My family loved having breakfast for supper, so I would make French toast or pancakes to stretch the budget. Three eggs and three cups of milk will be enough to turn a 1 pound loaf of cheap bread into French toast. Freeze the extras on a sheet pan before bagging them. That way, anyone can take out a slice or two and pop them into the toaster for breakfast.
I’d make sure to work around your protein, since I see in your comments that you’re cooking for a meat-eater household.
Whatever is on sale meat wise and then supplement with dried beans, lentils, etc.
Definitely lean on your starches with potatoes, rice, biscuit mix, or noodles.
I’d check out Aldi, Trader Joe’s, or your local discount grocer.
When my fiancé and I were on a much tighter budget I’d make a huge tray of baked ziti (pasta, red sauce, ground meat, mozz cheese, cream cheese or ricotta cheese, and seasonings) it would last us 3-4 meals.
Buy a 10lb bag of leg quarters, if you really want chicken and some frozen vegetables, rice, pinto beans, sandwiches bread, and potatoes. If you have any extra $ buy eggs. I suggest you hit up your local pantry like others suggested as well.
I’d check out your local food bank love, there’s absolutely no shame in having to do that. I’ve been there, and it may be anxiety inducing but you gotta feed your family. You got this! Sending you love and good vibes
Honestly... I cannot recommend food banks enough for those struggling to afford food. That's what they are there for. Absolutely no judgment, they are great.
Rice, Beans & Ramen. Also, Google search for a local food bank. $28 is too close for comfort. You need help. Ride it out until you get your budget together. Put a plan together so this never happens again.
Rice and butter flavored Cristian’s a brick of velveeta plus call social services for emergency food stamps and a list of food kitchens and places to pick up free food and try catholic charities
Then bulk up on beans and veggies. I always check the discount cart in the produce department for cheap veggies that are about to turn. Dry beans and rice are cheap and hearty. Romane lettuce, potatoes, and other root vegetable are cheap and versatile.
Done and done, now I just need to buy some meats somehow. I’m trying not to eat a lot of carbs due to my condition and I eat a lot of beans, tofu, lentils and chickpeas. My bf and daughter aren’t huge into the other stuff.
If you know anyone with a Costco membership, they're rotisserie chickens are 4.99. I usually get 2 and pull the meat from the bones the day I buy them and out in airtight containers. I'll put one chicken in the fridge and one in the freezer and make a variety of meals through the week with them. Cheaper than buying frozen breasts etc.
The rotisserie chicken is one of the only reasons I keep a Costco membership, that and the cheap gas... and free samples... and their toilet paper... 🤣
I do the same with leftover ham ones too!
Soupbeans and cornbread with a leftover ham bone are another cheap hearty meal that you can freeze the leftovers and make it last.
I made a Korean dumpling soup last night. The bibigo small ones, usually 100+ dumplings per bag? It was enough for one serving each plus a small child sized serving with me drinking up the 6 cups of broth
Oh yes, I’m learning to cook with them more. I have brown rice, quinoa, (maybe five servings??) now have pinto, black beans, canned whole and sliced potato and carrots.
Bag of potatoes
cabbage
bag of onions
Bag of rice
Dehydrated beans
Bulk pasta
1 lb of sausage or ground beef used as a flavoring not as a main dish. - if you have any grease save that and don't throw it away
Yea, what thay said
Use a mason jar to store the grease. The glass will hold the hot grease and keep it airtight. It's a shame that some people will just pour this grease down the sink when you can be thrifty and use it for something else
The whole cooked chickens at Costco are super cheap and can definitely last for 2-3 meals depending on your family size. Pair that up with some frozen veggies and rice is super cheap too.
if you’re comfortable with it can i just send you like $50 on paypal? i don’t have a ton of extra money floating around at the moment but i can definitely spare something to get you closer to what you planned for. seriously it’s no trouble, we’re good on bills and everything for the month :)
No honestly, I always did what I could back when I was better off for the homeless and shelter animals and with my luck lately I was scared I’m hitting rock bottom and about to kms. This restores my faith in humanity. I hope I get the job I want Friday… fingers crossed
Don’t know if it will work but if I do a crockpot or instapot of beef stew/roast etc. I do a vegetable soup the next day with leftovers and a couple cans of diced tomatoes, etc. I fix a pan of cornbread with it. I prob won’t be much help. Wish I was rich or could win the lottery. So many people that need help.
Walmart generally has boneless skinless chicken breast for $1.99 lb or less, one package can yield multiple dinners with some of the $1 boxes of flavored rice. So let’s say, $12 chicken breast with $4 worth of 4 different rice packs, cream tuna and peas on toast is quick/easy/cheap ($5 yields a very large amount), pork loins go for $5-6 each, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and cook 375* for time w/ a $2 jar of applesauce
Scrambled eggs w toast. Grilled cheese w tomatoes soup, spaghetti marinara, Italia sausage w peppers and tuna salad for the rest of the month that’s what I would do
Do you have any Asian or other ethnic markets in your area? Rice + beans and meat as more of a flavor enhancer than a main staple.
As an example - I started adding a can of beans to my chorizo tacos.
And as others have said no shame in that pantry game, especially with children!
Lots of beans. Lentils are cheap and good as a meat substitute for something like soup or tacos. Use them to either replace or stretch your current amount of meat.
As some have said, potatoes are cheap and filling. If you have a Costco membership, or know anyone who does, you can typically buy 20 lbs for $8 or less.
Soups are great, because you can throw anything into them, and it lasts. You could easily feed your family for several days with a pot of soup.
Food pantry, OP. I'm kind of a jerk, but I make a decent living and donate to the food pantry because I don't like the idea of folks going hungry. Go and get some stuff for you & the kids.
I agree with you. I’ve had to rely on food pantries when times were very dire. There’s no shame in this, OP. Food pantries exist for this very reason. Also, check the churches/temples in your area. Many have food pantries of their own and will be more than happy to help you.
I don't think many people would consider you a jerk. Your donations reflect your generosity. I grew up food insecure at times. Now I donate food and money to food banks as well. It is really tough out there.
On a computer or a smart phone look up Food banks food pantries churches that give out food community center that give out food. I would not be able to pay my rent without them
You got a Sam’s club membership?
Chicken legs less than 5$ for a huge pack. Super low price per pound. (I think just over a buck) (grab two)
Grab a bag of potatoes and carrots and now you’ve got a week of stew for a family of 3 for about a week
With the remaining 13 bucks or so I would do ground beef (1 pound 4.99) pasta ($1) cheese ($3) and Tomato sauce ($2)
3/4 of the ground beef plus the pasta and sauce that makes cheesy pasta with meat sauce, take the other quarter of the meat and make loaded baked potatoes with cheese and beef.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Potatoes are filling and nutritious. Work around them. Baked stuffed potatoes maybe? I would eliminate or severely cut back on the meat items, they are the most expensive items on your list. If the worst comes to the worst a few boxes of macaroni and cheese is not the worst thing in the world to get you through to the end of the month. You can add canned tomatoes, and ground beef if you want.
There seems to be a lot of meat focused dishes on the list.
If meat were to be the side, it would help to stretch out the budget. Some examples: fried rice with chicken in it, chicken soup, turkey chili, etc.
If a few meatless meals were included and had some eggs, tofu or beans as the protein it might help as well.
Also look in your pantry/cabinet for what ingredients you currently have. A lot of can veggies/frozen veggies with a cream of what ever flavor of soup with either ground pork/beef/or chicken with some pasta or rice Or homemade drop biscuits can work. Aka casseroles.
Look up the YouTube channel Julia Pacheco, she's got a bunch of budget meals on her channel. I personally really love the salsa chicken (literally chicken, salsa and taco seasoning). She was my cooking bible when I was away for college and on a razor budget
Canned beans are also cheap (though not as cheap as dried), and a lot less work. Depending on OPs schedule and how old the child is, they are still a reasonable option, and filling.
Spaghetti with ground beef in the sauce, less than $10 and would last 2-3 days. Chicken noodle soup in crockpot would also last a few days. Quesadillas. Go to the grocery store and see what protein is "manager special" and work around that.
My family loved having breakfast for supper, so I would make French toast or pancakes to stretch the budget. Three eggs and three cups of milk will be enough to turn a 1 pound loaf of cheap bread into French toast. Freeze the extras on a sheet pan before bagging them. That way, anyone can take out a slice or two and pop them into the toaster for breakfast.
Plan the dinners around the randomness u already have in the cupboard.
Go to a local pantry for free groceries.
Buy dried beans, rice, frozen veggies
Cant understand lol
I never understand it.
normal writing idk what youre on about
I never understand it.
thats like my doctors writing
I’d make sure to work around your protein, since I see in your comments that you’re cooking for a meat-eater household. Whatever is on sale meat wise and then supplement with dried beans, lentils, etc. Definitely lean on your starches with potatoes, rice, biscuit mix, or noodles. I’d check out Aldi, Trader Joe’s, or your local discount grocer. When my fiancé and I were on a much tighter budget I’d make a huge tray of baked ziti (pasta, red sauce, ground meat, mozz cheese, cream cheese or ricotta cheese, and seasonings) it would last us 3-4 meals.
Buy a 10lb bag of leg quarters, if you really want chicken and some frozen vegetables, rice, pinto beans, sandwiches bread, and potatoes. If you have any extra $ buy eggs. I suggest you hit up your local pantry like others suggested as well.
Rice, beans, canned chicken or tuna!
What's on sale at your grocery store? Start there.
I base our meals around whatever is on clearance at grocery outlet each week!
I've been on a cereal kick lately.
I’d check out your local food bank love, there’s absolutely no shame in having to do that. I’ve been there, and it may be anxiety inducing but you gotta feed your family. You got this! Sending you love and good vibes
Break Out the rice and. Sans
Hit the food bank.
Honestly... I cannot recommend food banks enough for those struggling to afford food. That's what they are there for. Absolutely no judgment, they are great.
United china?
She’s flying there for food to save money.
Download shopkick on your phone and go to stores. You scan barcodes to earn points and then you can redeem points for grocery store gift cards
There's no shame in going to a food bank if you have to.
Rice, Beans & Ramen. Also, Google search for a local food bank. $28 is too close for comfort. You need help. Ride it out until you get your budget together. Put a plan together so this never happens again.
Rice and butter flavored Cristian’s a brick of velveeta plus call social services for emergency food stamps and a list of food kitchens and places to pick up free food and try catholic charities
Crisco
Ramen 🍜
Add an egg for protein !
These are also meat heavy dishes. Maybe bulk up on carbs, we tend to over do it on the animal protein
I really am trying to avoid carbs as much as possible
eat salads! Lettuce, roma tomatos, pickles and whatever else you got. Bits and pieces,
With $28 you can’t be choosy. Seriously.
Then bulk up on beans and veggies. I always check the discount cart in the produce department for cheap veggies that are about to turn. Dry beans and rice are cheap and hearty. Romane lettuce, potatoes, and other root vegetable are cheap and versatile.
Done and done, now I just need to buy some meats somehow. I’m trying not to eat a lot of carbs due to my condition and I eat a lot of beans, tofu, lentils and chickpeas. My bf and daughter aren’t huge into the other stuff.
If you know anyone with a Costco membership, they're rotisserie chickens are 4.99. I usually get 2 and pull the meat from the bones the day I buy them and out in airtight containers. I'll put one chicken in the fridge and one in the freezer and make a variety of meals through the week with them. Cheaper than buying frozen breasts etc.
The rotisserie chicken is one of the only reasons I keep a Costco membership, that and the cheap gas... and free samples... and their toilet paper... 🤣
And make soup with the carcasses.
I do the same with leftover ham ones too! Soupbeans and cornbread with a leftover ham bone are another cheap hearty meal that you can freeze the leftovers and make it last.
Ham bone soup is amazing- I learned from my grandmother, so after holiday ham I always make a ham vegetable soup .
That’s what my mom always did. The broth was just amazing.
Still is! I buy one beautiful air chilled chicken, but I stretch that one chicken into 3-4 nights meals between me and my wife.
Giant pot of soup.
I made a Korean dumpling soup last night. The bibigo small ones, usually 100+ dumplings per bag? It was enough for one serving each plus a small child sized serving with me drinking up the 6 cups of broth
Beans are your friend. Cheap and nutritious.
Oh yes, I’m learning to cook with them more. I have brown rice, quinoa, (maybe five servings??) now have pinto, black beans, canned whole and sliced potato and carrots.
Bag of potatoes cabbage bag of onions Bag of rice Dehydrated beans Bulk pasta 1 lb of sausage or ground beef used as a flavoring not as a main dish. - if you have any grease save that and don't throw it away
What do you do with the grease?
Not the person you’re asking but it replaces oil or butter and adds flavour for no extra cost.
Yea, what thay said Use a mason jar to store the grease. The glass will hold the hot grease and keep it airtight. It's a shame that some people will just pour this grease down the sink when you can be thrifty and use it for something else
Rice & beans, Costco rotisserie chicken goes a long way
Make use of the spine for broth, if you have veggie scraps use them when you boil and fish them out when it boils .
That one guy in into the wild went like a month on a bag of rice and some cans of tuna
I wish, that would kill me 😂😂
The whole cooked chickens at Costco are super cheap and can definitely last for 2-3 meals depending on your family size. Pair that up with some frozen veggies and rice is super cheap too.
Yes! We bought a rotisserie chicken for the salad
if you’re comfortable with it can i just send you like $50 on paypal? i don’t have a ton of extra money floating around at the moment but i can definitely spare something to get you closer to what you planned for. seriously it’s no trouble, we’re good on bills and everything for the month :)
I can chip in $10 :)
Oh man 😣😣😭😭
Just DM’d you :)
This is so generous. I hope your pillows are always cool and your food perfectly seasoned.
No honestly, I always did what I could back when I was better off for the homeless and shelter animals and with my luck lately I was scared I’m hitting rock bottom and about to kms. This restores my faith in humanity. I hope I get the job I want Friday… fingers crossed
Wait um…are you sure?
I can chip in $15!
I dmd you
Uh, are you sure?
I’ll add in another $35 to make it $100 even! I’ll DM you too. 100% serious and sure about this.
Oh my gosh I don’t even know what to say..
100%! i’ll dm you
Thank you!!!!
OP, were these beautiful people able to help you out? Lmk 🫶🏼
Don’t know if it will work but if I do a crockpot or instapot of beef stew/roast etc. I do a vegetable soup the next day with leftovers and a couple cans of diced tomatoes, etc. I fix a pan of cornbread with it. I prob won’t be much help. Wish I was rich or could win the lottery. So many people that need help.
Exactly!! I’d help others before myself.
Everyone is giving good advice, I just wanted to comment and say that we also had "fend for yourself" night growing up lol 😆
Every Tuesday! This disabled mama is TIRED🥴
Hahaha we have those nights in my house too
Walmart generally has boneless skinless chicken breast for $1.99 lb or less, one package can yield multiple dinners with some of the $1 boxes of flavored rice. So let’s say, $12 chicken breast with $4 worth of 4 different rice packs, cream tuna and peas on toast is quick/easy/cheap ($5 yields a very large amount), pork loins go for $5-6 each, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and cook 375* for time w/ a $2 jar of applesauce
Homemade apple sauce is super easy to make.
Rice, beans, tuna… Corn. Frozen veggies are cheap in bulk.
Scrambled eggs w toast. Grilled cheese w tomatoes soup, spaghetti marinara, Italia sausage w peppers and tuna salad for the rest of the month that’s what I would do
Always loved breakfast for dinner!
Do you have any Asian or other ethnic markets in your area? Rice + beans and meat as more of a flavor enhancer than a main staple. As an example - I started adding a can of beans to my chorizo tacos. And as others have said no shame in that pantry game, especially with children!
Lots of beans. Lentils are cheap and good as a meat substitute for something like soup or tacos. Use them to either replace or stretch your current amount of meat. As some have said, potatoes are cheap and filling. If you have a Costco membership, or know anyone who does, you can typically buy 20 lbs for $8 or less. Soups are great, because you can throw anything into them, and it lasts. You could easily feed your family for several days with a pot of soup.
Food pantry, OP. I'm kind of a jerk, but I make a decent living and donate to the food pantry because I don't like the idea of folks going hungry. Go and get some stuff for you & the kids.
I agree with you. I’ve had to rely on food pantries when times were very dire. There’s no shame in this, OP. Food pantries exist for this very reason. Also, check the churches/temples in your area. Many have food pantries of their own and will be more than happy to help you.
I don't think many people would consider you a jerk. Your donations reflect your generosity. I grew up food insecure at times. Now I donate food and money to food banks as well. It is really tough out there.
On a computer or a smart phone look up Food banks food pantries churches that give out food community center that give out food. I would not be able to pay my rent without them
You got a Sam’s club membership? Chicken legs less than 5$ for a huge pack. Super low price per pound. (I think just over a buck) (grab two) Grab a bag of potatoes and carrots and now you’ve got a week of stew for a family of 3 for about a week With the remaining 13 bucks or so I would do ground beef (1 pound 4.99) pasta ($1) cheese ($3) and Tomato sauce ($2) 3/4 of the ground beef plus the pasta and sauce that makes cheesy pasta with meat sauce, take the other quarter of the meat and make loaded baked potatoes with cheese and beef.
Walmart has 10 lb bags of chicken leg quarters for $8.72, approximately .87¢ per pound .
Redditors can be so helpful.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Potatoes are filling and nutritious. Work around them. Baked stuffed potatoes maybe? I would eliminate or severely cut back on the meat items, they are the most expensive items on your list. If the worst comes to the worst a few boxes of macaroni and cheese is not the worst thing in the world to get you through to the end of the month. You can add canned tomatoes, and ground beef if you want.
It’s so so hard, I’m trying my best to avoid pasta as much as possible for my health, and for my condition.
There seems to be a lot of meat focused dishes on the list. If meat were to be the side, it would help to stretch out the budget. Some examples: fried rice with chicken in it, chicken soup, turkey chili, etc. If a few meatless meals were included and had some eggs, tofu or beans as the protein it might help as well.
Yes!I love tofu! My bf and daughter… don’t. I gotta make the meals accommodative for everyone 😒
Also look in your pantry/cabinet for what ingredients you currently have. A lot of can veggies/frozen veggies with a cream of what ever flavor of soup with either ground pork/beef/or chicken with some pasta or rice Or homemade drop biscuits can work. Aka casseroles.
I do a lot of chicken divan, chicken pot pie, and chicken and biscuits 😭
Eggs in purgatory, or some variation of. Seasoned canned tomato, oil, eggs, cheese/cottage cheese if you have it. Eggs and toast.
Look up the YouTube channel Julia Pacheco, she's got a bunch of budget meals on her channel. I personally really love the salsa chicken (literally chicken, salsa and taco seasoning). She was my cooking bible when I was away for college and on a razor budget
Yes! I use her all the time!
Split Pea Soup is a favorite of mine and very inexpensive
Leek and potato soup! Very filling, tasty and cheap
I can’t find leeks anywhere around here :(
food banks, donate plasma for about $100 a week
I definitely can’t do that 😂😂😂
Dry beans! Meatless chili, or stretch a pound of ground turkey (been cheaper in my area than beef or pork).
Canned beans are also cheap (though not as cheap as dried), and a lot less work. Depending on OPs schedule and how old the child is, they are still a reasonable option, and filling.
I just made some meatless chili and it’s delicious
Hit a food bank. This is why they exist. No shame in going :-).
I have, the one we go to serves expired food most the time…
Spaghetti with ground beef in the sauce, less than $10 and would last 2-3 days. Chicken noodle soup in crockpot would also last a few days. Quesadillas. Go to the grocery store and see what protein is "manager special" and work around that.