hi y'all… debated on posting this but i fear i won't have anything to eat for the rest of the week. i went to the food bank this saturday. here's what i was able to pick up:
1 bag of oatmeal
2 cans of tuna
1 lb of potatoes
2 boxes of mac/cheese
1 can of tomatoes
i live alone with my dog and i ration their food out so that he won't starve too. anyway, i have $2 in the bank and the food above. any ideas to stretch it out until i can go to the food bank again?
also- i live in seattle so food cost is extremely high for what i can afford rn
thank you!
edit 01/14.. i am speechless. you all have made so much impact in our lives that i can't even close my eyes without wanting to show gratitude. i am so grateful for you.
by EasyDragonfruit1
49 Comments
I would try and get some beans. Add the tomatoes. Mix the tuna and Mac n cheese. Hopefully you have something to sweeten the oatmeal up otherwise gonna be a long week.
I would say a bag of dried beans. With the tomatoes and some spices (if you have those), you could make some chili beans. Then cook the potatoes and put the beans on top of the potatoes. Then you can add the tuna to Mac and cheese. With two of each, you could make a big batch and your dog would probably enjoy that too. Oatmeal for breakfast, tuna Mac for lunch, chili potatoes for dinner.
A bag of rice is usually 1.00 and you’ll be able to make a few cups of rice to get you through. If you use spices it’s not so bland/ boring.
Dogs can eat rice and potatoes too if the dog food gets too low.
Have you searched for a pet pantry? They’re harder to find but if you’re lucky you’ll have one nearby.
But rice and potatoes will help fill you up. Tuna is protein, so that’s helpful. Beans are protein as well if you need more cheap protein(but more expensive than rice)
thanks guys! they’re very odd ingredients but beans would be awesome too.
There’s a girl on TikTok that can only eat oats, salt and hypoallergenic baby formula because of her allergies. She gets very creative with the oats! Makes crackers, waffles, pancakes, cereal all from oats, water and salt! Carolinecray2 is her user
Hi Fellow Seattlite!
I’m super excited you posted this because I’d love to help you with some resources.
Tomorrow if you are able please go by the [People’s Pop Up Pantry](https://peoplespopuppantry.com/) which is over at Pratt park. If you’re not able to make it, check out our city’s [Community Fridges](https://linktr.ee/seattlecommunityfridge) , and [Little Free Pantries](https://www.thelittlefreepantries.org/). Finally, please feel free to DM me if you need additional food resources in the area. I do food equity work and can get you connected into some long term food support!
Box of pasta … mix w/ the tomatoes. We had this a lot growing up.
I would get a bag of rice. Cook up the rice all at once and you can make different things from it. The tomatoes and some spice turn it into a Mexican dish. The tuna can be added for a tuna rice casserole. Bonus if you have, or can buy, a can of cream soup like mushroom. Walmart has it for $.68. And a pound of rice for $.92. Avoid Dollar Tree because the same two items will cost you $2.50. That leaves you with $.40. Walmart has a can of chili beans which would go well with the Mac and cheese or the Mexican rice for $.86 but that is $.46 over your budget.
The tuna I would eat as is because the thought of it in mac and cheese doesn’t appeal to me.
You might also check for another food bank. There are several in the area.
Good luck.
You don’t have a whole lot of calories there friend…if you can get your hands on some dried beans it’ll help stretch it for sure, you can add them to most any savory meal. Rice also good. Peanut butter too, in case you can’t get those.
With what you have on hand, you could mix the can of tomatoes, tuna, and mac and cheese to make a tomato-y tuna mac. If you don’t have any butter & milk to add to the mac and cheese cook your noodles in a small amount of water and use the starchy water to make the sauce.
Oatmeal is good savory too, if you don’t have anything to make it sweet maybe you have some spices or condiments on hand. oatmeal cooked in any broth/bullion, or maybe the water from the tomatoes, with some spices, topped with crispy diced potatoes wouldn’t be bad.
A neighbor may be willing to lend a cup of milk, or cup of flour, or a couple eggs – not uncommon for someone in the middle of cooking or baking to realise they need something and ask for a staple like that from a neighbor. Just repay the favor in some way, when your in the position to.
With flour you could use the flesh of a baked potato to make some gnocchi and eat with the tomatoes cooked into a sauce and fry up the skins for a crispy garnish.
Eggs and milk easily could be added to oatmeal to get some extra calories.
A bag of beans will give you protein, but a bag of rice goes a really long way and can be used with the tuna to make a casserole.
Do you have anything else at home that could be added to these foods?
Tuna potato casserole for lunch & dinner. Oatmeal for breakfast. Get some coffee creamer & sugar packets from some takeaway place to add to the oatmeal otherwise it tastes like wall paper paste. Use creamer packets to add to your tuna potato casserole. Could maybe finely chop the tomato to make a tomato sauce for your casserole. Good luck! You’ll survive
Have you heard of the Flashfood app? I’m not sure if it’s available in your area, but grocery stores offer food at 50% off. You can often get a grocery bag full of produce for as low as $3.
I don’t know your area but there is usually more than one food bank. A few churches usually have free food once a week and then places like the Salvation Army have places to get a few bags of food per week. You can end up with 4 places per week to get a bag and sometimes a few bags per place. They are wonderful people who are there for you. See what other resources are available.
I bought 5lbs potatoes last week for $1.50.
I work at a food bank and we get donated dog and cat food. Next time you go ask if they have any or if they know where you can get some dog food. The ideas that Adventurous _lady1234 gave sounds perfect. I’m surprised the food bank didn’t give dried beans, raisins or sone sort of nuts which would be awesome in oatmeal and as a snack. Definitely check out more of the emergency food options, mini food banks to help round out your choices. You can get through this!
lots of people are saying beans which are great, i’d also suggest lentils, you can mix them with the beans if you get both which may be possible as they are both often around $1
OP? DM me please. Hoping you live near a Walmart.
As a young single on limited budget, I used to make a box of Mac and cheese, then stir in a can of tuna. May sound a bit odd, but it is okay. Hopefully you can take advantage of the other resources provided by another Reddit poster and hold onto your funds. Good Luck.
A few packs of ramen and a bag of frozen veggies from the dollar tree go a long way!
Check the churchs near you. Some have evening meals once a week. Also see if there is a Sikh community kitchen. They do free meals as well.
A bag of split peas or lentils.
Add dry rice and beans
Rice, beans, and pasta can make that stretch
Stretch out $2
Well, you can eat the oatmeal for breakfast, do a nice stew with the tuna, the potatoes and the tomatoes, that should keep for 3 – 4 days and the you have the Mac & cheese, that should be 2 days, that’s almost a whole week…
OP please PM me. I can’t get you tons of stuff but would definitely do a small pickup order for you. Reach out if you need to! 🙂
Ok the tuna and mac sounds like 4 meals together. Thats. The lb of potatoes can be 2-3 roasted, mashed or cut into fries in oven. I am unclear if the bag of oatmeal is large or if bag means one packet. Also do you have staples like flour oil etc? If so tomato gravy could go on potatoes to add more. Im counting 7 meals. Praying for you.
R/randomactsofpetfood
Signup for lasagna love if you have not yet. Seattle community is very active. Try Ballard food bank or any other food bank. Community kitchens. Stop by Asian market to see if you can get rice or random protein pieces for cheap
Go on Facebook, join you buy nothing group then join all the yardsale group near you. Ask for food and dog food. If you are willing to take expired food mention that too. Like 3 years or less expired is ok. (whatever is true)
Check for gleaning groups near you. Also food not bombs
Hi there! DM’ed you!
Call 2-1-1 on Monday ask what resources that may know about too. (They could have a great line on dogfood!) Both groceries and community meals being served are options.
Tuna patties are essentially mashed potato with tuna. If you can stretch to some frozen vegetables or even onion or garlic powder, it will make it more palatable and balanced.
[good and cheap](https://leannebrown.com/good-and-cheap-2/) is a cookbook for people with *very* tight budgets, particularly those on snap/food stamp benefits. the pdf is a free download when you sign up for the newsletter.
[this reddit post](https://www.reddit.com/r/FoodVideoPorn/s/3x7VVMsLjZ) has a quick super inexpensive recipe for making dough (in the vid he makes pizza dough, bread, and pita from the same recipe).
[too good to go](https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-us) is an app who’s mission statement is: *”Our app is the world’s largest marketplace for surplus food. We help users rescue good food from going to waste, offering great value for money at local stores, cafes and restaurants.”*
[how to get on](https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/) great resource for living on disability, medicare, food resources, and everything else.
[julie pacheco](https://www.juliapacheco.com/cheap-family-meals-under-10/) has $5 complete meals, shopping while on food stamps/snap, and even has a $10 budget for a week of meals.
[budget bytes](https://www.budgetbytes.com/) *”WHAT IS BUDGET BYTES? We believe good food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. We believe you can create meals that you’re proud of, meals that make you feel full and healthy, meals that make you want to brag on social media, meals that will make you want your leftovers (no, really). We believe you can have all of this without spending your whole paycheck, buying a bunch of fancy kitchenware, or spending all day in the kitchen. We believe you can spend less and enjoy more.”*
[usda food and nutrition service](https://www.fns.usda.gov) how to apply for wic and many other government sponsored programs. *”Our mission is to increase food security and reduce hunger in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and low-income people access to food, a healthy diet and nutrition education in a manner that supports American agriculture and inspires public confidence.”*
[relink](https://relink.org/) helps *”Across a spectrum of care for Addiction Recovery, Anti-Human Trafficking, and Incarceration Reentry and includes commonly searched basic needs like housing, food, clothing, employment, and mental health.”*
[sunshine division](https://sunshinedivision.org/programs/) located in portland, oregon has a food pantry and home delivery program
[flash food](https://www.flashfood.com/) mission is: *”Fresh produce, meat, and more at up to 50% off. With the Flashfood app, find deals at your local grocery store and enjoy more for less.”*
[olio](https://olioapp.com/en/) is an app for sharing what you have with others in need. their mission is: *”Beat waste with Olio: the app for finding what you need and sharing what you don’t with local people.”*
[feedingamerica.org](https://www.feedingamerica.org/need-help-find-food) has a searchable database of food banks and soup kitchens by zip code and links for WIC and many other programs.
[ruby’s pantry](https://www.rubyspantry.org/) distributes food at Pop-Up Pantry locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota.
[NeedHelpPayingBills](https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/) *”Find how to get financial assistance with bills as well as free items including emergency or long term help. There are local agencies that may be near you, listed below by state or program type, as well as national organizations, including charities or government social services. Everything from rent or utility bill assistance to free food, mortgage payment help, free health or dental clinics and much more is listed.”*
[findhelp](https://www.findhelp.org/) has a searchable database of Financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost help.
[LittleFreePantry](http://mapping.littlefreepantry.org/) has a searchable map with free pantry locations.
[FeedAFamily](https://near-me.store/en/food-donation-drop-box-near-me) has lists of food donation drop boxes by zip code
[MealsOnWheels](https://www.mowp.org/what-we-do/online-meal-request/) to sign up for meal delivery.
[Adults With Disabilities (AWD) Home Delivered Meal Program](https://www.ioaging.org/collaborations-elder-protection/the-adults-with-disabilities-awd-home-delivered-meal-program/) *”The Adults with Disabilities Home Delivered Meal Program is available for adults with disabilities who have no meal support and are unable to provide meals for themselves. The Program is funded by DAAS (Department of Aging and Adult Services) and administered by Institute on Aging (IOA).”*
[National Coalition For The Homeless](https://nationalhomeless.org/) has a searchable database of options.
[TravelersAid](https://www.travelersaid.org/need-help) *”uses a comprehensive approach to facilitate transportation and prevent homelessness that focuses on the individual strengths of each case in order to provide services that meet specific needs. Some agencies offer services specifically tailored for veterans, senior citizens, or families, including a range of housing options, job training, and food assistance. Travelers Aid funding, services, and hours vary, and services are provided based on available funding, eligibility, and location.”*
[SaintVincentDePaul](https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/get-help) helps with meals, rent assistance and shelter.
[usa.gov](https://www.usa.gov/) (formerly benefits.gov) has a database of free resources by zip code.
[Catholic Charities](https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/) offers assistance with housing, disaster relief, food, and much more regardless of faith.
[FullCart](https://support.fullcart.org/hc/en-us) will mail you boxes of food for free. i’ve read there is a waitlist so the sooner you sign up, the better.
[LasagnaLove](https://lasagnalove.org) will deliver a free lasagna meal
[FeedingAmerica](https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank) has a food bank searchable by zip code
[UrbanGleaners](https://urbangleaners.org/food-finder/) *”Use this food finder to locate a free public market near you, no personal information required. Bring your own bags and arrive 10-15 minutes early if possible.”*
[Dollar Tree Dinners](https://www.youtube.com/@DollarTreeDinners) *”Your home for unique and affordable recipes! I share recipes I make with items purchased specifically from Dollar Tree but the recipes I share can be replicated with ingredients from any grocery store for a very reasonable cost.”*
[southern frugal momma](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vmve31IXnG4) *”Delicious & Comforting Fall Dinners On A Budget”*
[minimum wage kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/@g2minimumwagerskitchen/videos) has some tasty looking recipes.
[super cook](https://www.supercook.com/#/menu) a site where you list ingredients on hand and it gives recipes based on that.
Check out the faith-based foodbanks also.
Keith runs a drop-in, meals, beds shelter in West Seattle at the American legion hall. If you end up there, DM me and I’ll buy you a meal.
$2, let’s see- A cheap loaf of bread or two(clearance section at Kroger here)
I would buy a bag of apples(ugly fruit section , $1/bag here would get me ~8apples).
EVEN BETTER spaghetti or rice to go with your can of tomatoes.
Chicken bouillon
Always check for a markdown section/day online first.
Then go to your local Starbucks (bonus points if there’s one in the grocery store lol) or something and see if you can get a couple packets of sugar at the drink station.
I think fresh foods have vitamins you need to also support healthy immune and brain function while you work through this stressful time. Please don’t get sick from a vitamin C deficiency and being overly stressed.
You can sweeten your oatmeal with the sugar and half an apple. Then enjoy the other half as a snack (especially if you have peanut butter). The oatmeal will keep you the fullest.
If you decide to mash your potatoes, 1 lb can be turned into 1.5 lb of solid food. Do not throw away the water you boiled it in as that will be the best to mash it with. You can make a potato soup, for possibly 5 reasonable dinner portions. If you use salt, pepper and a little sugar this will be great. Add anything to season it. See about Parmesan and crushed red pepper packets, Taco Bell hot sauce, etc.. just say your friend went thru the drive thru and forgot to ask for some packets if you need to!
Also, I would purchase chicken bouillon, it is usually less than a dollar at the supermarket (especially in a Latin aisle) and mixes great with any soup, as seasoning, and in hot water alone. Then you can make a chicken noodle soup, or seasoned rice
Drop that cashapp the crew could all chip in a dollar
The local humane society here accepts open bags of dog food and gives them to the pet owners that need food.
OP I can help. I live in Everett but work at Swedish First Hill.
mix tuna with mac and cheese. add extra cheese from fridge if available. buy an onion to put with tuna mac combo and you have a great affordable meal. Also, find a food pantry that gives beans, I love making beans and soups. I have a pot of black beans on the stove right now. big scoop of garlic, 1 chicken bullion, red pepper flakes, cumin, and white onion. smells amazing!
Over on the assistance page , you can post an amazon wishlist and we can get you other staples to help. Just ask.
For two dollars, I’d buy rice. Then I’d ask on nextdoor to see if a neighbor has any take out soy sauce packets they could donate. That would stretch what you have already.
When you have the money buy a can of granulated chicken bouillon. That is enough to add some flavor to plain rice when stretching out your food.
You are getting great suggestions on other stuff so I will focus on the food exclusively!
First, oatmeal is made just fine with water. I personally like mine with black pepper and maybe hot sauce, but you can really top it with anything. Make oatmeal your breakfast each day.
If you have any butter/margarine/oil make up a batch of the mac and cheese. Even if you don’t have enough, mix it with the powdered cheese package. It calls for milk, but water, broth, even the liquid from the can of tomatoes will do. This should make at least two decent meals.
Use the OTHER box of mac and cheese – make up the macaroni. Mix it with the two cans of tuna. If you have mayo, yay! add that. If not, you can use yogurt, sour cream, a little milk or 1/2 and 1/2 if you have it – basically anything creamy. And if you can’t do creamy, just mix it together anyway. Don’t drain the tuna too much so you have some liquid to mix. This should make maybe three meals. You could even do it with one can of tuna.
With the other tuna can, drain it a bit, mix it with the chopped tomatoes (or if they aren’t chopped, break them up, chop them up). Add whatever spices/seasonings you have. Start with black pepper. Some garlic would be amazing. Anything with lemon – lemon juice, lemon pepper, etc. You can eat this as is OR
Boil up the potatoes. I cut them into chunks so they cook evenly. Drain them. If you have any butter/milk/oil/etc. make some mashed potatoes (yummy comfort food). If you don’t have any of that, salt and pepper! Leave a teeny bit of the water in the pan so the salt and pepper stick to the potatoes. If you can spare a little drizzle of oil, this is a great place to use it.
Your tuna/tomato salad should serve two and your potatoes should make a number of servings. You can definitely stretch potatoes to get you until the next time you can get food.
I know this isn’t everyone’s first choice but you have some stuff that is filling, nutritious, and more importantly, doesn’t take any more money out of your pocket.
Wishing you the best – I hope some of the others can help you connect with resources for you and your dog!
get rice and water and make congee (recipe: https://ediblecommunities.com/recipes/the-best-congee/) – if you have chicken bouillon or powder sprinkle a little, or quickly fry scallions, ginger, or garlic in any oil in make a topping that will flavor the congee. If you have a venmo, please share. or a way to get you some dog food.
i would also reccomend buying some flour. you can make some cheap bread in a pan using just flour and water – [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH-LlgBsd08&ab_channel=CookingAtHome](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH-LlgBsd08&ab_channel=CookingAtHome) is one recipe but there are a few. flour is very cheap and you can make bread to last a while
Stop by Rainier Valley Food Bank’s Mobile Markets on Wednesday or Friday – a few blocks from the Rainier Beach light rail / on the #7 bus line. They will take good care of you. ❤️
https://www.rvfb.org/grocery-mobile-markets
Seattle Humane Society operates a pet food bank. You can get food, treats, toys, flea medicine etc. I volunteer there and it is a fabulous place. Check them out! They deliver all over the area