How New Yorkers are stretching their dollars to afford food

New York's Food Insecurity Crisis: How City Residents Are Stretching Their Dollars

The ongoing freeze on federal food assistance has left thousands of New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet, with families facing an average weekly shortfall of $205. A recent report by Robin Hood and Columbia University reveals that more than a third of adult New Yorkers and nearly four in 10 families with children require additional financial support to access basic necessities.

As Thanksgiving approaches, many are grappling with the daunting task of affording holiday meals while still paying bills. To cope, residents have resorted to resourceful strategies, from shopping at multiple stores to planning meals and reducing food waste.

"I go here, there, everywhere," said Harold Ryan, a Staten Island resident who shops at various stores to snag deals on groceries. "We live 15 minutes away in Great Kills, but we don't mind driving to 'follow where the sales are.'"

Others have adopted more frugal approaches. Registered dietitian Marty Davey recommends trying new recipes when finding cheap ingredients and using items already on hand to avoid waste. For instance, she suggested substituting canned pineapple juice for maple syrup.

One shopper, Mariette Brathwaite-Best, scans flyers for weekly deals and strategically plans her shopping trips. She also uses coupons and discounts offered by stores like BJ's and Costco.

The key to stretching dollars lies in planning ahead. By knowing what meals can be made with ingredients already on hand, shoppers can avoid impulse buys and reduce food waste. As Davey noted, "That's why God made apps on your phone."

Some residents have taken it a step further by adopting simple yet nutritious recipes that are both filling and affordable. Lentil dishes, for example, offer a protein-packed option that is also budget-friendly.

In addition to these strategies, city residents are turning to the Health Bucks program, which offers SNAP recipients $2 in coupons for every $2 spent at farmer's markets. The state has also expanded its FreshConnect program, allowing recipients to receive up to $20 weekly coupons at participating markets.

As one shopper quipped, "Eat your leftovers" – a simple yet effective way to reduce food waste and make the most of limited budgets. By embracing these resourceful strategies, New Yorkers can navigate the challenges of food insecurity and enjoy a more affordable holiday season.

It's wild to think about how we're all just trying to survive in this crazy world, right? I mean, who needs Thanksgiving dinner when you've gotta decide between eating or paying bills? It's like, what even is the point of having money if it's not gonna put food on the table?

And have you ever stopped to think about how our relationship with food is kinda messed up? We're always being told to eat more, produce more, consume more... but what about when we just can't afford it? It's like, we're supposed to be these self-sufficient supermoms and dads, but really we're just winging it because the system's broken.

I guess that's why people are getting creative with their shopping strategies – they're finding ways to make do with what they have, instead of giving up. And hey, if a little bit of resourcefulness can mean the difference between having dinner and going hungry, then I say cheers to that!

I feel so bad for all those families struggling to make ends meet . It's crazy how one federal freeze can affect so many people's lives. I think it's awesome that they're getting creative with their shopping, like Harold Ryan - who needs to drive 15 minutes just for a good deal? And Marty Davey's idea about using what you already have is genius! Like, why buy new when you've got stuff at home that'll still taste great?

And can we talk about how cool it is that there are programs like Health Bucks and FreshConnect to help make food more affordable? It's not just about cutting costs, but also about access to healthy food. I wish everyone could enjoy a delicious meal without worrying about breaking the bank .

But seriously, this report made me realize how much we take for granted when it comes to food prices. As Thanksgiving approaches, let's all try to be a little more mindful of our spending and support each other in making ends meet . Maybe we can even start a community potluck where everyone brings their favorite dish - that way, no one has to worry about affording a whole meal .

I feel so bad for all those families in NYC who are struggling to afford basic necessities like food . It's crazy to think that 1/3 of adults and 4/10 families need extra help just to get by. I mean, who can't relate to stretching a dollar and finding ways to save? From shopping around for deals to cooking up lentil dishes, people are getting creative .

I'm loving the idea of using apps to plan meals and reduce food waste – it's like having a personal chef (minus the high price tag) . And those Health Bucks coupons? Game-changer! The fact that the state is expanding programs like FreshConnect shows they're trying to help, which is awesome.

I'm also really proud of all these resourceful New Yorkers who are finding ways to make do on a budget. It's not about going without, it's about being smart and making choices that work for them . And hey, "Eat your leftovers" – I'm totally gonna start doing that more often .

just saw that the NYC homelessness crisis is getting worse another 500 people are living on the streets, with no shelter in sight. its heartbreaking to think about families having to choose between paying bills or buying groceries meanwhile, all these ppl r strugglin to afford basic necessities cuz of the federal food assistance freeze

I'm not sure about all this 'eat your leftovers' business... sounds like a great idea in theory, but what about people who can't afford to cook or meal prep? Like those struggling with food insecurity already? How do they manage to make ends meet and still have energy to cook? And what about fresh produce, some of which is super expensive even for 'average' people. Is that really something that's feasible on a tight budget? Need more info before I fully buy into this 'strategies' thing

can u believe how hard it is 4 ppl 2 afford basic necessities let alone a decent meal?? i feel bad for those families havin 2 drive around 2 find deals or get creative w/ recipes like makin lentil dishes & usin old ingredients to avoid waste. the health bucks program sounds like a game changer tho! give ppl some extra $ 4 grocery shopping, maybe it can make a big diff in their lives.

OMG u guys I'm literally so frustrated hearing about ppl in NYC having to stretch their dollars just to afford basic groceries like $205 a week is CRAZY they need help ASAP the Health Bucks program sounds AMAZING btw who knew getting coupons for farmer's markets could make such a difference u know what would be even better tho if there was more food options available in affordable prices?

Ugh, who needs Thanksgiving dinner when you can just have rice and beans for a week ? I mean, it's not like anyone is really struggling here... thousands of families needing extra financial support to access basic necessities . Yeah, because shopping around like Harold Ryan's crazy shopping spree isn't already stressing people out enough . And who needs coupons and discounts when you can just use your phone apps like Marty Davey said? I mean, come on, some people have actually figured out how to stretch their dollars... maybe they should start a YouTube tutorial or something . But hey, at least we've got the Health Bucks program and FreshConnect to help those in need . And let's be real, who doesn't love eating leftovers? It's not like it's going to kill anyone (unless you're allergic to boredom ).

It's crazy how some people have to drive 15 minutes away from their homes just to find deals on groceries . I mean, I've heard of people having to choose between paying bills or buying food, it's not right that they're having to go through that.

I think the key is for people to plan ahead and make a budget, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving when everyone expects to be fed. Using coupons, shopping at farmer's markets, and cooking simple yet nutritious meals can really help stretch dollars.

I also love how some people are just being resourceful, like using canned pineapple juice instead of maple syrup . It's all about finding ways to make do with what you have and not breaking the bank.

I'm low-key worried about this food insecurity crisis in NY . Like, $205 is a lot for one week, you feel? I've been following some of these hacks from people like Marty Davey and it's wild how simple they are . Using coupons, meal planning, and getting creative with cheap ingredients can actually make a huge difference . And I love the idea of the Health Bucks program – who wouldn't want more coupons for farmer's markets?

People are starving in our world while we're eating like kings . It's heartbreaking. I'm all for trying to make ends meet but it shouldn't be this hard.

I feel so bad for all those families struggling to afford food , especially during Thanksgiving . I mean, who hasn't had to get creative with leftovers like "Eat your leftovers" joke? But seriously, it's heartbreaking to hear that many are having to make tough choices just to put food on the table.

I think what's interesting is how people are coming together and finding ways to support each other. I've seen so many amazing examples of community on social media, like food banks and potluck dinners . And it's great to see organizations like Robin Hood and Columbia University doing their part to address this issue.

For me, the key to stretching dollars is just being mindful of what you're buying and planning ahead . Like that registered dietitian Marty Davey said, knowing what meals can be made with ingredients already on hand is a total game-changer. And let's not forget about apps like Flipp that help you find sales and coupons .

It's crazy to think that some families are having to make a choice between paying their bills or buying groceries . It just goes to show how much we need to support our most vulnerable neighbors during the holidays .

I feel so bad for people struggling with food insecurity in NYC . It's crazy that some families are having to stretch their dollars so thin. I mean, who has time or energy to constantly hunt for deals and coupons? I think the city needs to do more to support its residents, like increasing funding for programs that help with groceries and housing.

I'm actually kinda impressed by how creative people are getting when it comes to saving money on food . Using up leftovers, making lentil dishes... those are some genius ideas! But at the end of the day, it's still just not fair that people have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.

I'm all for community-driven solutions, like the Health Bucks program . Giving SNAP recipients a boost by buying fresh produce from farmer's markets is a great way to promote food access and sustainability. We should be investing more in initiatives like this, not just throwing money at the problem without a plan .

the whole government is just gonna let people struggle with food insecurity because it's easier that way meanwhile ppl r gettin creative & resourceful like they shoulda 4cld from the start... those $2 coupons from health bucks r not a lot, but its somethin and lentil dishes r actually pretty delish so lets not knock it till we try it... i mean who needs fancy turkey dinner when u can have a hearty lentil stew instead?

Man I feel so bad for those people struggling with food insecurity . It's crazy how something as basic as access to groceries can be a challenge in a city like NYC that's supposed to have it all. I mean, who hasn't had a day where they're trying to make ends meet and just want to be able to afford a decent meal?

I think what really gets me is how people are having to get creative with their shopping strategies because the system is failing them. Going from store to store, using coupons, planning meals... it's all just so extra . But at the same time, I'm also impressed by people like Marty Davey who are trying to make a difference through her work and shared tips.

I think if we could just get some more support for our food assistance programs, maybe people wouldn't have to resort to these strategies . And it's not just about food insecurity, it's also about the mental health benefits of being able to afford basic necessities. It's a tough situation all around, but I'm hopeful that we can find ways to make things better for everyone.

It's crazy how food insecurity is affecting so many people in NYC . I mean, who wouldn't want to save $205 per week? It's not just about shopping at different stores or using coupons, it's about being super resourceful with what you already have . Like, did you know you can make a decent lentil dish for like, 50% cheaper than buying pre-cooked stuff? Mind. Blown.

I think the key is planning ahead and making smart choices when shopping . And it's not just about saving money, it's also about eating healthy and reducing food waste . I'm definitely gonna try some of these recipes and tips out for myself. It's all about being smart with your dollars and making the most of what you have .

It's also cool that there are programs like Health Bucks and FreshConnect helping people access affordable food options . We should be commending those initiatives instead of just talking about it .

I'm seeing how crazy it is that people have to get creative with their grocery shopping just because of a freeze on federal food assistance . It's not just about saving money; it's about making ends meet and accessing basic necessities. The fact that they're using apps, coupons, and planning meals ahead of time shows that people are really willing to adapt.

I also love the simple yet effective tip "Eat your leftovers" . It's amazing how something as simple as being mindful of food waste can make a big difference in someone's budget. And it's great that there are programs like Health Bucks and FreshConnect helping out SNAP recipients access affordable groceries at farmer's markets.

The stats are wild too – over 30% of adult New Yorkers and nearly 40% of families with kids need extra financial support. It's no wonder people are getting resourceful and finding ways to stretch their dollars . But it's also a reminder that our food system is broken, and we need to do better to support our most vulnerable neighbors .

ppl r strugglin hard 2 afford food rn $205 a wk is a lot 4 a fam 2 make ends meet i feel 4 them whos gotta plan meals & reduce waste they're just tryna survive hope they get some help soon

the thing is, when times get tough, people get creative . it's not just about finding ways to stretch your dollars, but also about being intentional with what you have. planning ahead, making do with what you've got on hand - that's the key. and let's be real, food waste is a major issue here - every bit counts! so instead of writing it off as 'inevitable', why not see it as an opportunity to get creative? try new recipes, make the most of leftovers... the possibilities are endless!