When I returned from living in England for 7 years last April I visited relatives in Vegas who insisted taking me and my two small toddlers to a casino buffet.

Seeing people plates PILED and overflowing with shrimp, crablegs, clams, muscles and food in general really put a stop on my appetite. Such gluttony and obvious wastage appalled me.

My daughter was overwhelmed with the choices and, though I tried to limit what she chose, she only managed about half of what she took. My smallest picked from my plate.

We tried to live in Oregon but found the economy so depressed (even then) we had to leave for another state after 3 1/2 months. Even with a degree a job was not forthcoming and ended up doing volunteer work to receive state aid. We lived in a travel trailer and had to use food stamps.

When we arrived in Indiana I was able to get a job and lived with a friend until we could afford a place of our own. However, shortly after this, we discovered that even with a decent wage we were not making it. After 2 months I was forced to stop eating so that my kids could have food. We were down to eating cereal (WIC), soup and pasta. Meat was only once or twice a week (chicken as it’s cheapest) and fresh fruit and veg when I could afford it.

We then lost our home to a flood in March of this year and had to move in with a friend. We both make decent wages but even between the both of us we are barely keeping the household afloat. Gas prices mean my roommate spends almost $200 a week on gas - yes, per WEEK. Raising food prices to feed two toddlers and two teenagers is proving very difficult. We have cut back where we can but are hoping and praying raising prices peak and begin to drop soon. Very soon.

There are so many places and ways to reduce what people use if they would only TRY. One step at a time reeally can make a difference.

Thank you for letting me share our experiences and observations here.

Best wishes,

Susan