r/Assistance • u/MakoasTail REGISTERED • 21d ago
REQUEST FULFILLED My children need food, my wife needs medicine
I could use a little hope, my children have no food (1 and 4 years old) and my wife is about to run out of her seizure medication (that’s the part that scares me). Never thought I would be here and feel like I’ve failed my family. We think her medication costs about $80. Any food at all would be life changing.
I work a full time job and try to do what I can before and after work from sunrise til midnight but $800 (net) bi-weekly doesn’t do much for a family of 4 as the only income. We don’t have any other support. Every account is empty, every credit card is maxed out. I applied for food stamps on Thanksgiving but it could take 30 days to hear back. As a last resort I signed up this week for Uber and DoorDash delivering food after work but so far have either gotten $0 or less than $5 on people ordering a single box of fries at midnight. I’ve exhausted my plan B, plan C, etc and am trying to keep pushing through but tired and low on options. I just need my kids to be ok until I can make ends meet.
We would be very deeply grateful for anything to help get by until the next paycheck.
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u/fund-me 20d ago
Sent op $150, only sharing so others help accordingly
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 20d ago
Again thank you so much ! I wish I could articulate a real reply but I’m still speechless.
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u/jereedejanae REGISTERED 20d ago
You’re a literal Angel ❤️So nice what you do for the people in this sub
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u/turkeyisdelicious REGISTERED 20d ago
Thank you for helping op and his family out. Faith in humanity restored. 💙🫶🏼✨
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u/bl00is 21d ago
Call the company that makes her medication and ask for help. They have programs/departments for these situations. Also try Mark Cubans pharmacy. Best of Luck to your family 💕
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 21d ago
Why didn’t I think of that !? Thank you so much !
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u/__mollythedolly 20d ago
Check the Walmart four dollar list. Is your wife not receiving any money from SSDI?
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u/OstrichSalt5468 20d ago
You’re a family of 4 making $1600/month. You should qualify for Medicaid, SNAP, WIC and maybe even TANF. Call 211 and ask for expedited food stamps(SNAP). Go to food banks, there are even occasions where we got food from grocery stores by talking to the manager in charge. It all depends on who is in charge though. Even on occasion some police and fire departments are willing to help. Just do not give up.
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u/XviesalgiaX 20d ago
I cannot help financially, but I am someone who was recently laid off as the main breadwinner. Food Stamps #1, especially if you can get an expedited case like people have mentioned. I'd also like to suggest you to check social media, especially Facebook, for local groups. We have one local that has all of the resources listed in a Google doc (list of where/when food banks are around you, rent/mortgage help, programs for electricity, etc) and runs bigger events such as food giveaways outside of the food banks. Even if you can ask anonymously for resources or something, somebody should be able to help or point you in the right direction. Best of luck, I know it isn't easy. If you happen to be in Mississippi I can send you a list of food banks around the state.
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 20d ago
Thank you ! I’m in Virginia but would love to visit Mississippi if it’s warmer than here 😉
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u/InternationalBid7163 19d ago
I do live in Mississippi. Can you DM me the resource list? I work at nonprofit, and we try to keep an updated list , but things are always changing.
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u/brandi-95 REGISTERED 20d ago
You should’ve asked the local Welfare office to expedite (asking for it as an emergency) your food stamp application and it would be approved very, and I mean very, soon as oppose to those 30 or so days.
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u/Either_Cockroach3627 20d ago
Yes OP go to the office and speak w someone!!! I have seen ppl be approved that day and just have to wait for the card. Check in w wic as well for the babies.
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 20d ago
Thank you all so much for the incredible responses. I’m overwhelmed. I’m sorry for the slow replies from me. I’m at work at the moment but will be home around midnight eastern standard time tonight. I’ll look closer at all the replies then. I have received a PayPal donation so I’m changing the flair to reflect this. Thank you all so much !
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u/Dishy22 20d ago
Please post an Amazon list for your groceries!
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 20d ago
I need to read the faq and learn how to do that.
I received PayPal donations that I think should have us covered once the bank transfer goes through. Feels like it would be asking too much of this amazing group to receive anything more than that…I just can’t believe any of this is real that such amazing support could come when I hardly thought I would even get a reply.
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u/thecatstartedit 20d ago
Can you get to your local DHS office today? You can ask if they have any emergency food boxes. Most offices keep them. They have shelf stable foods like dry milk or boxed, cereal, pasta, and canned foods.
You may not be able to qualify for medicaid for your wife, depending on if your state has expanded or not, but it doesn't hurt to try. If she qualifies, her prescriptions should be under ten dollars each.
You also may not get a lot with SNAP because you have an income, which - yes, IS wild, so please don't be broken if you get approved and it's $50-75. If it's more, wonderful! Celebrate! Prepare for the worst.
In the meantime, food banks are your best friend. They do take time. Your wife can't drive, so that doesn't help. However- there's another option. Churches. Call the local churches that have food pantries and tell them you're in need of assistance but you have this obstacle with your work schedule and your wife isn't safe to drive with her epilepsy. Ask if they do deliveries or know any churches that do. They are out there. You can also call 211 and ask for local food banks and ask them the same questions and they'll help if they have time, churches usually have more time.
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 20d ago
Can’t get to one that fast (home from work by midnight) but I had no idea that was even a thing. I’m really blown away by all the replies here. So many things I would never even have thought of from so many amazing people. Thank you so much for all the insight !
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u/thecatstartedit 20d ago
Some offices might be open this weekend, so check online for hours if you're available and still need immediate help! Most of us on this sub have been in a situation like yours before. We know the systems! You can also go to www.foodpantries.org and look up local pantries and their requirements, but double check with their websites/social media for each pantry because sometimes it's outdated. I don't know of you've been to a pantry before, but you'll typically get 3-5 full days of meals for 4 people, seeing as how you have a small child and a baby that would go further still. Sometimes we've got much more even. When you're out doing doordash, pay attention to churches that have little pantry signs up and take a picture so you'll have their information. All those little resources really save you on the bad days. You're doing great being a provider for your family and I know your wife appreciates you, from an epileptic wife perspective, I know this. My husband also works himself to death to take care of us and I appreciate him endlessly for it.
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u/uppercasemad Canadian Mod 🇨🇦 21d ago
For food needs, Amazon wishlists do much better here due to the lack of personal information and cash not needing to change hands. It’s free to set up, helpers have Prime subs, so you’ll have same day/next day delivery in most cases.
Suggested items consist of shelf-stable items (there is no fresh produce/meat/dairy available on Amazon Prime) like peanut butter, ramen, boxed pasta, dry pasta, jarred sauces, canned soup/chili/veggies, canned tuna/chicken/spam, oatmeal, rice, dry beans, boxed cereal, trail mix, granola bars, fruit snacks, pepperoni sticks, and so on and so forth. You can add cleaning supplies, hygiene items, pet food if you have pets too.
Please make sure the total of your wishlist does not exceed $150 USD.
I’ve linked our guide above which walks you through the steps — it’s completely free to do.
Amazon wishlists work primarily for US/Canada residents; if you’re outside of North America please edit your post to include your general location as per our rules. :)
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 21d ago
Thank you so much ! I have no experience with how any of this works so I’m leaning as I go.
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u/Classic_Midnight3383 REGISTERED 21d ago
Prescription discount card for those who need it https://rxprime.com?fgpdf=628ab22f4dae5&token=b02e12630c8fae9b0c808e9430126874
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u/IGOTPOPROX 20d ago
Great advice from everyone. Be sure to check your local churches, many have food and clothes pantries. They also have a private fund to help with meds. Wishing y’all the best. ❤️
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u/TigerPepperoni 20d ago
Findhelp.org is an incredibly helpful resource! You can plug in where you live and it gives you all sorts of resources in your area from food, to diapers, to housing
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 20d ago
Thank you ! Definitely going to check this out when I’m not too exhausted. Didn’t know that even existed.
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u/redditette REGISTERED 21d ago edited 21d ago
You can create a wishlist, and ask for cash. Make a wishlist. How much is your wife's medicine?
Edit - oops. Do you have paypal?
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 21d ago
We think (from memory) it’s about $80.
I will see if I can learn how to make a list when I get off work late tonight.
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u/Littlest_Psycho88 20d ago
Hey there. If you have questions about how to make a list please lmk. I typed it out step by step for someone else here a few weeks ago and I can sort thru my comments and paste it here for ya if you want. It helped them anyway, just an offer. 🙂
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 20d ago
That’s amazing ! I should probably find the FAQ or post about it to read first. I could probably figure it out from there rather than unnecessarily burden you.
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u/Littlest_Psycho88 20d ago
It's no burden! I see you did get some help- I'm so glad. I take seizure meds too so I'm especially glad you'll be able to get her meds!!
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u/redditette REGISTERED 20d ago
Heyhey, I am so sorry for the delay in responding. I had surgery in the afternoon, and am just waking up for the day. So let me get caught up on what is happening with you.
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u/__mollythedolly 20d ago
What med, there’s a lot of options for that. Or search it.
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 20d ago
Currently Lamotrigine. We have tried a few of the others in the past like Keppra which was a horrible experience, and even CBD oil at one point. But Lamotrigine has been literally life changing.
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u/Blue_Dragon_1066 20d ago
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u/Manda525 20d ago
Is this the prescription company started by Mark Cuban, specifically to help low income Americans? I was going to suggest it but couldn't remember the name.
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u/GimmieDatCooch 20d ago
Food banks and churches. Also, I am not sure what your hours are for your FT job but doing Uber /Lyft is a great side gig. My aunt and uncle both work nights and are able to provide. I personally am working a 2nd job short term to just to get out of debt.
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 20d ago
Thank you ! Hope your second job gets you to that goal. I just signed up for Uber food delivery this week so I guess we are on the same path.
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u/SuccessfulPitch5 20d ago
Can you accept an etransfer?
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 20d ago
Forgive my ignorance but what’s that ? I received some help today via PayPal that should be a huge help for us and don’t want to ask too much of this life changing group.
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u/SuccessfulPitch5 20d ago
An etransfer is an money transfer sent by email. I can email you money to deposit into your bank account
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u/poisonousappletree 20d ago
Which grocery stores are near you?
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 20d ago
Giant is close, I think Safeway and Lidl are too. Wegmans and Wholefoods a little farther away and I can’t remember what else.
I have received PayPal donations that i think have us covered (and am absolutely blown away by everyone here). I was not really expecting a response and in just a few hours after posting I am absolutely humbled.
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u/Spirited_Concept4972 21d ago
Have you tried local food banks? 🙏 you’re not eligible for emergency food stamps ? that usually won’t take 30 days. Also, have y’all applied for Medicaid?
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 21d ago
Not yet. I searched for local food banks but haven’t had time to consider applying yet. Guess I need to swallow my pride and fear and try that next.
My wife already receives Medicare as part of her permanent disability.
Thanks for the tips !
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u/nonnewtonianfluids 20d ago
Also, you can try to request a lasagna via lasagna love. They got hacked earlier in the year and lost coverage, and depending on your area, it may not be available or will be backlogged a couple of weeks, but I enjoy volunteering with them and you may get lucky. They don't remove people from the request lists until they have been matched.
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 20d ago
Holy cow I forgot that existed. That would be life changing. I can’t even believe the replies and support here. I’m absolutely blown away.
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u/turkeyisdelicious REGISTERED 20d ago
I just signed up for this myself. Thanks for posting about it. 🫶🏼
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u/nonnewtonianfluids 20d ago
https://mapping.littlefreepantry.org/
See if there is one of these near you. They are just stand alone boxes, so it's hit or miss if they will have anything, but it's also unmanned so can help with the feelings of shame.
But I'd still encourage you to try a standard pantry as well. Not all of the require applications. It will really depend on your area.
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u/NikkeiReigns 20d ago
How long has your wife been on Medicare?
I wasn't aware you had to apply for a food bank. All the ones here are just walk up. But you definitely need to do that immediately if you don't have any food for your kids.
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u/mercifulalien REGISTERED 20d ago
The ones near me you have to be in their "zone", all have application-like processes, then you have to make an appointment. What makes it worse is they're only open for a couple of hours, 2 days a week, so you can end up sitting there with no food for a while.
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u/NikkeiReigns 20d ago
The ones here ask for your name address and usually phone number. There is only one I've ever been to that needed income verification and that was only once. You didn't have to have check stubs every time or anything. But there are several here so you can find one just about every weekday.
We also have one that is a farmette and is volunteer run. So we get fresh food in summer and fall, and some even in winter when it isn't too cold in the greenhouses. It's a business plan that should be implemented everywhere.
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u/Budgiejen REGISTERED 20d ago
All of ours just ask you to sign a form stating you make less than $x a month.
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u/mercifulalien REGISTERED 20d ago
That sounds more like how it was in my old state. We moved, hoping a lower cost of living would help us out, but we've ended up worse off. Anyway, our current state just seems to want to be less helpful to lower-income people or make it so difficult that you'll hopefully just go away.
In our old apartments, they actually got deliveries of donated foods from the local food pantry, and they'd put it in a community room. It kind of sucked in some ways because tenants could just help themselves, and some of them knew when the delivery would happen and beat everyone else. They'd take almost everything, but you could usually bet on there being some milk, eggs, and butter being left.
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 20d ago
Roughly 10 years. I don’t know how any of this works but looked at a local food bank website briefly around thanksgiving and vaguely remember an application but I could be wrong. I’ll have to take a closer look when I’ve had actual sleep for more than 5 minutes.
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u/climbing_butterfly 21d ago
Depending on where they live, the wife might not be efficiently because the state may not have expanded Medicaid and it sounds like they have health insurance
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u/Amy_Schulze REGISTERED 19d ago
I can't donate unfortunately, but assuming at least one of your children wears diapers... A way to save on that cost: Google "Cloth Diaper Pantry" to get a wardrobe of cloth diapers free to use while you have need. Even if you don't want to convert 100%, they'll come in handy to stretch the budget and also to help with diaper rash.
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 19d ago
I didn't even know that as a resource that was a thing ! We definitely go though a lot of those. Thanks !
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u/Amy_Schulze REGISTERED 19d ago edited 19d ago
Hey meds MIGHT be free for one month from a quick search on blink health Lamotrigine about $9 .... And if you join through a friend you get the first Rx free up to $15. https://www.blinkhealth.com/lamotrigine I would give my code if needed but surely you have a friend since not allowed in here.
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u/MakoasTail REGISTERED 19d ago
That price is crazy. I'll check it out. Thanks !
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u/Amy_Schulze REGISTERED 19d ago
I've used them for years. Find a friend with a link to get up to $15 off first.
I used today with my BP RX from sesame
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u/AssistanceMods 21d ago
Hi u/MakoasTail. This is a sticky post with some important/helpful pointers for REQUEST posts.
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u/MichaelHammor 20d ago
Call local churches for food boxes and assistance for the meds. I'm a goddamn Warlock/Shaman and I still hit up churches when I need help. Panhandle with a sign. Sell foot pictures. Have your wife sell foot pictures.
I've been in some tough spots. They suck but they pass. You have to drag yourself out. Do not be afraid to ask for help on local FB groups, but be aware, you can't do this a lot, and your story can't change.
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u/uppercasemad Canadian Mod 🇨🇦 19d ago
As OP has received a large cash donation of $150, please now refrain from asking them to set up a wishlist. As per our rules their request is now Fulfilled.
Thank you!