Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TexasTowelie

(111,322 posts)
6. If you are fortunate enough to have the resources to store the food and cook
Mon Apr 13, 2020, 04:55 PM
Apr 2020

then yes, it is possible to survive on $6.50 a day. However, it also requires eating the same foods repetitively and stretching out the use of perishables to the farthest extent. The bread might not be turning green yet from mold, but it smells "off". And last month I got sick for four days because I ate about two-thirds of a turkey sandwich before I realized that the meat had a peculiar odor. It also pretty much eliminates having many fruits in the diet since they are too expensive relative to the cheap carbs like ramen. It also eliminates eating many snacks during the day and dealing with the feeling of hunger throughout the day. I know that I've chosen to sleep through most of the day so I wouldn't have to deal with the hunger.

$6.50 a day is completely inadequate if you don't have the ability to store food prior to consumption or have the facilities and equipment to prepare it. If you are homeless, then it is a struggle these days to find places where you can even get a hot meal each day. You can't purchase hot meals with SNAP under the current rules (although they did make an exception when Hurricane Harvey blasted through the Gulf Coast a few years ago).

At this point, we have not even taken up the issue of dietary restrictions. I'm diabetic so I tend to lean towards foods with more protein which tend to cost more than other food options. I live far enough away from the coast to eat most seafood other than canned tuna. I'm fortunate that I don't observe any religious restrictions so I don't give anything up for Lent or have to avoid pork or other items that are not kosher.

Then sometimes medical/dental issues can have an impact. I wear dentures so that pretty much eliminates eating some foods such as apples, corn, and nuts. Prior to having the oral surgery to remove all of my upper teeth I had the dentures made so I could wear them afterwards. Unfortunately, there was a screwup at the lab and the surgery was scheduled so I had the teeth removed and went without any upper teeth for three months while I healed. During that time the only things I could eat were things that were soft such as rice and oatmeal.

Yes, it's possible to get by on $6.50 a day in the right conditions and if you know that you only have to do it for a week or maybe a few months then it's possible to tough it out. If you aren't as fortunate and you have to count on $6.50 a day for years, then tightening the belt another notch becomes routine. Take it from me, I'm 6' 1" and have weighed as low as 117 pounds.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Missouri»Missouri seeking waiver t...»Reply #6