How do people feed families on £40 a week?

eagle_eye

SandA wrote: »

I am going to be less neglectful in making his sandwiches for work, I admittedly forget sometimes. One thing he does which is very pathetic, is he realises in the morning I have forgot so he doesn't bother making them himself (and the chicken costs £2.70 a pack way I add!) and goes for a Mcdonalds instead! I am glad he doesn't do this everytime but still?!

So if I just remember to always make them, he won't waste more money on food at work, perhaps then he will have a little bit left over, even if its just £20 a month, it will make a big difference.

I will have words tonight about it. No point burying it under the carpet.

I don't work but my wife does work part time. As I'm in "charge" of all household spending I make sure she has something she likes so won't be tempted to get something from one of the supermarkets which she pops into town for lunch. £2.70 for a pack of Chicken sounds a lot - how many slices is that? Because I don't work I have a chance top get some yellow label items, so always look out for sandwiches then I can freeze. These days I don't pay more than about 50p a sarnie unless it's something special . I also look out for fillings that are reduced by the Deli section, these are very good as most are freezable.

Fire_Fox

spiritwood wrote: »

sigh. did i ask you to apologise for eating "good food" ?
you do seem to like blowing your own trumpet a bit and do come across as very snooty. not sure what bisexual has to do with the price of (organic) eggs either tbh. am i supposed to be impressed? what has half french got to do with it either? or the rest. irrelevant waffle. get real please, if you want to debate then at least stick to the issues raised instead of filling it with red (organic) herrings ( from an overpriced shop)

people here do not need to be told how "lower class" their choices are. help them if you care so much instead of patronising them.

I find Edwardia very helpful and welcoming on the organic threads, and does not judge those of us who cannot afford but shares info on the best bargains - MSE is not all about the cheapest, it's also about the best value for money. Your posts includes reverse snobbery and poking fun at one individual - you must know personal attacks are not permitted here in MSE.

The OP didn't just ask about cheap food, she is clearly interested in what she feeds her baby, referred to a balanced diet. I don't see how we are helping the OP by everyone recommending swapping one salt laden processed item for another. I don't see how advocating or sanctioning processed meat products and refined carbs is getting value for money on a tight budget.

MSE is and should be a broad church, it would be nice if we were more accepting of different posting styles and backgrounds. Edwardia is passionate about organic and wants to share that, I am passionate about lifestyle healthcare (my career), others are more contributing on the family and relationship side. Given the purpose and title of this board there should be room here for some straight talking and blunt advice as well as the empathetic emotional support. Then the OP or other readers picks out what they want. There should be no place here for mummy m a f i a.

SandA wrote: »

To be honest when I ask him to, he says he will, but then he just doesn't and tries to hide how much he spends. All I get is that he goes to work so deserves to enjoy himself now and again. I can't argue with that.

would be nice for me to be able to go out or buy myself some new clothes. Being on my own with little one all day is hard. Especially since I do all the night feeds (and currently dealing with teething) so he can get sleep for work.

Do you live in 'smart' area or have any 'smart' villages or areas near you? Not being funny by asking that (I live in a very deprived city! ), but anywhere there are professional and comfortably off people can be a good place to go to charity shops: you can get branded and designer adult and baby clothes, often barely worn, for next to nothing.

Definitely agree try to get out more, get the recommended 10000 steps every day, find some mother and baby groups, Sure Start or suchlike, even a Walking for Health group. Physical activity, sunlight (even winter) and social interaction or distraction are proven to help in anxiety/ stress/ depression.

paulineb_2

I think to be fair the original question was how do people manage to feed their families on £40 a week, a limited budget. There may be people who manage to eat very well on that sum of money and fair play to them. And Im personally a big believer in eating wholemeal versions of bread, rice and pasta. But there are assumptions made at times, like the assumption that if you buy from approved foods for example, all you are doing is eating junk. I dont think its the case. And if the OP wants to try and eat organic on £40 a week then obviously there are people who have the knowledge to help her do that.

Its obviously possible to shop for a family on £40 a week and yes, if someone eats £40 a week of bread and jam they are going to end up looking a bit ill and pasty. But recommending Aldi over Tesco for example, I see no harm in that at all. I try not to eat a lot of processed foods and I do more non organic than I do organic, but Id say my diet is healthy enough.

And of course people can discard or take from a thread what they need, because Im sure for the OP, its going to take a bit of tweaking until she finds the right fit of making her money stretch to a healthy balanced diet and save money as well, but Im sure she can do it.

The diet I eat now is much different to what I ate even 2 years ago, I no longer eat dairy for example and I make a lot more meals from scratch.

Even in relatively poor towns you can get decent charity shop bargains, I live in an area of quite high deprivation and I volunteered for the red cross for over a year and I got some amazing bargains.

dandelionclock30

Whats Approved Foods please? Is it like Farm Foods or something?

paulineb_2

Its an online site that sells food thats past its best before or close to its best before dates at reduced prices.

eagle_eye

SandA wrote: »

I'm not really sure how he spends that much to be honest I would struggle to spend £30.

He is always moaning about having no money, which admittedly he isn't left with much, as he pays the rent and the rest of the other bills, he is left with around £150 a month, he spends £100 on going out, I think he wastes the other £50 on food or something while at work. He is always maxed out by the end of the month (his overdraft) so he can't contribute.

I think you need to sit down with him show him what your financial obligations are and your income and then do the same with his financial obligations and income. If he is being reasonable he won't object, then you can see how much each of you has left for any personal spending and luxuries. I'm certainly not going to tell you what is right and what is wrong but I do think that unless you are rich that joint spending should be agreed, after all it is a partnership.

SandA wrote: »

I feel I shouldnt have to ask him, he just needs to adapt now to spending less on shopping and it will be problem solved.

You need his commitment just telling him won't achieve anything. His stance may be partly due to the fact that he hates his job, but if you explain what being a full time mum involves and how that restricts your freedom that may help.

SandA wrote: »

He just needs to stop being such a snob, ingredients are ingredients, food in aldi isn't going to poision him and as many have shown, its often nicer food. I feel he is typically brainwashed into believing that because it is so cheap it must be bad. Perhaps one good shop in there will make him see that is not the case. So if he strops about it, he can just stay at home instead

Give him a blind taste test - not telling him who's sauce - or whatever the item is - it is. Tell him that Which readers(and we're a fussy lot!) voted Aldi the best supermarket last year that might help. Oh and I would definitely do the shopping on your own - you will spend less.

spiritwood

SandA wrote: »

I am so grateful for this forum. I have found it so helpful and the advise is always excellent.

I won't go into more detail about my life because it will become obvious who I am to family (they know I use this forum, I have been on the phone today and opened up about my situation, so wouldn't be suprised if they have seen this).

My issues stem further then buying cheaper shopping. He's a good man at heart, I just think he has got lost in his ways and perhaps forgets about me at times. He thinks I am being lazy because I don't get dressed or go out, its not laziness its just loss of absolute motivation to do anything because I am constantly online worrying about the future.

I am going to sit him down and have a good talk with him and let him know whats going on, I don't usually show stress etc but its occupying my life now. So thanks to all for making me see that things arent going to get better until I make them.

the very best to you including strength

spiritwood

Fire_Fox wrote: »

I find Edwardia very helpful and welcoming on the organic threads, and does not judge those of us who cannot afford but shares info on the best bargains - MSE is not all about the cheapest, it's also about the best value for money. Your posts includes reverse snobbery and poking fun at one individual - you must know personal attacks are not permitted here in MSE.

i am doing no different to what you are doing here- ie expressing an opinion. i also agreed with some of the post she made and the points about organic food etc.

The OP didn't just ask about cheap food, she is clearly interested in what she feeds her baby, referred to a balanced diet. I don't see how we are helping the OP by everyone recommending swapping one salt laden processed item for another. I don't see how advocating or sanctioning processed meat products and refined carbs is getting value for money on a tight budget.

i agree and said as much. so did others. however posting generalisations about the majority of mse users is not helpful.

MSE is and should be a broad church, it would be nice if we were more accepting of different posting styles and backgrounds. Edwardia is passionate about organic and wants to share that, I am passionate about lifestyle healthcare (my career), others are more contributing on the family and relationship side. Given the purpose and title of this board there should be room here for some straight talking and blunt advice as well as the empathetic emotional support. Then the OP or other readers picks out what they want. There should be no place here for mummy m a f i a.

there is no mummy !!!!!. but equally there should be no reason to be judgemental in the way i saw earlier. i was not defending myself, i couldn't give a damn, but i feel for others who have to read it all the time.



Do you live in 'smart' area or have any 'smart' villages or areas near you? Not being funny by asking that (I live in a very deprived city! ), but anywhere there are professional and comfortably off people can be a good place to go to charity shops: you can get branded and designer adult and baby clothes, often barely worn, for next to nothing.

no i live in the sticks.... and i agree.

Definitely agree try to get out more, get the recommended 10000 steps every day, find some mother and baby groups, Sure Start or suchlike, even a Walking for Health group. Physical activity, sunlight (even winter) and social interaction or distraction are proven to help in anxiety/ stress/ depression.

i don't want to detract from the OP needing help so maybe edwardia and i can agree to differ rather than posting over the op? i just felt i had to say something. as you said there is room for all opinion yes?

dandelionclock30

O.P I think you may feel better about things if you do get dressed everyday and go out.It can be really depressing staying in the house. Someone else has suggested Sure Start, if there's not this in your area is there mother and toddlers or a babies swimming group or something you could go to?
Your G.P will be able to tell you about Mums and toddlers and a local leisure center will be able to tell you if there's a swimming group etc for babies if you fancy that.
Hopefully it will be better weather soon and you will be able to get out with your baby on some walks/trips out etc. Good luck with everything.

tessie_bear

hi...op i would get up and go out at least once a day I thinku will feel so much better if u have a walk in the fresh air...i know i do

i think with all matters/changes it is about baby steps/ little changes so it doesnt overface you and make you feel like giving up the ghost

have you seen the grocery thread at all ? its fab...great recipes and lots of chat and tips

i am off to read your thread and if i have any tips the posters have missed (unlikely) i will post

good luck