Government Programs And Financial Aide

[TearzaRose]

I saw in another thread that someone from the U.K. got governement assistance in buying certain foods because of his diagnosed thyroid condition.

Is there any kind of program in the U.S. to help lower income families purchase allergen free foods.

I have several allergies/intolerances and even with coupons,farmer's markets,and "deals", the bills are still increasing.

If you want to eat as healthy as possible, even if you don't have food issues, it's so expensive.

If the food isn't processed to the hilt, than it's gonna cost ya!

Anyway, anyone know of any programs or aide?

[ravenwoodglass]

There is a possibility that you might be able to deduct the cost difference between gluten free and gluten foods but the process is complicated and the best way to find out about it through a good tax expert.

You also might want to check and see if Angel Food Ministries has a branch in your area.

Also check and see if you may qualify for food stamps, they can help a lot.

You may also find changing the way you eat can save a great deal. I use little processed foods and have found I actually spend less on food when eating whole unprocessed foods.

[Roda]

If your employer and you participate in the FSA you can claim for reimbursement the difference you pay for gluten free food vs normal food. The government says that you can do it but it is up to the employer's plan as to if you can claim. I looked into it since I participate in the medical and childcare FSA and my plan won't let me claim the difference for gluten free food. Bummer.

[TearzaRose]

There is a possibility that you might be able to deduct the cost difference between gluten free and gluten foods but the process is complicated and the best way to find out about it through a good tax expert.

You also might want to check and see if Angel Food Ministries has a branch in your area.

Also check and see if you may qualify for food stamps, they can help a lot.

You may also find changing the way you eat can save a great deal. I use little processed foods and have found I actually spend less on food when eating whole unprocessed foods.

this is actually part of the problem....i DO eat mostly unprocessed foods. and as we all know, it's cheaper to eat boxed crappy processed foods, than to eat fresh unprocessed stuff.

my daughter and i go through soooo many fruits and vegetables it's ridiculous. i bought 2 lbs of grapes and it lasted 2 days. i can eat a pound of spinach a day. i eat 2-3 apples a day, a bunch of bananas lasts 2-3 days, ETC. a small bag of mini carrots lasts 2 days.

that stuff is not cheap and rarely if ever are there coupons for fruits and vegetables!

[daphniela]

this is actually part of the problem....i DO eat mostly unprocessed foods. and as we all know, it's cheaper to eat boxed crappy processed foods, than to eat fresh unprocessed stuff.

my daughter and i go through soooo many fruits and vegetables it's ridiculous. i bought 2 lbs of grapes and it lasted 2 days. i can eat a pound of spinach a day. i eat 2-3 apples a day, a bunch of bananas lasts 2-3 days, ETC. a small bag of mini carrots lasts 2 days.

that stuff is not cheap and rarely if ever are there coupons for fruits and vegetables!

If you buy frozen vs fresh vegetables it can be cheaper and cut some costs. Frozen vegetables are sometimes 10 for $10. I recently bought some frozen fruit 10 for $10. It was strawberries and blueberries. You have to watch the ads. Only buy fruit and vegetables that are in season unless you are buying frozen.

I posted a link to an article that shows you how to spend with in your food stamps and still eat gluten free. It has a shopping list and menu plan.

[lovegrov]

There's no government program subsidizing buying gluten-free food.

richard

[OptimisticMom42]

What about W.I.C. They were very helpful when my children were toddlers. My youngest was unable to digest formula (projectile vomiting) and my boys were on the small side so we qualified until age five.

Both boys are six foot tall now and the baby is 5'4". The time flew on happy wings

[Gemini]

I saw in another thread that someone from the U.K. got governement assistance in buying certain foods because of his diagnosed thyroid condition.

Is there any kind of program in the U.S. to help lower income families purchase allergen free foods.

I have several allergies/intolerances and even with coupons,farmer's markets,and "deals", the bills are still increasing.

If you want to eat as healthy as possible, even if you don't have food issues, it's so expensive.

If the food isn't processed to the hilt, than it's gonna cost ya!

Anyway, anyone know of any programs or aide?

UK is a socialist country and the food really isn't free......they pay much higher taxes than we do here in the States so have more programs for aid. Ditto for Canada. I really don't have any good news on that front and can feel your pain. It's obscene what I spend on food every week! I just keep telling myself I eat better than everyone I know and take no meds, unlike everyone else. I guess this is the pay-off for going broke on food! The only thing I could suggest is to see if you can apply for food stamps. Those are pretty restricted also but give it a try. Why not....the illegals seem to get them with no problem so why not an American Celiac?

[lovegrov]

UK is a socialist country and the food really isn't free......they pay much higher taxes than we do here in the States so have more programs for aid. Ditto for Canada. I really don't have any good news on that front and can feel your pain. It's obscene what I spend on food every week! I just keep telling myself I eat better than everyone I know and take no meds, unlike everyone else. I guess this is the pay-off for going broke on food! The only thing I could suggest is to see if you can apply for food stamps. Those are pretty restricted also but give it a try. Why not....the illegals seem to get them with no problem so why not an American Celiac?

Hmm, do I sense an agenda in here other than celiac?

richard

[Gemini]

Hmm, do I sense an agenda in here other than celiac?

richard

Hmmm...no, I'm not sure what you are getting at. I stated fact. Italy is the same way. All socialist countries have more "offerings" for the masses but it's solely due to the fact that they pay taxes at a far greater rate than Americans do so have more social programs. Personally, I like the way we do things in the States

except for the following.......

As far as my comment on illegals, that's another sad fact. I see American citizens and the elderly get shafted on help they should be receiving, all the while seeing illegals getting free medical care and food stamps. The American citizen with Celiac, on a limited income, should always get the food stamps before anyone who doesn't belong here. I do not have an agenda, just an opinion and anyone is free to disagree with me. I feel bad for those who are stretched financially because it is expensive to eat healthy. I have a good job so can afford it but that could change for me also.....in a heartbeat.

[TearzaRose]

well, i just talked to my hubby about WIC because we juuuuuuuuuuuuuust fit the requirements.

BUT, he said that it would affect our taxes in some way that we would end up not eligible for the earned income credit.

so....back to square one!

[ravenwoodglass]

well, i just talked to my hubby about WIC because we juuuuuuuuuuuuuust fit the requirements.

BUT, he said that it would affect our taxes in some way that we would end up not eligible for the earned income credit.

so....back to square one!

I don't think he is correct about that. I would check with WIC and the IRS about that. WIC is not a welfare program it is to insure that lower income pregnant or nursing women and their children have adaquate nutrition. I am almost positive it would not disqualify you for the Earned Income Tax credit but do be sure to check.

[TearzaRose]

I don't think he is correct about that. I would check with WIC and the IRS about that. WIC is not a welfare program it is to insure that lower income pregnant or nursing women and their children have adaquate nutrition. I am almost positive it would not disqualify you for the Earned Income Tax credit but do be sure to check.

oooooh-that gives me new hope.

i'll call tomorrow! thanks

[Juliebove]

Is there a Costco in your area? We started shopping there and are saving tons of money. Our diet is somewhat more limited now, but we'll just live with it for the time being. Yes, you do have to buy things in large quantities. But for most fruits and vegetables, that's fine with me!

[darlindeb25]

Hmmm...no, I'm not sure what you are getting at. I stated fact. Italy is the same way. All socialist countries have more "offerings" for the masses but it's solely due to the fact that they pay taxes at a far greater rate than Americans do so have more social programs. Personally, I like the way we do things in the States

except for the following.......

As far as my comment on illegals, that's another sad fact. I see American citizens and the elderly get shafted on help they should be receiving, all the while seeing illegals getting free medical care and food stamps. The American citizen with Celiac, on a limited income, should always get the food stamps before anyone who doesn't belong here. I do not have an agenda, just an opinion and anyone is free to disagree with me. I feel bad for those who are stretched financially because it is expensive to eat healthy. I have a good job so can afford it but that could change for me also.....in a heartbeat

Gemini...I agree, well said.

[daphniela]

well, i just talked to my hubby about WIC because we juuuuuuuuuuuuuust fit the requirements.

BUT, he said that it would affect our taxes in some way that we would end up not eligible for the earned income credit.

so....back to square one!

I do taxes for a living. WIC has nothing to do with your taxes. You can be on cash assistance and still get the earned income credit as long as you have worked for part of the year. The only qualification for the earned income credit is that you WORKED for your income and are under a certain level of income depending on whether you are married or not and have kids or not. WIC is not even counted as part of your income.

[Gemini]

Gemini...I agree, well said.

Thank you! I am not against immigration at all, if people come here and work hard to pay their legal way. I live in a state that has been heavily hit with illegal immigration and it has touched me personally so I have strong feelings about it. If this country wants to have money to become a strong nation again and have funds to help those who truly need assistance, they have to deport the ones who are not paying their fare share and don't belong here. If you don't see the effects of illegal immigration, you don't understand the ramifications. The elderly issue is near and dear to my heart so I would fight tooth and nail for them. We have to take good care of our old folks...especially those who do have celiac disease!