banks are and can direct people there. [re: I have a 25 dollar “budget” how can I stretch this to last me 2 weeks atleast?]”
“Go to the food pantry. They consider helping you a blessing. [re: I have a 25 dollar “budget” how can I stretch this to last me 2 weeks atleast?]”
“Food pantry and 211 (national crisis hotline for food or whatever) [re: I have a 25 dollar “budget” how can I stretch this to last me 2 weeks atleast?]”
“Go to a food pantry. This is what they're for. Do it now because you need to save the small amount of money you have for the things you can't get in any other way. [re: I have a 25 dollar “budget” how can I stretch this to last me 2 weeks atleast?]”
“Also look into whether your local churches have food distribution as well. There is a local church near me that does that in partnership with a food pantry. You don't have to be a member of the church and there isn't any means testing. [re: I have a 25 dollar “budget” how can I stretch this to last me 2 weeks atleast?]”
“Others have already said, there’s no shame in going to a food pantry that’s why they’re there. I can’t recommend Aldi enough for your food items, I’m regularly able to get food for myself for two weeks off of $30 without even trying to budget for less so I’m sure if your conscious about getting the most calories for you dollar you can make $15 last two weeks. I’ve never bought soap or toothpaste at Aldi but I know Family Dollar should have what you need. A bar of soap shouldn’t be more than $1 a”
“Get as much as possible from the food pantry. Save your money for emergencies. [re: I have a 25 dollar “budget” how can I stretch this to last me 2 weeks atleast?]”
“If you are on Facebook, you local town/city/county might have an "everything is free" group. You may post that you are looking for toiletries to help get you through a month or so. [re: I have a 25 dollar “budget” how can I stretch this to last me 2 weeks atleast?]”
“Your FIRST resort should be the food pantry. [re: I have a 25 dollar “budget” how can I stretch this to last me 2 weeks atleast?]”
“Check local churches for food pantries and paper pantries. Many have supplies. Check with your town or city hall and ask what is available. If you’re in the USA, see if there is a community action committee in the area who can help you find resources. Look into job placement agencies and career centers. Help is out there. And never be ashamed of needing pantries. When you get back on your feet you can always make donations to help the next person who is struggling. Good luck. [re: I have a 25 do”
“When we are low on funds, I get chicken (usually a roast chicken from Walmart, etc) but I am feeding six people. We eat the chicken with rice or something the first day, save the bones and broth in the bottom of the container in the fridge overnight. I boil the bones into stock and save it. The broth that's in the bottom of the container that the chicken comes in, you can add some water and cornstarch to thicken into gravy and serve it over mashed potatoes and noodles. Then I turn the stock”
“I’m sharing an early proposal for a volunteer-led project to help people connect with reliable food resources and housing assistance. The idea is to start with a small, 90-day pilot supporting up to 10 households through existing local organizations. Volunteers would help people find appropriate services, understand referral requirements, and follow up to see whether they actually received assistance. The plan was developed with AI assistance. It is a proposal—not an operating nonprofit. There a”