People across America live on $5 per day/per person through welfare. I tried to make sure I was locating the most current statistics for food assistance, but was unable to support these figure 100%. However, based on other articles, it seems that this is close to the figure given through government food assistance programs. Statistically, low income families have had the belief that they can eat only unhealthy foods because healthier foods are too expensive for their meager budget, I do not believe this to be true. Maybe if you eat off the dollar menu only, a family of 4 could eat dinner for $8 - however, if you order " two Big Macs, cheeseburger, chicken mcnuggets, two medium and two small fries, two medium and two small sodas - costs about $28 at McDonalds" according to an article in the New York Times written by Mark Bittman. Let's say this family shares 2 large fries and 2 large beverages instead, it shaves about $7-$10 off the meal. But this is just one meal. If a family of 4 spends $21 at one meal, they've already spent more than their daily $5 per person per day...
No matter what they save, eating that meal everyday is going to make them unhealthy and unwell...which effects different areas of their life.
So rule #1 - prove that you can eat healthy and conveniently for $5 per person per day. This has to be a possibility. If it's not possible through conventional shopping at a grocery store, there must be other ways to keep costs down...
Rule #2 - $1 per pound rule - This is a great rule with a few exceptions! This not only prevents most purchases of pre-packaged foods but it also helps us buy fresh produce that's in season. Keeping costs down through purchasing foods in season is healthier for you, supports local farms, and makes it more likely for you to stay within the $5 per person per day rule. There are some categories that will be more than a $ per meal, such as meats and dairy. I am not a vegetarian, so I do eat dairy and meats. Personally, I won't apply this rule to dairies and meats.
Here are some tips that are going to keep costs down per month:
Quick and Healthy Soaked Oatmeal - 2 servings
Ingredients:
1 Cup Oatmeal
1/2 Lemon
1/2 Cup Milk, Water or Coconut Milk
Toppings Suggestions:
Raw Almonds
Unsweetened Dried Fruit
Brown Sugar
Fruit Preserves
Cinnamon
Fresh Fruit
To prepare: 12-24 hours before, put 1 cup of oats in a large cup - fill cup with water to just cover the oatmeal. Squeeze 1/2 lemon into the cup. Stir.
Soak 12-24 hours.
In morning: Rinse oatmeal and put in pan over medium heat with 1/2 cup milk, water or coconut milk. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the liquid has cooked into the oatmeal. Divide into 2 bowls and add more milk or coconut milk if desired. Add mix of toppings.
It may sound inconvenient because you have to soak the oats, but how easy is it to put the oatmeal in the pan, cook it for only 5 minutes, and put oats in for the next day? So simple...and it's an incredibly inexpensive and healthy breakfast...of course as long as your control your toppings...
I'll prepare a meal plan for the next few weeks and post here as well as some suggestions for items to stock in your pantry.
If you can't afford all organic, it doesn't mean you can't afford to eat healthy for your family. Or if you're here and desire to help others, you can cut your grocery bill down and use the excess to help others or pay down bills. There are many ways cutting your grocery bill can benefit you AND your family. Decide what excess you'd like to give to help organizations that you believe in and what percentage you'd like to put towards paying down your debt. Set this number and adjust your remaining budget accordingly. Being purposeful in your goals will give you momentum to achieve the desired results.
No matter what they save, eating that meal everyday is going to make them unhealthy and unwell...which effects different areas of their life.
So rule #1 - prove that you can eat healthy and conveniently for $5 per person per day. This has to be a possibility. If it's not possible through conventional shopping at a grocery store, there must be other ways to keep costs down...
Rule #2 - $1 per pound rule - This is a great rule with a few exceptions! This not only prevents most purchases of pre-packaged foods but it also helps us buy fresh produce that's in season. Keeping costs down through purchasing foods in season is healthier for you, supports local farms, and makes it more likely for you to stay within the $5 per person per day rule. There are some categories that will be more than a $ per meal, such as meats and dairy. I am not a vegetarian, so I do eat dairy and meats. Personally, I won't apply this rule to dairies and meats.
Here are some tips that are going to keep costs down per month:
- Bulk Grains - Oatmeal, Rice, Quinoa - These are all whole grains that are healthier than processed grains. It's also possible to make things, like slow-cook oatmeal, more convenient and easier to digest. Soaking the oats... Below is a great recipe that I love and I know is healthy for my family.
- Apply the $1 per pound rule
- Coupons - combine manufacture coupons and store coupons to get double bang for your buck
- Go to lower cost stores, such as Trader Joe's
- Frozen Fruits/Veggies - especially if you have access to bulk stores if there aren't many seasonal fruits & veggies available in your area
- Meal Plan
- Write a grocery list before going to the store to avoid unnecessary items.
- Stick the parameter of the grocery store to also avoid temptation of unnecessary items.
Quick and Healthy Soaked Oatmeal - 2 servings
Ingredients:
1 Cup Oatmeal
1/2 Lemon
1/2 Cup Milk, Water or Coconut Milk
Toppings Suggestions:
Raw Almonds
Unsweetened Dried Fruit
Brown Sugar
Fruit Preserves
Cinnamon
Fresh Fruit
To prepare: 12-24 hours before, put 1 cup of oats in a large cup - fill cup with water to just cover the oatmeal. Squeeze 1/2 lemon into the cup. Stir.
Soak 12-24 hours.
In morning: Rinse oatmeal and put in pan over medium heat with 1/2 cup milk, water or coconut milk. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the liquid has cooked into the oatmeal. Divide into 2 bowls and add more milk or coconut milk if desired. Add mix of toppings.
It may sound inconvenient because you have to soak the oats, but how easy is it to put the oatmeal in the pan, cook it for only 5 minutes, and put oats in for the next day? So simple...and it's an incredibly inexpensive and healthy breakfast...of course as long as your control your toppings...
I'll prepare a meal plan for the next few weeks and post here as well as some suggestions for items to stock in your pantry.
If you can't afford all organic, it doesn't mean you can't afford to eat healthy for your family. Or if you're here and desire to help others, you can cut your grocery bill down and use the excess to help others or pay down bills. There are many ways cutting your grocery bill can benefit you AND your family. Decide what excess you'd like to give to help organizations that you believe in and what percentage you'd like to put towards paying down your debt. Set this number and adjust your remaining budget accordingly. Being purposeful in your goals will give you momentum to achieve the desired results.
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