I just dont know what to do, I have very little money these days as most people understand im sure, ive never had alot of money to spend on food but my income just got scaled way back and i am so sad.. i went from somewhat broke to just about penniless… I want my family to have nutritous food but i have about 80 dollars to stretch for 13 days.. i have 2 little kids and a husband. we can do without but i want the kids to get healthy things. Serious answers please as i am looking maybe for other moms to share tips.. thank you so much..
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Don’t waste food. Invest in a variety of freezer containers and a roll of something such as “Glad Press and Seal”. When it comes to produce, plan to process your fresh produce the day or day after you buy it. Chop up, portion out and freeze things in amounts commonly called for in most recipes to have “recipe-ready”.
Things like carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, bell peppers, onions etc, all freeze well, and having them like this, insures that you use them, instead of letting them rot. You will also save time on busy weeknights, since you’ll have a fresh, homemade meal on the table in the time it takes to call and wait for pizza. (You can also make your own pizza at a fraction of the cost, fat, sodium, and with more nutrition).
Next, make doubles (or more) when you can. and again, portion out and freeze. Pasta dishes, such as lasagna, stuffed pasta shells, manicotti, all freeze beautifully. Meatloaf- Don’t make a big one. Make mini meatloaves, in muffin cups (use two paper muffin liners to absorb grease) and take out however many you will need. Chili is great and economical beans make for a tasty vegetarian chili, you can serve it (and many other things) over rice as a budget-stretcher
A few things that also freeze well include butter and cheese. So if you find cheese on sale, buy it, and at home, slice or shred it yourself, portion it out and pop it into the freezer.
Make your own cookie doughs, shape it, then lay it on a cookie sheet and freeze the dough for about an hour, then put the frozen, formed dough, into a freezer container, layered between waxed paper. Baked goods such as poundcake, cheesecake, brownies, and cornbread also freeze well, already baked. Made from scratch is cheapest, but if you find your favourite mix on sale… It’s also often cheaper and better tasting than ready-made.
Buy value packs of meat, poultry etc.. Divide the pack, of something such as chicken breasts, set aside four for grilling, cut up another four and make homemade nuggets to treat the kids,etc. A stir-fry is a good way to use very little meat, and healthful veggies, and again, serving it over/with rice, is budget-friendly.
If you eat pork, bacon and chub packs of breakfast sausage is often on sale. cook bacon all at once, and freeze some of it crumbled, for economical meal salads, such as Cobb.
If you’re used to a fast-food breakfasts and can’t cope with a bowl of cereal…Hard-Boil some budget-friendly eggs, peel them, then surround them with the raw sausage meat, dip those sausage covered eggs in a beaten egg mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, then roll in breadcrumbs, and bake at 4 for about 15mins, for easy, Scotch Eggs. They freeze well, and heat up in the microwave on a busy morning. You can also make/freeze your own waffles, pancakes, etc. Great ways to use those 18/24 pack eggs that are often on sale at nearly the same prices as the regular dozen. Waffles are very versatile, they are actually not really sweet until you top them, so they go well under things such as stews. Waffles are a great base for many creamed dishes such as Chicken in the mushroom soup sauce. Even spoon a green bean casserole over it, for a light meal.
As for shopping. I have a friend that works for a big chain. He says the best times to shop are on the day the new ad breaks, so you have the best selection. Also, for things like meat, and baked goods, late in the evening, when they reduce that days meat and baked goods prices to move it out while it’s still fresh.
– Chosen by Asker
Buy in bulk.
Rice, Lentils, Beans- Dried not canned.
Buy Produce/breads from the reduced rack
Get whole chickens and cut them up/ Meat once every 2 days.
Stop buying stuff with sugar, anything pre-packaged.
Get a crock-pot and use cheaper cuts of meat and slow cook them.
Source(s):
Been Broke.
Buy your fruit and vegetables at a farmers market. they will be very fresh and less expensive than at the super market. Make meals with whatever is on sale, buy chicken in the large package if it is on sale this week and make 2 or 3 different dishes with it or freeze it and make it later.
Buy store brands. Look for things on sale. Use coupons. Shop in different stores to find different bargains. Use a shopping list; don’t impulse buy. Avoid prepared foods in favor of cooking at home (hard with a job and 2 kids, I know).
I’ve been in a similar situation myself. If you shop in a supermarket, go for the items at each end of each aisle. these items are usually on sale for inventory purposes. Cut out coupons and redeem them. Keep an inventory of what you have and only get what you don’t have. Make a list. Go to butchers that will sell meat by the box. Go to Farmers Markets, you can make a deal with them, and last and most important, avoid fast foods (Junk food) Its expensive and not good for your health. Cook all your meals, involve your family in the cooking process. I’m a Dad by the way, so get your spouse involved. Good luck and don’t worry. Be sure to eat your meals together as a family.
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try buying bulk items as much as possible.[not buying in bulk]