Is this possible???

savingsp

For one reason and another we dont have a large food budget for this month. I was wondering if it is possible to feed a family of 4 (two adult and two children 10 and 12) on £20 a week. Does anyone have any ideas on possible menus or meals i can cook.

camNolliesMUMMY

I didn't want to run, but I'm sure someone will be along with links for you but hearty meals that can be stretched with beans veg and pulses.
I recommend Asian markets for fresh veg meat and spices and lots of recipes to have in the kitchen and mark your families favs or what you think they will like.
Meal plan then only buy what's needed.
Freeze leftovers.
Freeze veg after you have bought them and chop.
Can't think of anything else
Good luck anyway.

Popperwell

Oh there are so many threads suggesting this is possible and I am sure many will be along with ideas and links, I hate having to skrimp and save as I do but I do it(I have no choice, many on here don't)many are struggling but you don't know what goes on behind closed doors. I do feel a sense of achievement doing so...

It all boils down to what you like to eat. How big the portions are. Do you like vegetables? ASDA and Tesco's are doing a bag of onions/turnip/onions and carrots for £1. As said elsewhere they have at present some Bird's Eye Chicken and Garlic four in a box for £1.49. Some items can be stretched out like a bag of potates to do a few meals.

Meat has shot up in price but if you buy some and make the portions smaller and bulk it out with pulses you can get a decent meal.

It could also depend what offers are on...which SM or shops you use. I am single and some of my meals can work out between 50p-£2 a day. Then again I usually only eat one or two meals daily. I sometimes eat sandwiches. Or cereal and fruit and not always at breakfast.

Many of us have also found that own brands/value ranges are ok and not much different when you compare the nutritional value side by side.

Also many of us cook meals and freeze the extra and then have it another day or adapt it with other ingredients.

tattycath

This thread is good for ideas.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4084527
and this one.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1157641

Upsidedown_Bear

This thread should be helpful.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4148389

camNolliesMUMMY

I'd like to add once a month we spend around £20 on meats for a month.
We chose to shop mainly at a halal store, not because we are religious but because its better value and quality.
I can get 4 large chickens for £10
4 kg of chicken breasts for £7
4 kg Boneless chicken thighs around £4.50
2 kg chicken mince £3
Spices are all 60 p for 100g bag -I have loads In so never stuck lol
Chicken salami or beef salamis 900g for £1 and they are yum on sandwiches, pizzas mixed in rice???
Rice 5kg for £4
Two huge iceberg lettuce 99p
5 big bunches of spinach 99p
Three large cucumbers 90p supermarket around 75p for one!!!
Three bunches of spring onions 90p
Just to give you a rough idea for you to have a think about? But it's worked out saving us £50+ a month doing our main shopping there instead of a supermarket


Just remember their wont be any pork

tina_malteser

camNolliesMUMMY wrote: »

I'd like to add once a month we spend around £20 on meats for a month.
We chose to shop mainly at a halal store, not because we are religious but because its better value and quality.
I can get 4 large chickens for £10
4 kg of chicken breasts for £7
4 kg Boneless chicken thighs around £4.50
2 kg chicken mince £3
Spices are all 60 p for 100g bag -I have loads In so never stuck lol
Chicken salami or beef salamis 900g for £1 and they are yum on sandwiches, pizzas mixed in rice???
Rice 5kg for £4
Two huge iceberg lettuce 99p
5 big bunches of spinach 99p
Three large cucumbers 90p supermarket around 75p for one!!!
Three bunches of spring onions 90p
Just to give you a rough idea for you to have a think about? But it's worked out saving us £50+ a month doing our main shopping there instead of a supermarket


Just remember their wont be any pork

i like to go to glasgow at least once a month by train £6 something return(i don't drive) and i also buy Halal from the street shops and then the chinese quaters for many other items,i cook and freeze alot as its only for myself..i long to see less supermarkets and more local business.. very cheap too..

Butterfly_Brain

Do you have a store cupboard or anything in the freezer? If you could post what you have it will be easier to work out a meal plan

camNolliesMUMMY

It's down to everyone's personal choice? Just giving my pricing as it may help op, not to get people's backs up or offend.
We see a huge difference in our food and eat better than we ever have done, how meat is killed does not bother us.
as everything is going up in price we are still eating well without having to make cut backs, so please do not judge me or my family or anyone who chooses to shop like this? Or eat halal food.

Thank you

tattycath

camNolliesMUMMY wrote: »

It's down to everyone's personal choice? Just giving my pricing as it may help op, not to get people's backs up or offend.
We see a huge difference in our food and eat better than we ever have done, how meat is killed does not bother us.
as everything is going up in price we are still eating well without having to make cut backs, so please do not judge me or my family or anyone who chooses to shop like this? Or eat halal food.

Thank you

Please note. I do not sit in judgement. I just gave my own personal opinion about halal meat. A man (woman)'s gotta do what they've gotta do in order to survive in this current financial climate.

Bonniew86

I have to agree with the guys about the ethics of halal meat. Killing meat this way IS actually illegal in the UK, unless it's for religious reasons. Therefore the Government are aware of the cruelty involved, but have to be tolerant.

Although I also agree that each to their own and if you are saving money then that is up to you. Personally for cheap meat I use basic/value meat and just trim off any fat, or drain in the case of mince. It tastes the same as the more expensive ranges.

A cheap meal I tend to use is jacket potatoes. a sprinkle of cheap cheese and a bit of ham (I always use basics for both) makes a nice meal especially in the colder months.