One of the biggest questions about being homeless is food. I eat just about everyday now. In the beginning I was lucky to eat every few days. When I became homeless I was 281 pounds. I am now a 175 pounds. My ex boyfriend showed me how before I even got tossed on the street how to feed myself if needed. We would go out back into any local Winn Dixie, Food Lion or graocery store. You can do this anywhere but Publix. They compact there trash. You hop in the dumpster and dig. You look for stuff still cold or dry goods if possible.

For the longest time I would eat none of the food that came from a dumpster. I thought it was disgusting. You go several days with food you will change your tune. I promise you that. Do you know that in the 3 years I have been homeless I have not gotten sick from anything I have eaten out of the dumpster. You will be amazed what has passed through a dumpster into my stomach. I have eaten veal, fish, steaks, lobsters, and the lists goes on. They throw the stuff out right at code date. We get it freeze it and then cook it.

It’s almost sad all these grocery stores throw stuff out instead of giving it to agencies to give it to the needy. By the way you should know it is no longer just the homeless in the dumpsters anymore. I have seen Beamers, Volvos, and even Hummers parked by dumpsters with people in there going through the food. People can’t afford to feed themselves anymore.

Now you still have to be careful when diving because grocery stores don’t like it and they sometimes contaminate the food especially meat with bleach or cleaners. There is always the issue with the cops. You could be banned from the store permanently if caught. I’m not saying I condone it but if you’re hungry you do what you got to do. Believe me I have had gourmet meals straight out of a dumpsters. It’s called survival. If you would like to learn more about dumpster diving click here.