July Food Stamp Challenge — Day Thirteen, Alternative Food Sources

by Katy on July 13, 2011 · 17 comments

Pizza dough in the Cuisinart, toppings in the tiffin and a mess of shredded cheese make for a rather delicious meal. Easy, fast, cheap and yummy. A perfect combination.

Today is day thirteen of the July Food Stamp Challenge and the day flew by without a hitch. (That’s right, I had no Clif issues.) I did get taken out to lunch by my father, but in return I treated him to dessert at a food cart using a free-because-I-had-credit-from-all-my-wonderful-readers Groupon. (He treats me to lunch now and then, and I’m always happy to accept. 😀 )

I was going to serve chicken soup with dumplings for dinner, as I have some in the freezer, (and because it was downright chilly in Portland today) but my husband requested homemade pizza. We are hosting a British soccer coach for the week, and we want to make meals special. Luckily, this is an extremely frugal meal as I buy the toppings and cheese directly from the Papa Murphy’s down the street. I buy a half serving of pepperoni and half serving of sausage crumbles for a buck, and then buy 24 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese for an additional $2! Add in that I can bring my own packaging, and I’m a happy non-consumer. (Although I did forgot to bring a container for the cheese, but you can see that my Goodwill tiffin works great for the toppings.)

As an aside, the salad was made with fresh lettuce from our wheelbarrow garden. So buttery delicious.

In case you were thinking that this is an isolated opportunity, I also buy our sushi condiments directly from a nearby restaurant. Again, I bring my own container, and ask for “$2 worth of pickled ginger and wasabi.” It’s enough to get us through three meals, and seems to have an infinite shelf life in the refrigerator.

I haven’t really explored buying food beyond these two restaurants, but I’m sure other businesses would be open to something similar. (Maybe ice cream cones? I always hate how they’re packaged in styrofoam.)

Have you ever gone this route and bought directly from a restaurant? Ever tried and been turned down? Please share your stories and thoughts in the comments section below.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”

 

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July Food Stamp Challenge — Day Twelve, Stymied by Clif

by Katy on July 12, 2011 · 67 comments

Today is day twelve of the July Food Stamp Challenge and I’ve hit a bit of a roadblock. I have already alluded to how my husband is not so, well let’s just say super keen to be participating in yet another food stamp challenge. So far he’s been pretty good about staying away from buying food, (I told him I would do all the grocery shopping and cooking for the month, which hello . . . is a bitchin’ deal for him!) He was even okay about coming directly home after yesterday’s Timbers game to eat rather than stopping for a slice of pizza. But today my husband (bless his heart) stopped in at New Seasons and picked up a six pack of beer and a zillion Clif bars. $31.76 worth to be precise. This was after I had planned a lovely, yet inexpensive meal of burritos made with homemade tortillas, slow cooked pinto beans and multiple topping choices. (Many of which were the very last of the 4th of July cut up veggies from my mother’s barbecue.)

I had known my husband wanted to pick up some beer, as we’re hosting another British soccer coach for the week, but the Clif bars kind of pissed me off. Okay, they royally pissed me off. So much so, that I gave brief thought to pretending it hadn’t happened and simply not adding it to the month’s total.

I guess a little background information is in order. My husband works in emergency services, works twelve hour shifts and does not have access to a microwave. This limits what he can bring for meals, and he relies on Clif bars. (He also brings sandwiches and fruit.) But I wish he’s told me he wanted them, which would have given me a chance to figure out an alternative.

I know that if my husband and I were truly trying to eek by on a food stamp budget, we’d probably be having this kind of conflict on a frequent basis. (My husband does not like financial limitations.)

What would you do? Do you have a granola bar recipe to share? Please, I need your help!

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”

 

 

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July Food Stamp Challenge — Day Eleven, A Photo Essay

by Katy on July 11, 2011 · 12 comments

Today is day eleven of the July Food Stamp Challenge, and I thought I would treat you to a photo essay of the ways in which I am (as always, but especially this month) working to keep food expenses down.

These strawberries were leftover from my mother's 4th of July barbecue. They were starting to go soft, so I sliced and froze them. They can now sit in the freezer until needed.

I am keeping a fresh supply of chilled tap water on hand, both for pouring, and in grab-and-go bottles. Note that the glass bottle is just from some Tazo tea that my husband bought awhile back. I prefer to drink from glass, and these are surprisingly sturdy.

These American cheese slices are from the stash of food my sister brought down from Seattle before moving to Manhattan. They are just as disgusting as you imagine. However, my son has used a couple of them in sandwiches.

This is for all you coupon-haters out there. We buy "Dave's Killer Bread" at the outlet a dozen loaves at a time. There are always coupons to be found, which bring the price down from $4.50 a loaf to around $1.50 a loaf.

I bought this vintage Crisco jar at a garage sale the other day for $1. I love glass storage for dry goods, as it keeps the buggies out and is visually pleasing. I am a huge fan of keeping food visually available, otherwise I tend to forget what I have. I especially like the pebbly glass.

Don't you love the vintage lid? I love old graphics.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”

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Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America — A Book Giveaway

by Katy on July 10, 2011 · 77 comments

Today is day ten of the July Food Stamp Challenge, and I think it’s high time for a book giveaway. And not just any book, but Barbara Ehrenreich’s classic 2001 Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America. This book chronicles the author’s social experiment to bring light to the challenges faced by America’s working poor. PhD educated Ehrenreich spent a year working as a waitress, hotel maid, cleaning woman, nursing home aide and Wal-Mart clerk.

When I wrote of how we judge one another’s food choices, (whether or not the buyer happens to be receiving food stamp benefits) the comments received ran the full gamut. Everything from:

“The sickening foods piled high in TWO grocery baskets of some people made me want to walk up to them and hit them with a bag of fresh apples.”

To:

“I work with low income families and I would add that many low income folks do not have proper cooking facilities or tools to cook with. Yes, it is easy to make pancakes from scratch, but if you have no griddle, measuring cups, storage containers or physical space to put the items in, then ready made stuff is easier.”

None of us can tell what is person is going through by looking at their appearance, or even looking at their grocery cart.

This book, (which I highly recommend) is a fascinating and well written peek into the struggles that Americans face when working full time (and often more) at minimum wage.

To enter to win this book, (which was a $1 garage sale find 😉 ) write a little something about how you stretch your hard earned dollars in the comments section below. I will randomly choose a winner Wednesday, July 13th at 9 P.M., PST. U.S. Residents only, one entry per person.

Good luck!

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”

 

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July Food Stamp Challenge — Day Nine, Embrace Your Inner Food Mooch

by Katy on July 9, 2011 · 33 comments

I would not describe myself as particularly religious, but I was pleased to accept this "Saint Cupcake" into my life.

Today is day nine of the July Food Stamp Challenge and today I want to shine a light on how great it is to be the person that people feel comfortable leaving food with.

I tend to find myself on the receiving end of leftover foodstuff from friends, family and neighbors. And it’s not because they think we’re in the midst of a financial crisis, but because they know we hate food waste and find no offense in the offer. It’s hard to pinpoint how this came to pass, as there was never a specific moment when I said, “I am pleased to accept your food.” But it’s a good place to be.

My sister Jessica just moved from Seattle back to New York City, and before getting on the airplane, she drove down for one last hassle-free trip to Portland. And because she knows I am not one to turn my nose up at half empty bottles of barbecue sauce, she loaded up a couple bags of food from her fridge and pantry. It was a hodge-podge of odd food items ranging from tea bags, rice and blueberries, (yay!) to bottles of Manishewitz wine. (blegh!)

I took it all.

My sister easily could have dumped this stuff with a neighbor, but felt like they would find the offer strange.

My odd assortment of Seattle munchies.

Then, my neighbor Summer knocks on the door bearing not one, but four tiny leftover-from-her-daughter’s-birthday-party Saint Cupcakes in exchange for scallions. (I did possess a few wilted scallions in the fridge to exchange, but would have bought a fresh supply were this not the case.)

And of course, my mother sent me home from her 4th of July barbecue with watermelon, potato salad, corn on the cob and leftover bean salad.

I am not suggesting that you walk up to your neighbors and announce, “I am the type of person who is happy to accept your leftovers,” (Robot voice optional) but you can certainly do you part get this culture of sharing started.

Have a watermelon that’s beyond your family’s appetite? Cut it in fourths and share the bounty. Bumper crop of zucchini? Distribute them to one and all. And last of all, when a baking round has left you with more cake than you should be left alone with, slice off a few slabs and bring them to your neighbors.

And finally, be gracious about all offers. Perhaps even take a classy photo of yourself enjoying the proffered food item:

Manishewitz wine? Om nom nom!

Would you feel comfortable accepting other people’s leftover food? If no, why not? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below. And of course, you should take a look at Jonathan Bloom’s Wasted Food website to explore the in-depth issues related to food and waste.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use up wear it out, make it do or do without”

 

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July Food Stamp Challenge — Day Eight, Life Goes On

by Katy on July 8, 2011 · 20 comments

Although this month is dominated by the July Food Stamp Challenge, it’s actually pretty much life as usual here at casa Wolk-Stanley. We go to work, hang out and run our errands. But we’re doing this with an uber-focus of making sure to not spend too much money on food.

Just yesterday I needed to venture to downtown Portland to bring our iMac notebook computer in to the Apple store to get some warranty work done. Going downtown is kind of a pain in the tuchus, so I decided to bring my 13-year-old son and make a day of it. I knew the Apple store would validate our parking, and was pleased to see that it was for a full two hours. (But let me back up here and share that before even leaving the house, I made sure that neither my son nor I were hungry, and that we brought a snack, (apples) and bottles of tap water.) I also had a coupon from the Chinook Book for a free pair of socks from the Keen store, when accompanied by a receipt for Keen shoes. Luckily, my husband chooses to wear Keen shoes for work, (which his employer reimburses him for) so I tucked the coupon/receipt into my purse.

First stop was the Apple store, which was crazy busy. I asked an employee, and apparently store-being-mobbed is their day-as-usual. (No recession for MacIntosh!) We didn’t have to wait too long, and were entertained by watching the members of the Club America soccer team, (who were in town to play The Portland Timbers) gobbling up iPads. This was very exciting for my son, who is a huge Portland Timbers fan. Unfortunately, he was feeling very shy and was unwilling to ask for an autograph or even a photo with the players. And he most definitely did not want his mother asking for him. He did finally condescend to allow of picture of himself with a few players in the background:

See those those guys in yellow? They're soccer players from "Club America."

Computer issue now taken care of, we set a brisk pace to walk over to the Keen store in the fancy-schmancy Pearl District for my free socks. I suppose this may seem odd, but I only go downtown every couple of years. It’s not that it’s particularly far from the house, but there’s usually no reason to go there. Enjoyable neighborhoods provide everything I need and want, so it’s always kind of otherworldly to go there, as it is definitely a grittier side of the city I choose to live in. However, I did force my son to take a photo of me drinking from a Benson Bubbler, as there was an Oregon Food Bank truck in the background. (Free water and relate it to the food stamp challenge? Excellent!)

Mmm . . . municipal source water.

I would guess that we walked a mile and a half, which was enjoyable as the weather was mild and the company good. The employees at the Keen store were super friendly and even gave me the elastic and plastic pieces that I need to fix my husband’s sandals. And when I asked to get a photo, posing with the normally $16.95 socks, I got this stunner:

Somebody's mother is super embarrassing.

Free socks in hand, we hoofed it back to the parking garage, where we made it out in under two hours to score the free parking. We then drove over to N.W. Portland, (while munching our apples) and stopped in to the William Temple House thrift store. I found a free parking spot directly in front of the store. (Truly, a divine miracle.) I chose this thrift shop, as I was in possession of a $20 gift certificate leftover from Christmas. I quickly found a brand new pair of super cute $120 shoes marked at $8, (which are currently attempting to be sold on Craigslist) as well as a small lidded Pyrex dish marked for $1.50. I could have stayed much longer, (this store is in a trendy area and gets fantastic donations) but my son was not in the groove and thus was begging to leave.

Last stop was Grand Central Bakery, where we scored a free large decaf mocha. This local chain of bakeries tweets out a freebie at least four days a week, and I keep a close eye on them as they’re usually quite generous. Finally, I got a happier picture of my son:

Big ol' free mocha . . .yum!

The day was really fun, and having a goal of spending no money made it guilt-free. There is no reason why having a small or even nonexistent budget should limit your fun. Use your imagination and take advantage of the opportunities within your community.

Embrace your frugality and have fun with it!

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”

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July Food Stamp Challenge — Day Seven, Judgement Day

by Katy on July 7, 2011 · 84 comments

The following is a reprint of a post I wrote for last year’s Food Stamp Challenge. The issue of food judgement is very interesting to me, and if you feel that you’re immune to it, I dare you to watch even one short clip from Extreme Couponing. (But you’re likely to watch more than one because it’s like a car accident — you just can’t look away!)

Click here to read last year’s post, as it garnered 80+ comments which were quite fascinating. And while you’re at it, click here to join The Non-Consumer Advocate Facebook group.

Today is day nine of the July Food Stamp Challenge, and I want to address issues of food judgment. You may say, “Oh no, I would never judge other people’s food choices!” but I beg to differ. We all do it. I certainly do it. I notice when people who seem to be struggling financially are buying bottled water, junk food or cases of beer. It’s not something that I’m proud of, but it’s hard not to notice the world around you.

I wrote about my grocery shopping trip a few days back and received this comment from a reader:

“I am inclined to ask the same question as Molly on Money (who asked  ‘Do you feel the quality of the food your buying has gone down with this challenge?’) about the quality of your food. One of the problems today is the overconsumption of processed foods and their “cheapness” being a drawing card to those of limited means. Chips, cereal and deli ham are all pretty poor choices…and you can see why the health of those on food stamps may be at risk. Certainly those items could be part of your “do without” mantra…even if you are experimenting with food stamps.”

Readers were quick to defend me, and I feel that this reader’s comment struck a nerve because it brings up an issue that no one wants to admit to. We look at each other’s food choices and judge one another. We notice what’s in each other’s grocery carts, and modify our own behavior when when we’re not alone. (Have you ever noticed how a group of people will only eat a small amount of sweets, and then that last cookie on a plate never gets eaten?) Our first lady, Michelle Obama has even taken on the challenge of addressing our nation’s growing epidemic of childhood obesity. She judges.

So is this bad? Was my purchase of a large amount of fruit and vegetables completely undone by a bag of “guacachips” and a pound of lunch meat?

If I truly felt defensive and private about my family’s eating habits, then I wouldn’t be putting it in the internet for all the world to see. I certainly asked for it.

I am not a perfect eater. I veer towards sweets, and have a tendency to eat more than I should. I’m not a dieter, and actually feel pretty good about my body. I think I can be healthy and attractive without being gaunt. I did secretly weigh myself at the beginning of this challenge, because I was curious whether I would lose or even gain any weight.

Of course, the issues of weight and healthy eating are not one and the same. One does not denote the other.

I am not perfect, but I do try and serve healthy meals and to provide opportunities for healthy snacks for my family. I also provide special treats like chips or pretzels in school lunches, an occasional box of sugar cereal or a hot dog when we go to Costco. There’s always fruit in the kitchen, and a big green salad with dinner. Our bread is whole wheat and the only drinks available are water, milk or orange juice.

So go ahead and judge, we all do it. It’s not a great thing, but it’s far from the worst. I dare you to try to ignore other people’s grocery purchases, it’s not easy.

Do you feel that you judge other people’s food choices? Are you more likely to notice what a person is buying when they’re using food stamps? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”

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July Food Stamp Challenge — Day Six, Money Spent So Far

by Katy on July 6, 2011 · 6 comments

Raspberries in my garden.

Today is day six of the July Food Stamp Challenge, and so far, we’re doing okay. Not great, but not terrible either. We’ve spent $93.77 so far. My mother sent me home with tons of leftover food from her 4th of July barbecue, which she would have done whether or not I was doing the Food Stamp Challenge. Logically, we should only be at $71.19, (which is the $404, divided by 31, multiplied by four and then multiplied by 6.) This amount may sound high, our cupboards and fridge are very full and I do not see us needing to do any big grocery shopping for at least a week.

The only time so far we’ve veered from our normal routine has been when my 13-year-old son wanted to make a cheesecake and I vetoed the idea, as that much cream cheese would tip the scales.

7/01/11 — $48.57 (Big grocery shopping at Safeway)

7/03/11 — $36.70 (This was when we ate out with a coupon)

7/04/11 — $5.91 (Buying food to bring to a 4th of July barbecue at my mother’s house)

7/04/11 $2.59 (A gallon of milk at New Season’s Market)

Tonight for dinner I plan on serving sushi, made with shrimp and random bits of leftover vegetables. I already have all the ingredients, and plan on assembling enough to provide ample leftovers. Our raspberries are producing, and my lettuce is finally big enough to harvest.

I look forward to being able to make a large financial donation to The Oregon Food Bank when the month is over.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”

 

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July Food Stamp Challenge — Day Five, Saving Money

by Katy on July 4, 2011 · 31 comments

Although I set the budget at $101 per person per month for the July Food Stamp Challenge, many people receive much, much less. (A reader just commented about a friend who was getting $16 per month!) In fact, I would be surprised if most food stamp recipients weren’t spending out of pocket to pay the difference between their allotment and how much they actually needed to feed their families.

Which is why it’s important to save money in every category of your life.

It makes no sense to be scrimping and saving at the grocery store, yet be shelling out the big bucks when it comes to gift giving or pricey vacations. Don’t get me wrong, I am all about saving money where it doesn’t matter in order to make it available for what does, but if you’re having a hard time pulling together money for food, it’s time to balance your spending.

I have a number of favorite money saving methods, (really, they’re more mindsets than they are methods) that have saved me thousands of dollars through the years, such as:

  • Exclusively using my library for my reading needs. I can’t remember when I last bought a book, yet I always have something to read. Libraries rock. Period.
  • Using my clothesline to dry my laundry and always washing in cold water.
  • Keeping my entertainment free or almost free. I am just as happy seeing a second run movie as I am seeing it when it’s brand new. $8.75 vs. $2? No contest here.
  • Buying gifts at thrift stores. I buy ahead of time, and am rarely left scrambling at the last minute.
  • Be both a borrower and a lender. Get to know your neighbors and offer to lend out what you have and ask to borrow in return. Tools, food, equipment, whatever. Create a community of sharing.
  • Batch errands. If I have to drive to a certain neighborhood, I make sure to make the most of the trip. Then I’m not having to drive more than necessary. Huge gas and time saver!
  • Bring your lunch to work. Always.
  • Make a decision that you do not need to own the best of the best. It’s okay to not have all your possessions be top of the line. An older TV works just fine and last year’s fashions are completely functional.
  • Be willing to entertain inexpensively. Your guests are probably happy to go potluck, and no one really cares about what wine you serve.
  • Own less. I don’t own a lot of clothing, but it’s always enough.
  • Be willing to make many tiny efforts. I save a nickel when I bring my own reusable bags to the store and I water my plants with the dregs of our water bottles. It all adds up.
  • Find inspiration. Read books, talk to people you admire and observe the world around you. Stay away from people who make you feel bad about your lifestyle and financial decisions.

Have anything to add? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”

 

 

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July Food Stamp Challenge — Day Four, Eating Out

by Katy on July 4, 2011 · 3 comments

Today is day four of the July Food Stamp Challenge, and we experimented with eating out last night. I am 100% aware that food stamps do not cover restaurant meals, but I could not stand the idea of going the entire month of July without eating out. I had noticed that my favorite Mexican restaurant had been added to Restaurant.com, which sells $25 gift certificates for $10, and almost always has a promotion going where you can buy them for $2. (Of course, you have to spend $35, and an 18% tip of the original price is added onto your bill.)

I worked yesterday, as did my 15-year-old son, so we decided to use the gift certificate and enjoy a night off from cooking. Unfortunately, this was one of those situations where the idea is better than the actuality. Everyone in the family ordered $12.95 chimichangas, (which I think are disgusting — deep fried burritos? Blegh!) and even though I chose a $8.95 entree, we went way over the $35 that I was trying to stay under. So all said and told, with 18% tip added, the bill came to $36, which is no bargain.

Frugal fail.

We did leave with loads and loads of leftovers, (in my own container, which I remembered to bring — points for that!) but I think our eating out is finito for the month of July. And we are going to have to concoct some mightily cheap meals to stay under $404 for the month.

I hope you weren’t hoping for helpful information today, because all I’ve got is a cautionary tale.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”

P.S. Happy Fourth of July!

 

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