Is It Possible to Feed a Family of Four on $25 a Day?

Let’s test this theory: feeding a family on a budget can seem like a daunting task, but it’s entirely possible to prepare delicious meals with whole foods, without breaking the bank. To prove it, I went shopping at one of the most expensive grocery stores in America. I’ll guide you through prepping for breakfast and dinner for under $25, along with tips on finding affordable groceries and mastering effective budgeting strategies! Let’s start with a very easy grocery list:

Today’s meal plan

A simple yet delicious breakfast option is caramelized banana oatmeal and an equally delicious and nutritious dinner option is baked ziti. Oatmeal and bananas are filling because of the high amount of fiber but both dishes can be easily modified to cater to specific dietary restrictions making them the perfect choice for a family of four! Here’s what I picked up:

Grocery List:

• 1 box of rigatoni or ziti
• 1 lb ground sausage
• 1 bulb garlic (3-pack)
• 1 bag kale
• 1 bag shredded mozzarella
• 1 box of quick oats
• 3 bananas

(Optional)

• 1 bag of brown sugar

Total cost: about $24.78

I’ll cover the recipe and cooking instructions below, but first, let’s talk about how you can keep your budget while shopping for yourself and your family. 

Finding affordable groceries

When it comes to grocery shopping, I know to explore my store options.

While Whole Foods can be pricey, I’ve found that depending on my location, I might discover local and affordable alternatives. Local markets, farmers’ markets, and discount grocery chains often offer seasonal produce and pantry staples at much lower prices.

I also make a point to shop seasonally, as buying fruits and vegetables in season saves me money; they tend to be fresher, more flavorful, and cheaper than out-of-season items.

To avoid impulse buys, I create a weekly meal plan and grocery list, ensuring I only purchase what I need, which helps reduce waste and saves money.

Buying in bulk is another strategy I use; I look for bulk bins for grains, beans, nuts, and dried fruits, which are often more economical than pre-packaged items.

I also don’t hesitate to try store brands, as they’re usually cheaper yet comparable in quality to name-brand products.

Regularly checking store flyers and coupon apps for discounts is key for me, as many stores offer loyalty programs that provide additional savings.

Lastly, I consider frozen options; frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh ones and often come at a lower price, plus they’re convenient since they last longer and can be used as needed.

Budgeting for meals

To manage my grocery expenses effectively, I set a weekly budget that outlines how much I can spend, breaking it down into a daily limit to help me stay on track.

I also keep track of my spending by recording grocery expenses, using an app or a simple spreadsheet to understand where my money goes and pinpoint areas for potential savings.

Cooking in batches is another strategy I employ; preparing larger portions saves time and money, allowing me to enjoy leftovers for lunch or repurpose them into new meals, which minimizes waste.

I plan for versatility by choosing ingredients that can be used in multiple meals—like a bag of kale that I can incorporate into breakfast, lunch, and dinner, reducing the need for extra purchases.

Involving family in meal planning and preparation makes cooking more enjoyable and teaches kids about budgeting and healthy eating.

Finally, I stay flexible; sometimes, I adjust my planned meals based on what’s on sale or what ingredients I already have, enabling me to take advantage of deals and keep costs down.

Let’s cook!

Caramelized banana oatmeal recipe

Source: https://pinchofyum.com/caramelized-banana-oatmeal

You should start your day with a warm bowl of caramelized banana oatmeal that is as affordable as it is easy to make. Cook the oats according to package instructions, slice the bananas, and caramelize them in a pan with a bit of butter or oil and the brown sugar we grabbed. Once the bananas have softened and are fragrant (and just before the sugar has the chance to burn) scoop them out of the pan and top your oatmeal. For a bit of extra sweetness you can sprinkle additional cinnamon and sugar. 

RECIPE:

• 1 cup rolled Quaker oats
• 3 bananas, sliced into rounds
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup real maple syrup
• sprinkle of cinnamon
• dash of vanilla
• sea salt, chocolate chips, and other desired toppings

1. Cook the oatmeal according to package directions. For extra awesome creamy oatmeal, cook it in milk!
2. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla, and let it bubble around for a little bit to get incorporated. It should be lightly foamy and bubbly.
3. Add bananas and simmer for a few minutes on each side until soft and plump.
4. Remove from heat. Stir half of bananas into oatmeal, and reserve the other half for topping. Add other desired toppings, and mwah! Delicious.

Sausage and kale pasta recipe

Source: https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/5-ingredient-italian-sausage-kale-baked-ziti-recipe/

For dinner, we’ll cook the ziti according to package instructions, brown the ground sausage with minced garlic, and mix everything with chopped kale and shredded mozzarella. After preheating the oven to 350 we’ll bake it until bubbly for a heart and satisfying meal.

I’m here to tell you that feeding a family of four for under $25 is not just possible; it’s practical with some planning and smart shopping. By incorporating fresh ingredients and following a set budget, you can create wholesome meals without the stress of overspending.The next time you’re wondering what to cook for breakfast or dinner, use this as a guide to create a variety of dishes on a budget. 

• 12 ounces ziti (or any pasta shape)
• 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (I strongly recommend using “spicy” Italian sausage)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large handfuls roughly-chopped kale leaves, stems removed
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (I used 2% low fat)
• optional additional toppings: shredded Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Heat a large stockpot full of generously-salted water for the pasta.
2. In a (separate) large skillet, saute the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned (about 8-10 minutes), breaking the sausage up with a spoon into bite-sized pieces while cooking.  When the sausage has browned, add in the minced garlic and saute for 1-2 additional minutes or until the garlic is fragrant.  Remove pan from heat and set aside.
3. While the sausage is browning, cook the pasta al dente in the stockpot of boiling water according to package instructions. Drain.
4. Return pasta to the stockpot and add the sausage, garlic and kale. Gently toss to combine until the kale is dark green and slightly wilted.
5. Pour half of the pasta into a greased 11×7-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup of cheese. Layer the remaining half of the pasta evenly on top. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and just barely starts to turn golden. Remove and serve immediately, sprinkled with additional toppings if desired.