After paying two bills at Christmas my financial situation has got so dire I am worried about where food will come from. I have maybe 7 meals in my house (lunch/dinners) but won't get paid for 2 weeks.
My mum has already helped me out -that's how I got the 7 meals, things like spaghetti in a can to put on toast.
But I'm really really worried and I've been researching food relief services and although most are closed this time of year I can get a food basket from a church group.
The thing is I feel ridiculously guilty doing so. I look around and I have so much - but I can't afford bloody food. I can't sell anything fast enough to get me money for the food.
Is it wrong for me to get food assistance? I've tried lots of other ways to get money to buy food.
Well I just checked my bank account and it is now in a negative amount so I guess I don't feel so bad anymore. Complete panicked and balling my eyes out, but not bad.
Last edited by Snow White. : 29-12-2014 at 03:06 AM.
I hope you are able to get the assistance you need. These places are to be used in times of hardship which it sounds like you are in. Perhaps you could make a plan when you are better off to donate to the place that helped you out?
Don't feel bad about asking for help when you need it. These organisations run so they can help support people who are in difficult situations. You are totally worthy of the support.
"Recovery is something that you have to work
on every single day and it's
something that doesn't
get a day off."
I got the food hamper and a loaf of bread. They were very kind but I was very anxious. In the bag and there is chocolate which I am so grateful for but still struggle to think I'm worthy of- there was a family there with two kids they would like the chocolate more. But I guess they got their own in the bag too :)
Anyway there's a good mix of food I can stretch out for a bit and if I need it I got a list of other places that can help.
Please don't feel guilty! Food baskets and vouchers are for a whole range of people in different situations that have meant they are struggling to get food. It might be for a short while, or a long while, but everyone is equally deserving of food- and that includes some 'treats' too!
Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes but when you look back, everything is different…
you once called your brain a hard drive, well say hello to the virus.
Even though I have the food hamper now (and I'm extremely grateful) I'm still really sad and stressed about the whole situation so any kind replies to keep my head up are appreciated!
I'm really glad that you got some help, you did a brave thing that must have been difficult to reach out. I'm also very glad that you have good food in your tummy.
How about volunteering with an organisation? I'm sure they're always welcoming of anyone who would be able to put the hampers together and stuff like that? Or at a soup kitchen/similar? And I totally agree about donating food when you're able to if you feel you'd like to, even if you make a list of everything you've been gifted and slowly giving it back item by item if it would ease your mind a little.
Many people in awful economic climates need some help, lovely, there is no shame or guilt in asking for a nudge in the right direction.
You're gonna be okay, love <3
Now I'll play your ghost as my ace, whenever I'm led astray.
But I am actually good, can't help it if we're tilted.
I'm in my right place, don't be a downer.
I donated some advent calendars to my local foodbank because everyone deserves a treat sometimes and I wouldn't begrudge anyone who got it because it's my way of putting something back because I've had varying help and support whilst of ill etc.
What about planning to pay back the foodbank when you can afford it by donating regularly thus you will have more than paid back the debt owed.
When we lose twenty pounds... we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have! We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty. ~Woody Allen
Is a chocolate muffin loving glitter ball
I'm glad you got the help you needed, you deserve it just as much as anyone else.
I don't know where you live, but in the UK you can go to a Citizens Advice Bureau for financial advice, they can help you draw up a budget and can see if there are any benefits you might be entitled to. I don't know if there are similar things in other countries though.
X
Thank you all so much for your kind replies, they've helped cheer me up.
Marie I was going to do just that and donate back what they have me when I was better off :) I love the animal pictures too thank you. Unfortunately I don't have the time to volunteer with my heavy study schedule but giving the food back helps me feel better about this.
Thanks Cam that is really helpful to hear :)
Leah that's a good idea I will try and find the Australian version, but regarding benefits I don't think I'll be entitled to any as I'm studying full time but above the age of school assistance (I think)
My dad seemed displeased, as I told him of the food hamper today he said "you don't need charity". He had this same attitude when I was investigating if I was eligible for benefits.
He'll be popping in tomorrow and giving me some money which I appreciate, and so I'll try not to mention the hamper again. I really did need the food and he wasn't here to help, but money is such a contentious issue. My mum invited me to dinner to help out but I said I couldn't afford to drive there and she laughed and said 'you'll have to buy petrol some time!', of course with negative money in my account I can't buy it now!
Sorry just had to get it out. I know they're trying to be understanding.
Why would I talk to my bank? (That isn't meant to be rude I'm genuinely curious)
Well I owe him money for a car and I think the contentious-ness goes both ways because sometimes he'll ask for a payment before going on holiday saying he "needs" the money but he's really very well off, obviously as he is going on holidays. I'm not saying I'm not going to pay him back but it will take time and it's hard to hear him say he needs the money when he is doing amazing things and not paying for his car at all, etc, and I'm in the opposite boat.
I like your idea about the bank. I might call them this afternoon and just explain the situation, see what they say and make sure I don't get any further fines.
I am on a scholarship with my university, I think it's the same as a stipend (and yes it is hard to live off).
My dad has given me money but at the same time gave me a speech about not wasting it ("use this on food") and asked what happened to my money was it just poor budgeting? So it didn't feel good but ultimately I have the money. I'm playing taxi for him this afternoon too so I've got some money for that.
Ask your uni. Mine had several different funds but the main one was the hardship fund/ hardship grant. I think it was available for both grad students and undergrads but it was only there if you needed it (which I definitely believe you fit into that category) so not just everyone could dish into it. Ask around and see.Also, another thing is are you aligned to any professional groups? Could some of those help. One aligned to my profession does give out financial aid though I unsure if it gives that out to students but it's another line to enquire.
with regards to banks, I think over here it's only student bank accounts (and only certain ones) that you get the interest free overdraft but it's worth speaking to them and if need be and they do something similar you may be able to switch your account and set it in motion.
