Keep reading if you would like suggestions on how to feed your family on a budget while trying to do so naturally. By that I mean those of us who try to stay away from foods with major additives, artificial flavorings/colorings, processed foods, GMO, chemically-treated and various ingredients that most people cannot pronounce.
Many couponers are under the impression that feeding your family a whole foods diet on a budget cannot be done. If your family are missionaries in Alaska, or you live in some remote part of the country, this may be true, but in most areas, you affordably feed your family natural, unprocessed foods with just a little extra effort and planning on your part. (Yeah Moms, more time when, right?)
It is likely you may spend a little bit more than a family who is eating a diet composed mostly of processed foods, but it really doesn’t have to cost you your firstborn child, as some would have you believe — especially if you’re able to think creatively.
To be perfectly honest, our family still consumes some processed foods (think dressings and condiments). We are in the home a lot and tend to make most of our food from scratch - we like sweets and we certainly do not eat 100% organic.
This may bother some, but we strive to have a well-rounded diet that includes serving a salad with every dinner, lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while still enjoying the occasional brownie for dessert or even letting our children have a soda every now and then when we eat out (horror of horrors! Can you believe it?!)
So, now that you are aware of some of my many shortcomings, here are some suggestions:
1. Prepare Your Menu Based On Season and Sale Items:
If will be feeding your family based on a budget, you will need to have a plan for what you’ll be eating. When you strive to prepare your menus based on what is on sale at the natural foods store, what the local Farmer's Market has in season as well as what you are blessed with from your garden, you will enjoy a major reduction in your grocery bill.2. Practice Stocking Your Pantry
When you come across an incredible sale on corn at the Farmer’s Market, or the health food store has organic frozen strawberries on a great sale, buy ahead (stock up). Buying items your family commonly uses when they are at their rock-bottom price is another no-fail way to save. Consequently, you will not be forced to pay full-price for that item since you can simply "shop" your own pantry when you need it. Produce sales are the perfect time to put your pressure canner to good use.3. Become a Gardener (Or Befriend Someone Who Is!)
If you can and the kids can make it happen, plant a garden. Homegrown produce is only pennies per item from your own backyard, it’s deliciously fresh, and you know exactly what chemicals were applied to it. Also, you can dehydrate, can, or freeze your abundance — or bless your church and loved one's with it!Can't even get grass to grow? Find a friend who loves to garden and trade services (sewing, babysitting, breadbaking, home repairs?) in exchange for their garden harvest. Have even more room in you backyard? Keep a few chickens. Hens really are not trouble at all. You'll love the fresh eggs and the kids will love their new pets.
4. Always KISS your meals
As you sit down to plan your menus, consider how much your recipes will cost you to make. You don't have to be to-the-penny exact, but simply knowing that there is a $10 difference between the price of preparing one meal as opposed to an alternate meal will help you determine whether you can afford to serve a specific dish or maybe save it for a special occasion. Shop from you own pantry of home-canned ingredients for a truly home-cooked meal. It's convenient too!5. Put Meat In It's Place
Does your family have a favorite casserole or two that they enjoy? Is Chili Night cause for a celebration? Well, it should be. You know that serving meat in a stew or as a topping on your pizza is going to be a lot less costly than serving roast and sirloin each night. This is especially true if you’re buying free-range poultry and other high-quality meat for your family. For more on this read Family Feasts for $75 Per Week.
6. Feel the Power of Bulk
Meat and staple ingredients are usually much more cost-effective when purchased in bulk. Don't be shy. Go online and call some local farmers to see what they would charge if you purchased half a cow. Ask around, go in with friends. You may quickly see savings of at least $1 per pound when purchasing in bulk. Buying staples such as grains, beans, and spices with long storage lives will almost always save you at least 20% when bought in bulk.BJ's, Costco, Sam's Club as well as many bulk foods stores and local co-ops, offer great pricing. You can also check with your local health food store to see if they’d offer you a discount for bulk purchases. You can try Amazon (Amazon Mom), Bread Beckers and Azure Standard for local stores offering bulk pricing.
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