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9 Ways to Deal With Hunger When There’s No Food to Eat

9 Ways to Deal With Hunger When There's No Food to Eat

Let’s be honest—hunger isn’t just a feeling, it’s an attack on your body, mind, and sanity. When there’s nothing to eat and your stomach keeps making noise like a broken drum, frustration kicks in. You become restless, irritated, tired, and your thoughts start wandering to dark places. No food at home, no help in sight, and no strength to even fake a smile. If you’ve ever found yourself in this exact position—or you’re currently there—this article isn’t just another post. It’s a survival note from someone who’s been through it and knows what it feels like.

Here are 9 honest ways to deal with hunger when there’s absolutely nothing to eat:

1. Reach Out to Family and Friends

A lot of people are going through their own battles, but that doesn’t mean you should keep quiet. Gather the courage and ask your family or friends for help. I know it can bruise your pride, but hunger doesn’t care about ego—it only respects food. Some people might say “no,” and that’s okay. Some will say “yes,” and their help might just save you from starving tonight.

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2. Explore Loan Apps

When no one picks your call or offers help, loan apps can be a lifeline. Apps like FairMoney, Carbon, Branch, EasyMoni, and Okash have come through for me when I had zero options. I won’t lie—it’s not always a smooth process, but if you’re hungry and you need quick help, give them a try. A loan that feeds you today is better than pretending and suffering in silence.

3. Do Menial Jobs

Jobs like car wash, catering, or ushering gigs can feed you when things get tight. Let your contacts and neighbors know you’re available to work. One weekend job could give you enough to eat and even save a little. You don’t need a perfect job; you just need something that gives you food money for now.

4. Sell Your Property

It sounds drastic—but when hunger enters the picture, selling something might be your best bet. I’ve had to sell a few personal items just to survive. Yes, it hurt. Yes, I missed those things later. But I was able to eat and live another day. It’s better to lose a phone or wristwatch than to lose your life to starvation. No food? Find something to sell. Nah who chop dey get sense to plan life.

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5. Beg

Begging is hard. It’s humiliating. Nigerians especially don’t have patience for it. But if it’s between pride and survival, choose survival. Go to a school gate, market, church, mosque, motor park—anywhere people gather. Someone out there will hear you. Don’t worry about what people say. When hunger wires you well, shame go comot body by force.

6. Drink Water

Water can’t replace food, but it can help delay the hunger pangs. If food isn’t available at the moment, drink plenty of water. It tricks the stomach a bit and helps you hold on until something better comes.

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7. Reason With Your Neighbours

Living in a face-to-face apartment or self-contained? Speak with your neighbours. You don’t know who has something to share until you ask. I’ve had people knock on my door for salt, garri, or even ₦500. If I had it, I gave. Many others will too. Close mouths don’t get fed—not even by neighbours.

ALSO READ: 10Ways to Collect Money from Your Parents as a Student

8. Use Twitter and TikTok to Seek Help

Social media isn’t just for fun and dance trends—it can save lives. Be real. Be sincere. Share your story using your real name and face. Facebook, TikTok, and especially Twitter (now called X) have helped a lot of people. I’ve seen strangers donate to strangers simply because they told the truth. Don’t fake anything. Just be real, and help might come.

9. Get a Job

At the end of the day, if you don’t have a source of income, the cycle may continue. Look for something you can do—anything. Sell airtime, learn a quick skill, apply for that small job. You can’t borrow forever. You can’t keep begging. Do what you must to stand again. Hunger no go kill you, but you gats act fast.