You are working a lot and actually making decent money . Your rent is probably too high if you are struggling to buy food . Maybe try to find a roommate to split rent and utilities and youd have a lot more spare change . Also make sure you are getting the cheapest possible car insurance . I pay only $ 30 per month on my 2008 salvage title prius with 113 k miles also the 50 mpg saves me a lot on gas and they hybrid engine saves on maintenance due to less moving parts . As for eating cheaply , buy 5 or 10 pound bags of rice and beans in bulk and that will be plenty of calories for $ 1 per day , and rice and beans is the classic combination of great taste and nutrients including plenty of protein , fiber and heathy fats . Take a multivitamin with it and you are set .