How to Feed Kids on a Budget
During times of financial difficulty, feeding a family with children can become a difficult task. As a parent working within a budget, doing so can become a balancing act between affordability, nutrition and feeding your children food that they will eat and enjoy. To get the most for the money that is allotted for your family meals, learn the best ways to go about feeding kids while staying within your budget.
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Instructions
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Plan to cook your meals at home, as opposed to eating out. Let your kids know ahead of time that fast food isn't on the menu, and involve them in the process by asking what foods they like and which foods they do not.
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Take a look at weekly grocery ads and compare prices. Plan your meals for the week around the items that are on sale. Look for those items that your kids said they like the most, and if they are on sale, try to plan meals around those foods.
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Create your shopping list before you go to the store. Include only the items that are on sale and those that are necessary for completing the meals that you have planned. This will cut down on your spur-of-the-moment purchases and better keep you within your budget.
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Buy the Sunday edition of your local newspaper, which will probably include coupons. Clip the ones that are relevant to what you want to buy at the store. Remember to bring them with you to the store.
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Shop at stores that generally offer lower prices, especially if your planned meals require items that are not on sale.
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Buy generic foods if the brand name products are not on sale and the generic product is lower in price. Generic items are not always the lowest priced, so be prepared to compare several items for the best price.
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Shop for vegetables and fruits that are in season for the best value and quality. Produce that is out of season will be more expensive. If you must buy out-of-season fruits or vegetables, purchasing them frozen, in cans or dried will be less expensive than buying them fresh.
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Skip sodas and sugary drink mixes that can add up when you're on a budget. Serve your kids water from the tap, which is less expensive and healthier. Buy a water-filtering pitcher, if you prefer.
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References
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