I am inspired to write this post after reading a Facebook from a fellow mommy who was struggling with hunger because she was unable to work because she would make less than daycare for her two children will cost. They are surviving on her husband's income alone and a small allotment of food stamps that never seem to stretch the entire month. There is nothing more heart breaking than a mommy who has to lie to her husband about eating so that her family will have enough to eat. Going to bed hungry night after night is extremely difficult but as we all know sometimes mommy gives up what she has to make sure those she loves have what they need.
So here is a few menu ideas for a family of 4 on a very strict budget.
Click on the title for the recipe and photo.
These meals cost around $1-$2 per serving!
Cost per serving: $1.83
This
tasty Biscuit-Topped Chicken Potpie recipe will be a hit with both the
kids and adults. Take a shortcut: If you’re pressed for time, use 6
large refrigerated biscuits from a 1-lb. can.
Cost per serving: $1.95
This
classic sandwich-turned-salad is a great, easy weekday meal option.
Feel free to use turkey bacon if you want to lighten up this hearty
dish.
Cost per serving: $1.96
This
easy and affordable Butter Chicken recipe is bursting with flavor. Use
leftovers in a wrap for lunch the next day and add your favorite veggies
for crunch.
Salmon-Spinach Frittata
Cost per serving: $1.08
Get
even picky eaters to happily eat their veggies with this Salmon-Spinach
Frittata recipe. This frittata is great any time of day—serve it at
brunch, or eat any leftovers at room temperature for lunch.
Cost per serving: $1.34
This
Italian-Style Turkey Meat Loaf recipe is an affordable, lightened-up
comfort food favorite. Even if you're pressed for time, don't forgo the
resting time. It firms it up and makes it easier to slice. Chop up
leftovers and serve in pasta with marinara sauce.
Cost per serving: 75¢
This
Pineapple-Coconut Crisp is inexpensive, easy to prepare and simply
delicious. Make it special: Add some sliced almonds to the topping for
extra crunch. Serve the crisp warm with vanilla or coconut ice cream, or
top it with some freshly whipped cream.
Cost per serving: $1.75
To round out the meal, serve with toasted slices of crusty bread to soak up the cheesy, creamy sauce.
Cost per serving: $2.49
This
spicy one-skillet dish is ideal for an easy weeknight meal. You can
save time and money by using leftover chicken or chorizo in this recipe
if you have it on hand.
Cost per serving: $1.65
Give
this budget-friendly dish a little more color and sprinkle some chopped
fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving. Also, instead of
mixing in the ricotta, try dividing the pasta among four dinner plates,
then topping each with ¼ cup ricotta.
Cost per serving: $1.82
Give
tortillas a Greek flair by stuffing them with spinach, feta and black
olives. Serve with cherry tomatoes sautéed in olive oil, garlic and
parsley.
Cost per serving: $2.39
Make
it takeout night with this recipe that's healthier and cheaper than the
restaurant alternative. To transform the dish into a vegetarian supper,
use vegetable broth and toss in cubes of tofu rather than chicken.
