Keeping a Large Family Fed on a Small Budget It can be difficult to keep a large family fed, especially on a budget. Children require a lot of nourishment in order to properly grow and develop. Parents of large families feel the strain of maintaining a healthy fare for their children, particularly because they are feeding more people than are in an average family. In order to be successful in this venture, parents of large families need to be wise in how they go about it. There are many good ideas in regards to how to feed a large family. Parents that have already struggled to provide for their children and been triumphant can pass on their methods to other parents who are still learning. The advice given by these parents can be invaluable to others. But, if you are a parent in a large family, and you do not have someone to turn to for advice, consider these suggestions.
Advanced Planning Firstly, take the time to plan out the meals for the week. This process will take a certain amount of strategy. Determine what you will be serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and be sure to take note of what ingredients are necessary to create these meals. When you go shopping for the week, buy only what you need. If you buy in bulk, you can use plastic baggies or, better yet, vacuum packaging to preserve extra food. While planning, also try to take note of ways in which you can conserve left over items from one meal by using them again in another meal. Purchasing some items—rice, pasta, and meats—in bulk can decrease the amount of money you spend while at the grocery, as well as decrease the number of trips you make to the store. Those of you who have a hard time sticking to a list should allow your spouse or someone else to make runs to the store for you. As previously mentioned, store these bulk items in smaller amounts. Vacuum sealing foods helps preserve them and increase their shelf life.
Planning Wisely When planning and purchasing for meals, try to use vegetables because they are less expensive than most other products. Vegetables are also very filling and can be added to a small amount of meat to create a healthy and hearty concoction. We can all take a lesson from the other nations of the world that use meat as only a small part of their diets. They are able to take their sustenance from rice and other plant materials. Another inexpensive food is grain. Beans are often very cheap and contain fiber which means they are very filling. These types of food items are also very nutritious. Don’t underestimate the value of cheap food items. While cold cereal is usually considered to be the standard breakfast meal, it is not the cheapest way to feed your family. Think about making large amounts of a single type of food, rather than buying each
individual his favorite brand of cereal. Oatmeal and pancakes can be made in large quantities. These foods are also healthy and filling. Often, snacks like candy bars and potato chips can be expensive and strain a budget. It’s a better idea to buy in bulk in this case as well. Find some cheap bulk popcorn or another item that is easy to make. Do not give into a child who begs for a candy bar as this can lead to the undoing of your attempts at budget management. If your children want, they can use an allowance to buy the candy they desire. In this way it becomes a reward, and the child will come to learn more about how to budget. Most types of drinks can also be a budget strain, as well as being healthy. Water is the healthiest beverage around. If you have water with most meals, you will find it easier to purchase more nutritious foods for your meals. In the end, your family will be much healthier. It may take a little adjustment for your family to get used to the change in menu. Do not worry. Adjustment takes time. So, don’t let up when there are a few minor complaints voiced by your children, or even your spouse. After a while, they will come to thank you. Begin now to make the change!