To go back even further, my parents used to tell stories from the Depression about *rent parties*. The people who needed rent money would make a huge pot of spaghetti, everyone who could would bring something and there was a jar for the rent. If you could put something in, you did. If you had nothing, you could still come and eat.
For those looking to stretch their money as far as possible, try Aldi’s. It looked to me like small canner lines. The expiration dates were all good, sometimes 18 months out for beets or potatoes. The paper goods are perhaps one step down from Sam’s Members Mark line, but as cheap as you’ll find...TP starting at about .40/roll, for example. Some items were the same as Walmart, others matched brand name sales in other stores in the area that week. Some were obviously good deal special purchases. Produce was so-so; price and quality is much better at one of the local grocery stores. But for canned goods and paper and cleaning aids like vinegar, it was as cheap and as good for the price as I have seen. No bags, a refundable quarter for the cart and, since I was told it was cash only, that’s what I did, but I saw some state subsidy cards being used. I will go back, now that I have an idea of their inventory and prices. I will also try and check out the specials when I have a chance. Mostly frozen dinner items, like pizza, but maybe 1/3 off the discount grocery stores. I think they are owned by the same people who own Trader Joe’s.
Sorry for the double. Hiccups,
http://www.angelfoodministries.com/
Angel Food Ministries
You can get a box of groceries to feed a family of 4 for a week for 30.00. They buy in such volume that they can provide about 65.00 worth of food for the 30.00 price. A friend of ours who volunteers there says there are no applications or checks, anyone can purchase. She said many of the members of her church buy from the ministry and use the savings to help others. They donate the money they save to other outreach ministries.
There's another good one my son loves - use macaroni. He used to call the chopped up hamburger "little meatballs." Garlic salt and salted butter is the key. Unfortunately, I am salt-restricted now.
We live too far from everything. It would cost a lot to drive down to Phoenix - I don't particularly care for Sam's Club.
If you have a sunny window, you can grow tomatoes inside. Kind of messy but... I've also grown beets in the house during the wintertime.