Any suggestions on how to feed a family of 5 cheap?

Question

We are having some financial trouble right now and I was wondering if there is anyone out there with suggestions on how to feed my family on a small budget till we are back on our feet? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I honestly don't think you can keep feeding your kids hotdogs and mac and cheese or beans and rice. Those foods don't have enough nutrients and they're just not that healthy.

There's so many ways to save money, and food should be the last thing you should save on! Food nourishes you and your kids. Why don't you make a list of all your expenses and check out items that you could save on more or do without. Cable TV and multiple cellphone lines are unnecessary and you could always enrol on a lifeline plan for your home phone.

Toilettries can be expensive as well as household items. Check out the dollar store for items such as paper towels, toothbrushes, shampoo, cleaning sprays, etc. These items cost 3-4x more if you buy them regularly at other stores.

They also sell generic soda there, and canned items (fruit and vegetables), cereals, snack foods, etc. Sandwich ingredients are easy to find here (tuna, cold cuts, the like) and also baking stuff for muffins, cakes, etc.

When you go to the market, make sure you use coupons, and make the most out of good deals that they have on fruits and meats. Often times fresh fruit and chicken pieces are on sale and treat your family everytime they are on sale.

Good luck and remember, you can always save on other things such as clothes, luxuries, etc. but you can't be too cheap on food!

Answer 2

If everyone is OK with salads, a head of lettuce will make a meal and even with other veggies will cost less than $3-5 for the family.

Mac & cheese and other carb-heavy foods like spaghetti can also feed 5 for under $5/meal. Overall, your diet is going to get very carb-heavy (rice, pasta, potatoes) as all are very cheap in bulk. Buy in bulk and give up major brand names for now.

If you are a decent cook, save bacon grease and other fat drippings from ground beef or chicken; use to make a roux for stews and gravy.

Been there done that and now making $40k - good luck!

Answer 3

If you have an Aldi's nearby...shop there. Use coupons!!!!

Lots of spaghetti. You can buy a pound of spaghetti for .89 and a can of good sauce for $2.59. That will feed a family of five. Throw in a loaf of bread for $1.00 and you're good.

Cut out soda and junk foods. They are costly. Kool-aid will fill the soda void.

When you grocery shop...make a list and plan meals...do not just shop to fill your shelves. Make your menu for the week/two weeks and then shop. Then you will know you have 7-10 dinners in your home.

Also, do not buy brand name cereals. Either switch to oatmeal or buy the bags of cereal on the bottom shelf.

Shop smart...that is the key. Look for deals and such.

Answer 4

I agree about the Aldis shopping. That is where I go. I have four children, my step dad, my fiance and myself and I recieve 200 a month in food stamps. I use the food stamps at Aldis and stock up on can goods, their fresh fruits and veggies are cheap, a few snack things, soups, hot dogs, sausage, etc... Then I take some spare cash and hit the stores with the best meat sells and purchase meats. Hamburger and hot dogs are your cheapest bet, and usually kids don't tire of these.

Answer 5

Dinners: Roast a chicken and make a big pot of beans and tortillas. Spaghetti goes a long way too. Have the left overs until gone. Jello deserts for the kids.
Lunches: Simple sanwiches, balogna, or peanut butter & jelly. Mac & cheese.
Breakfasts: Pancakes made from a mix that only requires adding water to in.
Shop the food banks and use coupons too.

Answer 6

Well I'm a mother of 4 children and a husband to feed. When we're really organized the best way to take your meals under control is to set out for each day what you are going to eat ie. something for lunch soup and bread, then something for tea or dinner what ever you call it in your home Shepherds pie and veg. Write out your menu for the week and then write a shopping list exactly what you need (and stick to it!!) No treats if you stick to your menu you'll save money, time and energy!! Good luck and happy planning. Other friends use this method and works for them also.

Answer 7

Well there are food banks and things in every town so you may be able to receive some help from them. Also buy at bargain basement stores like win-co and food for less. Clip coupons, look for sales. Also try to eat meals that don't require meat, since meat is often the most expensive dish. Pastas are always yummy!!

Good luck in getting back on your feet!

Answer 8

I do this alot! Buy things on sale. Only buy what you need. Don't eat out alot. Cut out the extras (go to a cheaper ISP, cheaper phone, cheaper cable, no buying just because, etc...)

Favs around my house are: hotdogs, spagetti, sandwiches, cereal, canned fruit.

Also check and see if there is a warehouse type grocery in your town. We have one and can get $200 worth of food for less than half that.

Just be creative! Oh and see if you have an Angel Food program near you. www.angelfoodministeries.com. This is a great program!! We love it.

Answer 9

Buy "Budget Meals" they're TV dinners for a dollar each.
Buy Hamburger Helper to feed the entire family.
Don't buy name brand, go for the store brand since the store brand tends to be very much cheaper.
I would suggest store brand macaroni n cheese, potatos, and tons of microwavable stuff.
You can go to the dollar store and find some good micro meals there as well (like lasagna).

Answer 10

I want you to know you not the only one.As I scroll down you have gotten some pretty good advice.I have 4 kids and we get my husband daughter during the summer as well as my husband and myself.It get tough but we make it.This is want I hold to.Do not worry about your life,what you will eat or what you will drink;nor about your body,what you will put on.Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?Look at the birds of the air,for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns;yet your heavenly Father feeds them.Are you not of more value than they?(Matthew 6:25-26 KJV) I just want to leave that with you.