Tania, I am sorry you are having such a crappy time
.
Something that I have done in different locations is hire people off of Craigslist 'gigs' section.
You will find people advertising errand running and similar, although they usually ask pie in the sky prices. I find it is better to place my own ad, listing what I am able to pay.
I have never had a bad experience doing this, although I take precautions such as interviewing a person over the phone before meeting them.
For payment, it depends on what I'm getting. If just a few things, I called the store and ask if I can pay by credit card over the phone. Then the Craigslist person just picks up the order and doesn't have to handle any money.
For larger orders, I give them my food stamp card, and/or a credit card with a very low credit limit. After the first time or two that they shop for me, I might call the card companies and confirm the charges. But again, I have never had a bad experience.
Another option is to write a blank check to the store and hand write, below the line for the dollar amount, 'not valid over $50', or whatever amount is suitable.
--
I also order a lot of stuff online. All my big box store stuff. And Jet.com has all the non-perishable grocery items. When I was in a bad situation last year, I lived for three months off of Jet. Toilet paper, cat food, canned food for me, vitamins, everything.
When I am in a big city where Safeway / Vons delivers, that is a great deal. About 8 bucks per delivery, and it includes perishables.
@Sushi, thank you so much for posting.