Let’s Start To Change The Mindset
One of the hardest things to do when changing the way we shop and prepare food is realizing that the way we have been doing things isn’t working. In general most people tend to be caught up in buying for convenience. Be it in portion controlled packaging or ready made foods, all of that adds to the cost of the products that are being purchased. To stick to a tight budget it means changing those habits and it takes time and patience. Don’t try to dive in and do everything all at once, give yourself a break and move ahead slowly. The changes will be more likely to stick that way.
Thinking about $8 per day per person is daunting and really can in itself be stressful so look at the bigger picture. For a family of four that is $32 per day or $224 per week. That’s a little less discouraging and easier to accept. Also cooking and preparing food on a budget means replacing staples as we use them up and when they are on sale. Often it means buying certain foods in bulk or semi bulk quantities. Being prepared to store dry goods and freezer items is also key. It is possible to repurpose things to help with this.
Another way of taking advantage of bulk pricing is to split the purchase with a partner. Find a friend that is interested in cutting their grocery budget down and share not only bulk items but maybe even food prep. Also when I say buy in bulk I dont mean to go to Costco or Sam’s Club necessarily; they don’t always have the best pricing. You need to shop around to see where the best pricingis and plan accordingly. Sometimes surprisingly Amazon has fantastic pricing and if you have a prime membership you won’t pay shipping.
Below is a list of pantry staples that will make sticking to this tight budget less difficult. Of course you shouldn’t run out and get them all at once but add one or two bulk items to your weekly shopping list. Also look into glass or heavy duty large plastic bins or jars for storing dry goods. The last thing you want is to have a critter get into your rice or flour.
Pantry Staples - Dry Goods
Brown Rice - long grain will be most versatile
Jasmine / Basmati Rice - this rice has a wonderful flavor and will enhance your recipes
Quinoa - tri color - great source of protein and a low carb healthy grain
Pearl Barley
Rolled Oats
Steel Cut Oats
Farro - an Italian grain that is like a cross between rice & barley
Wheat Berries
Kasha
Unbleached White All Purpose Flour
Bread Flour
Vital Wheat Gluten
Whole Wheat Flour
Corn Flour
1 to 1 Allpurpose Gluten Free Flour
Assorted Whole Grain Pastas - spaghetti, elbows, rotini, shells, bow ties, orzo, etc.
Sugar
Brown Sugar
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Yeast
Kosher Salt
Peppercorns - get a refillable grinder
Ground Black Pepper for Shabbat use
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Oregano
Basil
Chili Powder
Paprika
Smoked Paprika
Any spice that you use often - yes they have a shelf life but dried spices are more cost effective than fresh unless you grow your own and if you are preparing your food from scratch you will use more dried spices.
To store all of the above my preference is glass - I use a variety of different sized mason jars and repurposed jars. I also have heavy non BPA plastic bins with tight fitting lids. Purchase slowly as you need and again watch for sales, go to restaurant supply stores for good deals on large containers and occasionally on bulk items. Check out the recommendations & deals section of this website for links to someof my favorite storage solutions.