Whether you’re a parent or part of a couple stretching your food budget is a great way to make your money last longer. After all, everyone needs food. Some people are just better at getting more food for their money. While shopping sales and using coupons can allow you to get great buys on almost any food, some foods are more affordable than others.
Eggs – Inexpensive eggs are a staple in any food budget. Breakfast doesn’t come any cheaper or easier than scrambled eggs. And baking your own sweets usually requires the use of eggs, too. Hard-boiled eggs can also be used to make a myriad of different salads.
Crackers – Plain, everyday saltine crackers are great for helping you stretch your main course just a little farther. What mother didn’t teach her son or daughter to make a meatloaf with crackers? The same principle can also be applied to hamburgers, too.
Pasta – Simple pasta is another great, inexpensive staple. Whether you go traditional and make a hearty lasagna or experiment with a lighter dish (think pasta with a light sauce) pasta can help you complete your meal. And, pasta comes in almost as many shapes and sizes as you can imagine.
Bread – Plain, old sandwich bread allows you to make a meal out of almost anything. A slice of meatloaf turns into a beefy sandwich when it’s placed between two slices of bread. Ordinary lunchmeat becomes a satisfying lunch when it’s paired with bread. Even on its own, bread can be transformed into a decadent breakfast when it’s used to create French toast.
Hamburger – No food budget is complete without including hamburger. Hamburger (or ground beef) is perfect for cookout fare, warm goulash, or even tacos.
Canned Vegetables – While there’s no doubt that vegetables are an important part of any diet, fresh produce has become increasingly expensive. Fortunately, canned goods make it easy to get plenty of vegetables without breaking your bank. Look for sales and stock up on your favorites.
Kool-Aid – Nothing kills a food budget faster than expensive sodas. Water is, of course, an inexpensive option for beverages, but sometimes you just need a little extra flavor. Drink mixes, like Kool-Aid are a cheap way to quench thirsts without overwhelming a budget. Grownups may opt to substitute tea or lemonade.
Generic Foods – Ok, this one isn’t a specific food, but it is an important consideration. Almost any food is available in a generic brand, rather than the name brand. Choosing to buy the generic version of typically expensive foods can make the unaffordable foods more attainable within your budget.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I live in WA where food and housing is very expensive. I have a family of 8, with 4 teenager gils with hearty appetites…I always wonder how much a family of my size spends on food every month. I spend about $500-$700, and that is with “gleaning” (I belong to an organization of gleaners). Could you give me an idea if I spend too much in comparison to other families?
thank you,
Marcie in WA
Marcie,
From what I’ve read, you’re doing pretty well to feed a family of 8 on $500 to $700 per month. Our family averages around $600 to $700 and we’re a family of 6. Our area is expensive too and we don’t have any of the discount grocery stores around here either. Have you tried Kroger/Meijer/Aldi type stores or a food co-op?
D.J.