How to Feed Your Family During The Winter On A Tight Budget
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Feeding your family on a tight budget is challenging at the best of times. But right now, during the cost of living crisis, particularly during the winter months when fresh produce may be more expensive and harder to come by, many families are struggling more than usual.
But how can you afford to feed your family well with all those expenses? Here are some tips on how to do it on a food budget so you can still enjoy delicious meals during these cold months. Read on to find out more!
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Helpful Grocery Shopping Tips For A Small Family Budget
01) Plan your meals in advance
Before shopping, make a meal plan for the week and create a grocery list based on the ingredients you'll need. This is a great way to help you avoid impulsive buys and stick to your budget. Take into account the time you'll have each evening. On days you know you'll be busier, you could plan for a crock-pot recipe, utilize leftovers or go with something quick and simple. This means you are more likely to stick to your meal plan, and you don't leave yourself a complicated meal to cook on those evenings when you just want to eat and relax.
Top Pick: Meal Prep Containers
Freshware Meal Prep Containers [150 Pack]
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02) Buy in bulk
Buying non-perishable items, such as grains, beans, and tinned foods, in bulk, can be a cost-effective way to stock up on pantry staples. Every home cook needs a good, well-stocked store cupboard, which means you always have the basic ingredients for any recipe. This can make meal planning, prepping, and cooking easier and save you money overall.
Below is a basic shopping list for a large family that can be bought in large quantities for a great price at some stores:
Black beans
Granola bars
Peanut butter
Chicken breast
Chicken broth
Ground turkey
Pork chops
Sweet potatoes
Top Pick: Food Storage
4 BPA Large Food Storage Containers
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03) Take Advantage of Seasonal Produce
During the winter, root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, turnips, bell peppers, and parsnips are often less expensive than they are during other times of the year. These vegetables are also versatile and can be used in various dishes, like soups, stews, and roasted vegetables, to make wholesome meals.
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Cheese Shredder & Stainless Steel Grater
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04) Look for Good Deals
Next, keep an eye out for sales and discounts on meat, dairy, and vegetables. These items are usually more expensive so grab them when they're discounted and freeze them until they are ready to be used in recipes. Or batch cook some meals and freeze individual portions. Also, an easy way to get an added bonus is to utilize free rebate apps like Fetch Rewards.
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05) Cook Easy Meals
Preparing meals from scratch at home can be cheaper than buying pre-made meals or eating out. It also allows you to control the ingredients, such as the amount of salt and sugar used in your meals which can be incredibly high in ready-made foods. Being able to cook from scratch is a fantastic skill to have. It means saving money, eating healthier, and it can also be fun and rewarding. We recommend browsing cookery books and looking online for inexpensive yet hearty winter meals to get you started. Try this chicken pot pie soup recipe which is a winner as it's delicious and easy to prepare if you're new to cooking.
Top Pick: Slow Cooker
Wolf Gourmet Programmable 6-in-1 Multi Cooker
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06) Consider Meatless Options
Eating meatless meals can be a budget-friendly way to feed your family. Beans, lentils, and tofu are relatively inexpensive protein sources that can be used in a variety of dishes. Eating less meat can be better for your health and the environment, so it is definitely something to consider.
Top Pick: Meal Planner
Meal Planning Pad with Tear Off Shopping List
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07) Prepare Leftovers
Another great option when you have a grocery budget is to double the recipes for your meals, and you can pack the leftovers for lunch the next day. This allows you to save money as well as save time in the kitchen. Also, some dishes always taste better the next day because the flavors have had longer to infuse!
Top Pick: Food Storage Containers
Bentgo® 60-Piece Meal Prep Kit
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08) Buy Store Brands Instead of Name Brands
Many stores have cheaper versions of popular products that taste almost as good as the genuine thing — sometimes even better! Look for store brands with similar ingredients but lower prices than what you're used to paying for name brands. A recent study found that most consumers don't realize that generic versions of popular products often contain the same ingredients as their name-brand counterparts — and can cost half as much!
Below are some great food stores to find cheaper alternatives:
Sam's Club
Aldis
Walmart
Target
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09) Buy Frozen Instead of Fresh Produce
Buying frozen instead of fresh produce is the cheapest way to go. It lasts longer than fresh produce (frozen foods are often picked at their peak ripeness). And plan ahead if there's an item on sale, so you can take advantage of savings!
Top Pick: Microwave Meals
Hormel Compleats Protein Variety Pack
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10) Use Simple Ingredients
The cold weather makes it tempting to want to cook elaborate meals with lots of ingredients, but this is not always possible or desirable. Keep things simple by using fewer ingredients and cooking methods that don't require much energy or preparation time (e.g., no pots and pans). For example, try making soups or stews in a slow cooker rather than frying up something in the oven.
Top Pick: Soup Bowl
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11) Shop Staples
If there's one thing that every kitchen should have on hand at all times, it's whole grain pasta and rice (or another grain). These foods are filling, easy to prepare, and cheap — making them perfect for feeding hungry mouths in wintertime!
Top Pick: Rice
Long Grain Jasmine Rice 5 lbs.
$7 | SHOP AT AMAZON
By following these strategies, you should be able to feed your nutritious family meals on a small budget in the winter. What budget-saving tip is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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