These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Count the days and meals
Write the days until more food money arrives. Check food already on hand. Count who needs meals and any medical or food-allergy needs.
2Plan around your kitchen
Choose foods you can store and prepare safely. If you have no refrigerator or cooking equipment, budget for food that works without them. Free pantry food is useful only if you can carry, store and use it.
3Write a short list and a limit
Example: $42 for seven days is an average of $6 a day for your planned purchases. That is arithmetic, not a claim that it meets every person's food needs. If it is not enough, seek food help now.
4Compare useful amounts
Look at price per ounce or pound when available. A larger package is a saving only if you can afford it and use it before spoilage. Keep SNAP purchases and cash-only items in separate totals.
5Review before the next trip
Save the receipt and note what lasted. Search the help directory for food and use the food pantry and free meals calendars; confirm details before travel.
Today: Plan the next two meals and list only what is missing.
6Build the list from meals, not just bargains
Write meals for the people and days you need to cover. Check pantry food first, then add missing ingredients. Choose an alternative if the cheapest item does not fit a food allergy, medical need or cooking setup.
Include the cost of traveling to a cheaper store. Saving $2 on food while spending $6 on extra transport costs $4 more overall. Do not buy a large package solely for its unit price if it will spoil or leave you short today.
7Try a unit-price comparison
Example: 16 ounces for $2 is 12.5 cents per ounce. A 24-ounce package for $3.60 is 15 cents per ounce. The smaller package has the lower unit price in this example.
Compare the same units and usable food. Track cash-only items separately from SNAP-eligible purchases. Use a running calculator total before checkout, and leave room for any taxes or other charges that apply to your non-SNAP purchases.
8Check the next food date before the cupboard is empty
Write the next benefit payment, pantry visit or shopping trip on your calendar. Confirm pantry eligibility, hours and transport before going. If a pantry is closed or food is unavailable, ask about a different local source; do not assume tomorrow's groceries are covered.
Use the food pantry and free-meals calendars on this site. Open the guide "Not enough money to get through the month" if the plan does not cover necessary food.
9Sources and more help
Reviewed November 1, 2026. General money education; individual circumstances differ.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tool/your-money-your-goals/toolkit/
More help like this
Was scammed or had their identity stolenUse when someone lost money to a scam, someone used their name or card, or they are getting threatening calls about money.Needs help filing taxes or getting a tax refundUse when someone needs free help filing taxes, or may get money back from tax credits even with little or no income.Behind on debts, payday loans, or getting calls from debt collectorsUse when someone is overwhelmed by debt, has payday or title loans, or debt collectors are calling or suing.Federal checks went electronic: set up Direct Express or direct depositUse when someone gets Social Security, SSI, VA or another federal payment and still got paper checks, lost a check, or has no bank account. Since Sept 30, 2025 most federal payments must go to a bank account or a Direct Express card.Money basics: choose a starting pointStart here for budgets, bills, banking, saving and debt. No paid app or bank account is needed.Not enough money to get through the monthUse when food, medicine, housing or transportation money will run out before the next payment.
See all guides in Money and benefits →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
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If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.