Food prices have been skyrocketing. Stretching the food dollar is becoming a greater challenge. Convenience foods that are already cut and prepped for us are not usually the cost friendly option. If a person is willing to put some time and effort into preparing food, then there is a chance of limiting the grocery budget. Preparing food in bulk, to eat over a few days or to freeze some for later is a good option. Buying whole foods such as fruits and vegetables to wash and cut ourselves also reduces costs, such as making our own salads rather than buying packaged ones. Other bulk meals that can be a little easier on the budget are chili, stews, vegetable stir fries, etc.
I have found one low cost option I would like to share. I can get many meals out of one fairly cheap stewing hen. I rinse off the hen and place it into a large soup pot with lots of water, and let it boil and then simmer for several hours until it is well cooked. I put a large strainer into a large mixing bowl and pour the contents of the pot into it. You now have a mixing bowl full of chicken stock and a strainer full of chicken that needs to have the bones removed. The broth can be used to make chicken noodle or chicken and rice soups. Some of the meat can go into the soups. There is usually enough chicken meat for at least two additional meals, such as chicken stew and dumplings, chicken pot pie or a simple chicken hash that can be served over rice or toast. Some of the chicken can be used for chicken salad sandwiches.
This type of food preparation usually requires planning your meals in advance and preparing a grocery list. It also helps not to shop for groceries when your hungry to reduce impulse buying. There is nothing wrong with purchasing no name or generic brands of foods to get a better deal. Of course, it is also good to stock up on items when they go on sale, as long as you can use them before they expire. Lastly, eating less meat can reduce food costs by having more meals using eggs, beans, grains such as quinoa, and canned fish.
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