what to feed your family when your broke

Fruits and Vegetables

• Apples: If the price is reasonable, grab a large bag of apples. This will provide you with some fresh fruit.
• Applesauce: This is a great addition for later in the month when the fresh stuff is gone. To save money, look for large...
• Canned fruit: Get fruit canned in the lightest syrup possible, or fruit canned in juice. Just because you’re broke...

Full Answer

What do you eat when you’re feeling broke?

Pasta, tomato sauce and cheese, pop in the oven and you have one tasty cheap meal for literally pennies, perfect for when you’re feeling broke. I tend to throw in some frozen peas and sweetcorn to elevate its healthiness still further but it tastes just as yummy without.

What do you do when you are broke and can’t afford food?

When you’re broke you still have to eat and feed your family. Your pantry is a cupboard full of money that you have already spent so it makes sense to start there. The cheapest meals to make are those where you spend nothing at all. The next cheapest are those where you are using extremely cheap ingredients.

What are the best cheap meals to eat when you’re broke?

Pasta, tomato sauce and cheese, pop in the oven and you have one tasty cheap meal for literally pennies, perfect for when you’re feeling broke. Veggie curry & rice.

What do you eat for dinner on a budget?

(Dry beans are cheaper), add homemade crusty bread for a filling and frugal healthy meal. Tuna pasta tray bake. (1 tuna can will stretch to 4 people or more) pasta, canned tomatoes and any veggies you already have (I often use a can of sweetcorn or carrots). Sausage casserole.

What should I eat if Im broke?

Meal ideas: Oatmeal, oatmeal cookies and oatmeal bars are just a few budget-friendly ideas. You could also make oat bread or use oats in a homemade granola recipe, or even search the internet for some oat-based dinner recipes, like a broccoli-cheddar oatmeal bake.

How do you feed a family with little money?

7 Proven Steps to Feed a Family on a Tight BudgetLearn to cook from scratch. ... Go for wholesome, high nutrient ingredients. ... Shop by special sales not by a meal plan. ... Eat some and leave some. ... No chips, crackers, and soft drinks. ... Minimize snacks. ... Grow your own food.

How can I feed my family on $10 a day?

Here's what she suggested:Eggs: 99 cents per dozen, can be breakfast, lunch, dinner or hard-boiled for snacks.Canned beans, like kidneys or chick peas: 79 cents for a 16-ounce can.A five-pound roasting chicken ($5) could yield two dinners. ... Oatmeal costs $3.69 for a 42-ounce canister and has 30 servings.More items...•

How do you feed a family of 5 on $50 a week?

1:5810:43$50 Weekly Grocery Budget Meal Plan for A Family Of 5 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipReally really well once i added my neck bone into the pot i added more chicken broth to cover it youMoreReally really well once i added my neck bone into the pot i added more chicken broth to cover it you can use beef broth. But i prefer chicken because of the taste.

How can I spend $20 a week on food?

1:0115:08Shelf Stable Cooking | How to Eat for $20 a Week - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlan as always if you are struggling make sure to reach out to your local food pantry or church theyMorePlan as always if you are struggling make sure to reach out to your local food pantry or church they will hook you up with something i promise.

How can I survive a week on $20?

Shopping List for $20 Broke-Person Meal Plan1 loaf of bread, $1.1 (16-slice) pack cheese, $1.1 (16-oz) pack spaghetti noodles, $1.1 head Iceberg lettuce, $1.2 Roma tomatoes, $1.1 lb ground beef, $3.1/4 lb thin-sliced deli ham, $2.1 box mashed potato flakes, $1.More items...•

What can I make for dinner with 5 dollars?

Make These 28 Amazing Meals For $5 or LessKimchi Fried Rice. ... Italian Mac and Cheese. ... Barbecued Black-Eyed Peas. ... Spaghetti With Garlic, Olive Oil, and Chili Flakes. ... Pasta Carbonara. ... Roasted Shrimp Over Spaghetti Squash. ... Spicy Sloppy Joes. ... Warm Tofu With Spicy Garlic Sauce.More items...•

What should a family of 6 eat?

They come together quickly, load lots of nutrients into every serving and will leave everyone with full stomachs and smiling faces.Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner. ... Lighter Taco Skillet. ... Chicken Noodle Soup. ... Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken with Baby Potatoes. ... Cubano Sandwich with Quick Pickles. ... Lemon Capellini.More items...

Are groceries more expensive than eating out?

Although individual consumers, restaurants, and food service providers alike have felt the financial burden of inflation, economic models indicate that the cost of eating out will increase by a smaller margin than the cost of groceries.

How should a family of 4 feed $100 a week?

0:533:20The ultimate shopping list to feed the family for only $100 a week | SunriseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd 12 different types of vegetables. Using your tin staples. And things like potatoes as a base toMoreAnd 12 different types of vegetables. Using your tin staples. And things like potatoes as a base to meals. And then you've got the vegetables for a week that you can use across multiple meals.

How can I feed a family of 5 for cheap?

4:267:41Mom's Tips for Feeding Family of 5 for $150 a Week - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome corn and some tomatoes. And create chili. I always love these bags of chicken if you can find aMoreSome corn and some tomatoes. And create chili. I always love these bags of chicken if you can find a natural or organic type of chicken. That's best.

How do you feed a family of 5 on $100 a week?

1:433:15Blogger feeding family of 5 on $100 a week - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFamily you really only need five or six so i'll buy that one pack utilize six but i will save theMoreFamily you really only need five or six so i'll buy that one pack utilize six but i will save the other ones for a different recipe. She uses her grocery. Store app to find coupons. And items on sale.

How can I feed a family of 5 for cheap?

4:267:41Mom's Tips for Feeding Family of 5 for $150 a Week - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome corn and some tomatoes. And create chili. I always love these bags of chicken if you can find aMoreSome corn and some tomatoes. And create chili. I always love these bags of chicken if you can find a natural or organic type of chicken. That's best.

How should a family of 4 feed $100 a week?

0:533:20The ultimate shopping list to feed the family for only $100 a week | SunriseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd 12 different types of vegetables. Using your tin staples. And things like potatoes as a base toMoreAnd 12 different types of vegetables. Using your tin staples. And things like potatoes as a base to meals. And then you've got the vegetables for a week that you can use across multiple meals.

What happens if you can't afford food?

Government Emergency Programs This can include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also known as food stamps), WIC and cash programs. Both the WIC program and SNAP benefits are designed with low-income families on a limited budget in mind.

How can I feed my kids cheap?

Cheap Meal Ideas For ChildrenPeanut butter and jelly sandwiches.Peanut butter, banana, and honey sandwiches.Buttered noodles with Parmesan cheese.Macaroni and cheese.Alphabet soup.Quesadillas.Grilled cheese.Apples with peanut butter.More items...•

What to do when the fresh stuff is gone?

Applesauce: This is a great addition for later in the month when the fresh stuff is gone. To save money, look for large jars of apple sauce instead of the little individual packets for lunch boxes.

What to do if you don't like beans?

If your family members don’t like beans, they might prefer refried beans or bean dip. Worst case scenario, you can puree cooked beans and add them to a soup. Peanut butter. Peanut butter is a tasty protein source and most kids love it.

How much should you buy?

This is the tricky part. How much to buy has a lot of variables and only you can identify them.

How to stretch your ingredients?

Stretch your ingredients. Be ready to stretch your ingredients by making soups, stews, and casseroles. Don’t plan on eating low-carb this month. Unless, of course, you have a health condition that requires a low carb diet, plan on adding more grains and starches to your diet during a rough spot. Use your leftovers.

Is produce a good food?

Produce is a very important part of a healthy diet. Without it, you’re at risk for all sorts of deficiency diseases. When shopping once a month, plan to eat your fresh stuff early in the month and then move on to your frozen or canned goods. Apples: If the price is reasonable, grab a large bag of apples.

Can you eat dairy products on a daily basis?

If you consume dairy products on a daily basis, you’re going to still want to consume dairy products when times are tough. (Cream for your coffee, milk for cereal, a beverage for the kiddos).

Surviving when your budget is severely limited

Here’s an article on surviving the shutdown and here’s an article on surviving when you can’t pay your bills.

Some frugal food tips

Your menu this month may be a little different than what you’ve been used to before. Food may take more hands-on time to prepare.

Protein

When you’re broke, protein is going to be the most costly part of your menu.

Fruits and Vegetables

Produce is a very important part of a healthy diet. Without it, you’re at risk for all sorts of deficiency diseases. When shopping once a month, plan to eat your fresh stuff early in the month and then move on to your frozen or canned goods.

Dairy

If you consume dairy products on a daily basis, you’re going to still want to consume dairy products when times are tough. (Cream for your coffee, milk for cereal, a beverage for the kiddos).

Carbs and Grains

I know this is a wildly unpopular ingredient these days, with all the low-carb and keto diets out there, but grains are the great stretchers of your pantry. You can take one serving of leftover chili and feed your entire family with it when you mix it with rice and perhaps a little bit of cheese.

Basics

To turn your raw ingredients into meals, you’ll need a few basics, too.

Surviving when your budget is severely limited

Here’s an article on surviving the shutdown and here’s an article on surviving when you can’t pay your bills.

Some frugal food tips

Your menu this month may be a little different than what you’ve been used to before. Food may take more hands-on time to prepare.

Protein

When you’re broke, protein is going to be the most costly part of your menu.

Fruits and Vegetables

Produce is a very important part of a healthy diet. Without it, you’re at risk for all sorts of deficiency diseases. When shopping once a month, plan to eat your fresh stuff early in the month and then move on to your frozen or canned goods.

Dairy

If you consume dairy products on a daily basis, you’re going to still want to consume dairy products when times are tough. (Cream for your coffee, milk for cereal, a beverage for the kiddos).

Carbs and Grains

I know this is a wildly unpopular ingredient these days, with all the low-carb and keto diets out there, but grains are the great stretchers of your pantry. You can take one serving of leftover chili and feed your entire family with it when you mix it with rice and perhaps a little bit of cheese.

Basics

To turn your raw ingredients into meals, you’ll need a few basics, too.

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Surviving when your budget is severely limited

Here’s an article on surviving the shutdown and here’s an article on surviving when you can’t pay your bills.

Where to shop

Remember, all grocery stores aren’t created equally. In every area, there’s always a “cheap” store. I find that in my part of the world, Food Lion and Walmart are a fraction of the price of Kroger, even with the sales. Walmart has inexpensive groceries in most areas.

Some frugal food tips

Your menu this month may be a little different than what you’ve been used to before. Food may take more hands-on time to prepare.

Protein

When you’re broke, protein is going to be the most costly part of your menu.

Fruits and Vegetables

Produce is a very important part of a healthy diet. Without it, you’re at risk for all sorts of deficiency diseases. When shopping once a month, plan to eat your fresh stuff early in the month and then move on to your frozen or canned goods.

Dairy

If you consume dairy products on a daily basis, you’re going to still want to consume dairy products when times are tough. (Cream for your coffee, milk for cereal, a beverage for the kiddos).

What to do with a tin of salmon?

Most people have a tin of salmon or tuna in the cupboard. If you have a tin of fish and potatoes on hand, you have a meal. Serve with veggies or salad – and you have a yummy meal that can also go in school lunches the next day if you have any leftovers!

Can you use rolled oats for breakfast?

Rolled oats have become a lot more expensive in the last few years, but they are still a great filling food for breakfast. Not only that, you can use rolled oats in your rissoles or casseroles to ‘bulk it up’. If you make some breakfast smoothies, adding a few teaspoons of rolled oats to the mixture give it some substance – and they are terrific for reducing your cholesterol if you are over 40. A good breakfast of porridge in the morning is guaranteed to get little legs moving until morning tea!

Is banana oats good for kids?

These Banana Oat Bites are sweet and healthy, making them a very good treat for kids. They can also make one’s tummy full due to the presence of oats so they are perfect their lunches.

What to use instead of buying new ingredients?

Use what you have on hand instead of buying new ingredients. I’ve substituted different pastas, rices, and meats for each other because I already had them at home.

What to leave out of a recipe?

Leave out ingredients that don’t add much to the recipe. I don’t care to eat bell peppers, so I leave them out of recipes that ask for them. I also leave off parsley, cilantro, green onion, and sesame seeds in they’re not essential to a recipe.

How to make multiple meals?

Cook larger batches to make multiple meals . Buy larger or bulk sizes of ingredients to make a larger batch of the meal. You don’t have to cook as often either. Freeze extra servings to make them last longer. Don’t let leftovers go to waste. Put anything you don’t eat in time in the freezer.

Why don't you pass on a meal below?

You can often adjust meals to make them better suited to your budget, so don’t pass on a meal below just because it seems too expensive to put together at first glance.

Is Pennies to Plenty free?

From Pennies to Plenty content is free.

Is cheap food good?

Cheap meals can be really good! And they’re perfect for when you just don’t have much in the food budget.

What to eat when you're feeling broke?

3 ingredient baked ziti – This should be one of your go to extremely frugal meals for when you are feeling the pinch. Pasta, tomato sauce and cheese, pop in the oven and you have one tasty cheap meal for literally pennies, perfect for when you’re feeling broke. Veggie curry & rice.

What is the cheapest food to buy when you're broke?

You can make many different versions of these meals, and they will keep you going until your next paycheck. Pasta & homemade sauce or canned toms & herbs. Pasta is one of the cheapest foods to buy when you’re broke.

What to eat for lunch in winter?

Homemade soup – my favorite winter lunch is homemade soup. Use lentils for protein and to fill you up. Anything lurking at the bottom of your fridge and leftovers can be thrown in. Add bread on hungry days. Try these meal ideas:

What is the meal you look forward to most?

Dinner is the meal you look forward to most, even when you have no money cheap meals still need to satisfy your taste buds.

What are some cheap recipes for chicken?

cheap chicken recipes. Maple chicken and potato supper – Make a cheap cut of chicken and two kinds of potatoes into a family favorite with this one-pot meal. One pot chicken and potatoes – Recipes with chicken thighs are great because you can get hem pretty cheap.

What is the cheapest frugal meal?

My definition of frugal meals. The cheapest frugal meals are those using what you already have in your cupboards so you spend no money at all. The next cheapest are those that follow these guidelines: minimal ingredients (they all cost money) cheap meat & less of it (or none) ingredients from your pantry or fridge.

More good news

You guys, not only am I going to have a double oven – I’m gonna have gas. I’m also going to say it like that to everyone I meet because it catches people off guard and makes us all giggle. I’ll say, “I haven’t had gas for years, but Matt is awesome and surprised me. So now I have gas.

Links to My Favorite Non-Oven Appliances

In case you’re interested, this is what I have in my kitchen. These will all be used double time this week, you can be sure!