I want to thank everyone for their input

Just read your post. You seem like you're trying to do right. Food banks are there for people that need them, and if you need food, please go, rather than go without. The great thing is, when you do get straightened out. You can always help the next person by giving to food banks.

If you live in the uk there is free food sharing apps like olio where people list food that is near its best before date or use by date and its all free