$800 a month and still gets food pantry???

**FreesiaE** · 04-01-2008, 10:36 AM

Well, I couldn't find the debate board, so I thought I'd put this here. An article on MSN talks about changing food habits. This caught my eye:

"Columbia used to be considered inflation-proof because of its high-paying university jobs and proximity to the state capital, 30 miles away in Jefferson City.

"That's not the case anymore," she said.

Shary Auer visits the Columbia food pantry once a month to help extend the family's $800 monthly food budget. The mother of five children, ages 9 to 19, is buying more canned food instead of fresh produce. Portions are smaller around the Auer dinner table, and salads are added regularly to stretch the servings of meat and poultry. "

I personally thought that $800 was plenty for her to work with, and wondered if she needed more help with planning and shopping than just getting pantry items. I always thought that pantry items were a last resort Am I the only one who thinks this?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23882299/page/2/

**sunshine** · 04-01-2008, 10:51 AM

Well, $800 seems like an awful lot to me too -- but 5 children in those age ranges :O Milk alone would put me in the poor house.

I don't live that far from that area though -- and food prices are more reasonable here, than in many other areas of the country. I think she needs some education, and perhaps a cooking course.

**kellydoeshair** · 04-01-2008, 10:52 AM

I always thought that the food pantry was more for people who have $80 a month for food
not $800

it says she is a part time worker
and she has kids as old as 19
I hate to sound cynical
but why doesn't she work more and have the older children help out,
the youngest is 9 so there isn't anyone super young

**Dixie** · 04-01-2008, 10:59 AM

I saw that yesterday.

Sounds like she needs to find this site.

**shoiji** · 04-01-2008, 11:15 AM

Would you believe I just read this article and yes I thought the heck? So I spend or try to $150 a month on food, hba, and pet supplies. However this is only for one. But I still thought $800 was alot if it is just for food. Many of the people who go to the food pantry don't even have or make $800 a month to begin with. I'll get off my soapbox now since I can imagine the ages 9 - 19 year old kids can be basically bottom less pits when feeding.

**shortstack** · 04-01-2008, 11:19 AM

I saw yesterday and thought I read it wrong. $800 a month would feed my family of 4 for 3 months and we eat very well!

Andrea

**forHISglory** · 04-01-2008, 11:21 AM

I'm from Missouri and know that our cost of living is lower here than in many other parts of the country. Columbia and Jeff City aren't that far from me, and I can't imagine that it would take that much to feed her family.

**FreesiaE** · 04-01-2008, 11:25 AM

It sort of made me feel like "Why should I partipate in can food drives, fund raising walks, etc when her budget is bigger than anyone I know". I know there are people who really need it, so I will continue to help, but things like this can make me a bit jaded; kwim?

**Sari** · 04-01-2008, 11:29 AM

I definitely agree she could benefit with help/support on things like cooking from scratch, buying in bulk, etc. $800 is an awful lot.

**PAVallygrl** · 04-01-2008, 11:37 AM

$800 a month??!! What are they dining on Steak, Shrimp, Lobster and Caviar? Oh boy, she needs to find this site.

**Hoosier Momma** · 04-01-2008, 11:40 AM

We have a budget this month of $560 for a family of 6, which includes diapers, formula, pet food, toiletries, cleaning and paper products. We rarely go over $600 a month unless we stockpile meat or something.

I have a feeling this woman uses a lot of convenience foods and not as much cooking from scratch.

**YankeeMom** · 04-01-2008, 11:44 AM

Nationwide, a family of four on a moderate-cost shopping plan now spends an average of $904 each month for groceries, an $80 increase from two years ago, according to the USDA.

This is flabbergasting!! The national average for a family of FOUR is over $900/month??? That's almost twice what we pay to feed our family of six people and six pets! That includes eating out, hygiene products, paper products, and cleaning supplies.

That is just mind boggling. $900 a month is more than my MORTGAGE w/ taxes and insurance escrowed in!!!

**kellydoeshair** · 04-01-2008, 11:46 AM

I agree she's got to be using a lot of ready made things
and she may be giving the kids lunch money as well for school
THAT would really add up with that many kids

**frugalfriend** · 04-01-2008, 11:47 AM

"Nationwide, a family of four on a moderate-cost shopping plan now spends an average of $904 each month for groceries, an $80 increase from two years ago according to the USDA."

$904?? Are they kidding?? That can be easily slashed by $500 - $600 or more!!

**kellydoeshair** · 04-01-2008, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by frugalfriend

"Nationwide, a family of four on a moderate-cost shopping plan now spends an average of $904 each month for groceries, an $80 increase from two years ago according to the USDA."

$904?? Are they kidding?? That can be easily slashed by $500 - $600 or more!!

wow, MODERATE
I wonder what "extravagant" would be
my first car I'm betting