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Food, yes that basic necessity that we all need in order to survive.  Some of us know it in simple terms and there are others that know it in more expensive terms.   However you know it, you know that some of us have it in abundance and others are truly experiencing a shortage.

This post may meander a bit, but stay with me……

I love food!!!  However, cooking for a family of 4 with some food allergies and some definite food preferences on our food family budget has become more challenging.  While cruising the web, I came across this chart.  Go ahead and take a peek, I’m not going anywhere.  Imagine my surprise when I looked at the numbers and realized that we are on the thrifty food plan.  Actually, we spend a tad bit below the thrifty plan for our family and that total amount is not just on food as it also includes our toiletries and cleaning supplies.

I am not a coupon cutter because I have yet to see coupons for fresh fruits and veggies.  I purchase 3 different types of organic milk at the store and we have a lot of of organic items in our diet.  Yet, we are able to eat well on less than the thrifty plan because I c-o-o-k.  We do have a weakness for jalapeno poppers and while I could make them, I don’t so that is one of the few pre-packaged non-organic items that is allowed in the grocery cart.

So, if you are still reading, I want to know, where do you and your family fall on the USDA chart?

Are you thrifty or are you liberal? 

Have you seen the cost of food skyrocketing in your area? 

Are you finding it harder to make your food dollars stretch? 

What changes have you and your family started implementing – more ________, less _______?

I ask these questions because I really want to know.  We helped a family from church (single mom of 3) with some groceries and when you take the time to come out of your bubble, you realize, it is hard out there.  Hunger is real!!  Hunger isn’t just the images of starvation as seen in other countries but hunger is also those pangs that set in because while you had breakfast, you are not sure where or when the next meal is coming.

The reality is – food will continue to rise in cost, many salaries are frozen for this year and possibly next, but we all have to eat.  What to do?

For the month of October, a fellow gardener, is doing a Food Stamp Challenge.  Yes, I know most of us are not on food stamps but the challenge isn’t one of being on food stamps as much as it is a challenge to eat well on a food stamp budget.  I am intrigued to see how he and his friend will live off of less than $275 for the month.  It is not my reality, but it is the reality of many of our neighbors.  If it is there reality, then we all should be more aware of life outside of our own bubbles.