Food comes first.
If you have just lost income, begin with the next few days of food. Look at what is already available and what you can realistically prepare. You do not need a perfect pantry or a month of recipes.
MSU Extension treats food spending as part of the larger household plan. Start by noticing what you currently spend and setting an amount that fits the household, rather than copying someone else's target. [2]
If the amount available will not cover enough food, investigate support alongside shopping changes. USDA provides state SNAP application and participant resources. Eligibility and permitted purchases depend on program rules. Check the official information for your household. [5]
- What can we eat today and tomorrow?
- Which resource or person can help with a food gap?
Write on the downloaded worksheet or in your own notebook. No written responses are collected here.