Post by TaQuilla on Jun 10, 2008 20:00:00 GMT -5
I will attempt to start a thread showing budget friendly ways to feed a big family, since we often have people ask us how in the world we do it. I hope that others with big families, or just plain budget savvy people will join in here w/ some ideas.
OK, when I say big family, I mean large in number, as well as in the size of food proportions that we consume. We are talking 8 adult size appetites, no kiddie sizes around here. My boy is the youngest (10yo) and he eats more than I do. Our budget was originally only $80/wk, and although is possible (if you really have to squeeze the budget - no desserts/snacks), we decided as a family that we could live a bit more comfortably with the current budget of $100.
Now, I know that there are plenty of sources out there that will give you different advice on saving $ on groceries (trust me- I've read most of them), but these suggestions don't always reflect the nutritional goals that I have for my family. Of course we can all figure out ways to save $ if we are buying ramen noodles, hot dogs, and other $1 or less items, but we choose to stick to our budget, AND still buy 90-95% organic, natural, healthful foods. I understand that sometimes things are out of our control and we can't help but eating something that isn't 100% healthy -- it happens. BUT, I also know that we can get stuck in a rut of constantly buying unhealthy items and then convincing ourselves that we just can't afford to eat healthy right now. I am here to tell you that it is just not the case. It may take a little time and effort, and you will probably need to take baby steps at first, but your health and your family's health are SO worth it.
I will slowly add things to this thread, and I pray that some of you will add the things that I forget about. I will try to include some sample menus that my family actually uses, and ways to slowly incorporate saving money on groceries, AND eating healthy -- (yes I did just use those two phrases together in one sentence, lol) .
I will try to add more tomorrow, as my hubby just came in and wants to spend time w/me
OK, when I say big family, I mean large in number, as well as in the size of food proportions that we consume. We are talking 8 adult size appetites, no kiddie sizes around here. My boy is the youngest (10yo) and he eats more than I do. Our budget was originally only $80/wk, and although is possible (if you really have to squeeze the budget - no desserts/snacks), we decided as a family that we could live a bit more comfortably with the current budget of $100.
Now, I know that there are plenty of sources out there that will give you different advice on saving $ on groceries (trust me- I've read most of them), but these suggestions don't always reflect the nutritional goals that I have for my family. Of course we can all figure out ways to save $ if we are buying ramen noodles, hot dogs, and other $1 or less items, but we choose to stick to our budget, AND still buy 90-95% organic, natural, healthful foods. I understand that sometimes things are out of our control and we can't help but eating something that isn't 100% healthy -- it happens. BUT, I also know that we can get stuck in a rut of constantly buying unhealthy items and then convincing ourselves that we just can't afford to eat healthy right now. I am here to tell you that it is just not the case. It may take a little time and effort, and you will probably need to take baby steps at first, but your health and your family's health are SO worth it.
I will slowly add things to this thread, and I pray that some of you will add the things that I forget about. I will try to include some sample menus that my family actually uses, and ways to slowly incorporate saving money on groceries, AND eating healthy -- (yes I did just use those two phrases together in one sentence, lol) .
I will try to add more tomorrow, as my hubby just came in and wants to spend time w/me