by Victoria Rose Perkins

Created on: April 05, 2009

Times may be tough on Wall Street, but, however you look at it, they are a whole lot worse on Main Street. As of March, 2009, there are 8.5% of people who are out of work, according to the US Deptartment of Labor. Add to that, 40 States have reported an increase for food stamp applications, with an estimated 28 million Americans already on the program.

The food stamp program is not working as well as it is supposed to. Soaring food prices are squeezing the value, making the food stamps inadequate to take care of those who so desperately need them.

Factor in those who have and are losing thier homes to foreclosures, this so-called Recession of 2008 is only two letters (d and p) away from being the Depression of 2009. And, the future looks grim in almost every area of the country. Poverty use to be restricted to the elderly and low-income families. Now, it is fast approaching middle America.

How can we survive poverty in the US? It will not be an easy row to hoe. We need to take a serious look at the past, in order for us to have a future! The Great Depression in the 1920's is a good example of how to survive poverty.

1. Folks back then never ate in restruants or fast-food places. How much money do we waste in this area? Cooking meals at home will cost far less and most times, better nutritionally.

2. If your home is nearing foreclosure, can you spare an extra room or two in our house for boarders? Rents are skyrocketing too and it can be a win-win situation if you rent out to people you know personally, for safety reasons. Family members, friends, close neighbors are a good place to start your search. Also, if you live near a college, some students are usually in need of a room.

3. Remember, when grocery shopping at the supermarkets, they still offer breads nearing expiration at half the price. Look for the rack. Bread freezes well and retains its freshness once frozen. Bread that is expiring the same day, makes excellent french toast the next day.

4. Supermarkets also offer "manager specials" for meats that are nearing expiration. These freeze well too. Do not be afraid of buying cheaper cuts of meat, if you slow-cook them, even the most toughest piece of beef, pork or chicken will tenderize automatically.

5. A growing trend is co-op vegetable gardens. Local farmers are willing to till the land and rent you a section for a small fee. Check to see if this is available in your area. Not familiar with planting? There's a ton of information online.

6. Waste not, want not.

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