A sign of the times - how are some people supposed to get food?

[The Straight Story]

In a few weeks I should be getting my unemployment checks, which will help a lot. In the meantime I called the local mid-ohio food bank so I could get some groceries. In order to get food from the local pantries you have to call a place called first link to get a referral first.

The number has been busy for three days, and no one will hand out food unless you have that referral. I'd drive to the place if I could, but don't want to take the gas as I need it for interviews this week all over town (and even then I don't know that you can walk in without an appointment to fill out whatever it is I will need and not sure what all I need to take).

I have called all the local pantries I could find numbers for, and got the same story and the same number to call.

I'll find a way to work it out - but I don't know how other families can make it when it is like this.

When it is all said and done and I am on my feet again I am going to offer to answer phones and maybe even pay for a second phone line for them.

Thanks * for fucking things up so much over the last year.

Than God Obama will soon be in office, at least we have some hope.

Sorry, just had to rant.

[babylonsister]

1. Hey, SS. I'm sure you've done this but in case you haven't...

I don't know anything about Ohio, and these might not be anywhere near where you live, but worth a try.
At the firstlink link, there are e-mail addresses. Maybe you could write? Good luck. :hug:

http://www.midohiofoodbank.org/service-area/find-help

http://columbusbenefitsinfo.com/Foodpantries.aspx

http://www.firstlink.org/organization/orgDetails.php?action=showOpportunity&orgID=39650

[salvorhardin]

2. You're entitled to emergency food stamps

You may be able to get emergency food stamps (also called expedited food stamps) if:

* Your gross monthly income plus any cash that you have on hand or in the bank is less than your rent plus your utilities or
* Your gross monthly income is less than $150 and any cash that you have on hand or in the bank is less than $100.
* You earn your income from migrant or seasonal farm work and any cash that you have on hand or in the bank is less than $100.

To get emergency food stamps, go to your local DTA office. You will fill out the food stamps application and meet with a caseworker.

If you are getting emergency food stamps, DTA must give you food stamps no later than seven days after they receive your application.

Emergency food stamps are given for one month only. After that, you must fill out a full application for regular food stamps.
http://www.gettingfoodstamps.org/emergencyfs.htm

Look, I know nobody likes taking welfare. But the program is there to help people who need it. In most places you can get emergency food stamps the day after you sign up. The application process is not too intrusive, but you do have to provide ID, proof of residence, expenses and income.

To find out how to apply where you live go here: http://www.fns.usda.gov/FSP/applicant_recipients/apply.htm

[JuniperLea]

3. Anyone who has worked and paid taxes...

Deserves to benefit from these programs.

A lot of us are going to have to bite the bullet and do what needs to be done.

It's good you posted this:)

[kestrel91316]

6. Go for it, TSS. I pay taxes (granted, not a lot) and make do on very little

but I WANT my tax dollars helping people who have even less than me.

What grocery stores do you have in your area?

[The Straight Story]

8. kroger, giant eagle, wal mart are the big ones

just no income until first week of december. I did work some for a security company, but so few hours my one check was $2 and the other $13 after insurance which I need for the wife.

Things are looking up, just tough last few weeks.

[kestrel91316]

15. I think our Ralph's is part of Kroger. Hmmmmmm........

[1776Forever]

4. It doesn't make much sense that a person like you needs to wait to fill out forms to get food

but it is the sign of our times isn't it? My sister works for the Salvation Army in Ohio and she volunteers every year for help over the Holidays. She says that it is really pitiful that some people come in to them and other groups the same week and then some that needed help don't get it, so they had to set this "referral" list up.

My son, who isn't married and has no children, had a really hard time for 2 years in Florida because the services didn't want to help him out, but single people have to eat too! It just isn't families for gosh sach!

You probably all ready have, but the bread stores and the Dollar Stores have some good deals. I hope you don't think I am being facetious here because I am not. I had 5 sons I raised with a totally disabled husband in the 1970's. It was rough most of the time because we couldn't get help from the welfare because his 1st wife was on the rolls so that left my family out. If it wasn't for the help from the VA Service in our area, since my husband was a Korean Vet, we wouldn't have made it! If you are a Vet try your local VA Service Center out. They can help you too.

Blessings for the future to you and your family.

[bobbolink]

5. And this is one of the results...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=230&topic_id=3776&mesg_id=3776

Thank you for bringing this to our attention!

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

7. Another suggestion for discounted food source is

Angel Food Ministries

http://www.angelfoodministries.com/about/


Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. The program began in 1994 with 34 families in Monroe, Georgia (between Atlanta and Athens), and has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of families every month across 35 states. Angel Food Ministries crosses denominational lines and has spread the good news of the gospel of Christ through salvation tracts that are placed in each food order.

Blessings by the box
Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60. Comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing from between $42 and $78.

Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe.

[tama]

9. "Then let them eat cake" n/t

[Hydra]

10. Been there too many times

As stated further up, food stamps is probably the best way to go...although if you make any money at all, they'll cut that right out of your benefit amount.

The best thing to do is go in person and be persistent but polite, and if they are making it difficult for you, ask them to help you with the paperwork or the requirements.

They make it difficult so that you'll give up. Stay with it!

[The Straight Story]

11. Making plans on doing just that tomorrow AM (depending on job interview time)

Just need to get through about 2-3 weeks and I will be OK for a spell, and my old boss is setting me up for a great job interview making good money.

Been in and out for a spell here and will explain it all later to my friends here - I have hope, just feel like my hands are tied right now and wife is sick and in bed again and relies on me and I feel like I am letting her and baby girl down.

I feel like putting my fist in the wall, but I knew people on DU would have answers and suggestions to help.
Thank you all!

[Hydra]

12. Go for the food stamps then

You may not get it after the first time, but with a 3 person family and negative income, you should get around $250 within 7 days. By law, the people at the grocery store aren't supposed to harrass you(but some will do it subtly anyway), but just ignore it.

Good luck on the new position- I've been trying to get better work for over a year now, and finally had to stick with what I have currently. Job market dry up in my area, but the fact that you have a sponsor is big plus.

[shrike]

13. Have you tried the mainstream church pantries?

I mean, I know what DU thinks of churches, but the main denominations -- Presbyterian, Methodist, Catholic -- aren't going to evangelize you.

Some of them do have geographic restrictions: a church near me decided to focus on people who live in the contiguous three communities, so in this type of instance you'd have to bring proof, a utility bill, what have you, to prove that you live in their town. One of the biggest drawbacks, IMO, is that they are staffed by volunteers and may only be open a few times a month. Though I have heard tell of pantries being opened up in emergency situations.

[The Straight Story]

14. Called a local catholic one today (they and the Lutherans have good programs)

But all I get is voice mail, left my name and info hoping to hear more (I used to help out at a lutheran pantry back in my early 20's).

The more suggestions the merrier.

[shrike]

17. You're going to run into the skeleton crews at these places

A few old ladies, bless 'em, run these places. But keep trying, sooner or later you'll hit paydirt.

[rucky]

16. Call your state Representative.

:shrug:

[darkmaestro019]

18. You're in OH?

I don't know if you're close to Canton, but there's a church-run sort of doctor's clinic that did INCREDIBLE kindnesses to me and my partner. It's called the Total Living Center. I'm quite the queer/freaky/scary sort, and I never got a blink from them. Got me prescriptions and wisdom teeth out. We had nothing to give them but books for their "lending" library (Keep it till you don't want it, lol, more or less) and I wish to the gods I'd win the lottery so I could give them a big fat check. If you're anywhere near, ask them if they could even refer you. I believe they had giveaways for food and household supplies at least monthly, and they're all very--in it to win it, as far as sincerely assisting people, talking to old friends, etc.

I'm out of superlatives for the level of kindness I received there--and NO evangelizing, not so much as a pamphlet, with me and my boyfriend there dripping pentagrams! : )

[darkmaestro019]

19. It's me again

Seriously, http://totallivingcenter.org/ Most of the people there are real bonafide doctors, and they mostly grew up in OH and have similarly, let's say Maquis minded friends, and are willing to help on even what might look like a personal level.

Sorry DU I dunno if this breaks rules, if it does it's because I'm too lazy to read them all (ducks) and not out of disrespect : )

Just give them a call or an email, worst they can do is nothing, and again, my impression of the people there was they were out to DO what Christ did and not try to convince me what he said. I never once felt pressured or preached at, and they provided me with what I'd have to clock at several thousand dollars worth of real help. Again, I am very nonconventional looking and was clearly gay by my companion and my statements to them. My wisdom teeth were grown up into my jaw and I was taking fish tank antibiotics to keep them down (Seriously, yeah, I know, ER, meanwhile, more drama than I could afford.....)

Just ask. Be honest, ask if they know anyone around or in your area that can help. If they do they'll tell you and if they FIND somebody they'll call you and tell you then. Nicest people you'll ever meet. Anyone else reading in Akron/Canton area that needs medical help or referral for any other sort of help, try them--and if you can give them anything, please do. They need money, clothes and food for giveaways, and really good books for what I weirdly get teary over the most--their "lending" library.

They're amazing people that need to clone themselves.

No, I don't work for them. Wish I could. ; )

EDIT: To all REAL Christians, I am sorry I didn't know y 'all were like this, more often. I wish y'all would be a little louder, and replicate yourselves more often. Little bit of teasing, but seriously, all love. You saved me many months of misery and many nights of worry.

EDIT MORE: doc they got me to for wisdom teeth LISTENED to me, was not at all clipped or.........you know, did not make me feel like charity. Frankly y'all I was TERRIFIED of this and begged to be put under and he gently said No, saw your Xrays, not a problem, you'll be under. I was. Nurse/attendant/very nice lady walked me out to my car with partner, I was messed up from many drugs, ha--and in my daze I MADE my partner take me back, bang on the door, ask for the lady that helped me, and I shook her hand and thanked her for her kindness. (Not very nice for her busy schedule, but I was high as a kite and I sat down in the car and felt terrible that I did not thank, look at, and handshake this wonderful dear)

Um, my end of this ramble is: I'm in a desperate place now too. But I was then, and they helped me. Look around. ASK! I can guess that if somebody in genuine need asked for help you could provide, you would. Well, you're somebody now. Part of learning how to be part of a tribe is knowing you need help at least sometimes. And then you'll know forever after, no matter how "lucky" you get, how helpful that kindness really is, and how vital. And when you're in a lucky place you'll pass it on. Isn't that what a "tribe" is, which, is really a nongrandiose way of saying, a country?

[Zhade]

20. kick

kick