Wednesday, April 29, 2009

FOOD BUDGET CALENDER

Okay, the first of the May is fast approaching. Anyone out there on a budget, finding it hard to make the food money last till the end of the month? Having raised a house full of kids, I know the Lord was in the budget. While I lived in Mississippi I had a Parent Aid Program, we taught budgeting, shopping housekeeping,etc.

Get your calender and your calculator. Do you know you can feed 2-3 for two days on 1pound of beef. Get a roast beef/pork and split it up for stews and for steaks. When I go out to Costco, I get one of their packs of ground beef, and divide them into individual meals. I think there are twelve in a pack. I take two for 1 meatloaf, 2 for chili or chili mac, I make patties for hamburgers and freeze them, etc. If you get three packs of meat (beef, pork and hamburger), it will cost approx. $50.00. Then I divide those as I did the hamburger. The beef can be chopped into stew meat for stir fry or whatever. The pork can be sliced for chops, boiled pork, or whatever your recipe calls for.

Speaking of recipe's, some folk will need to learn how to cook. It's really not hard to make good, healthy food. Betty Crocker is still the best cookbook around for all around cooking. Goodwill stores are full of them.

Usually I can get chickens at Albertsons for a lot cheaper. Watch for the sales for whole chickens, cut them up yourself. Watch for sales for frozen feggies, fruits and all sorts of things. Coupons are a pain, but if you do it right you can save. There are nine servings in a chicken if you use the back (white meat). If you don't like the back or neck, cook them anyway and take the meat off for chicken salad.

I haven't forgotten about the calendar. As you plan your meals, write them on the calender for each day (including leftovers). You will be surprised what a family of 2-3 can do for $200/mo. Don't forget your salads, and take advantage of gardens. So many ways to grow fresh tomatoes, beans and lettuce, even if you live in an apartment. If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. Happy Eating!!

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