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Eating on a budget
Shopping for food eats up a big portion of your money. We’ve found some ways to help you cut back while still enjoying what you eat.
Chanelle is both a Home Group customer and colleague. She’s also a mum to two budding gymnasts who need plenty of fuel to keep them going.
As a savvy shopper, she’s sharing her best advice for saving money and cutting waste at the supermarket.
Plan your meals
Planning meals for the week means you buy only what you need and waste less.
Try online meal plans for inspiration. Here are a few good ones to follow online:
- Savvy Savings 4 Mums – budget food ideas
- The Family Cookbook – free monthly meal plan
And here are some Instagram accounts to get you started:
Shop smart
- Make a list. Supermarkets are designed to tempt you. A list helps you stick to your budget and only buy what you need
- Visit local markets. Seasonal fruit and veg are usually lower in price
- Look high and low on shelves. Eye-level items are often not the cheapest, compare the price per weight (usually 100g or 1kg)
- Compare supermarkets. Switching to a cheaper one can save a lot. You can use the Trolley app to check prices across 16 plus supermarkets
- Look out for coupons and vouchers. They will usually appear on supermarket apps, especially when you want to buy items in bulk on your list
- Look for yellow sticker discounts. You can build meals around discounted items and then freeze meals
- Freeze it. Bread, meat, and many dairy items can be frozen for later
- Only buy what you’ll use. Waste isn’t a saving
Use technology and apps
- Use apps to get bargains and free food. Too Good To Go and Olio are great for this
- Sign up for supermarket loyalty apps. Many offer discounts, digital vouchers and allow you to collect points
Cook and eat wisely
- Use appliances that use less energy. Slow cookers, air fryers, and microwaves are cheaper to run than ovens
- Make packed lunches for work. Skipping a £4 meal deal can save you £20 a week
- Cook one pot meals. They are cheaper to cook, quicker to clean, and often more nutritious. Try these recipes
- Cook in bulk. Freeze portions for another day, its efficient and uses less energy
- Use leftovers. Turn them into soups, stir-fries, or lunch the next day. Be creative!
When times are tough
- We can refer you directly to Trussell Trust foodbanks and issue food vouchers
- Foodbanks provide packages to individuals and families across the UK
- Speak to your support worker, housing manager, or our financial inclusion team for a referral
Keep your eye out for coupons and vouchers – in particular when you are buying large items.
Good advice from Wonder Women | Home Group customers womens' group
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Talk to our financial inclusion team
Our team is trained to give free, one to one support, if you're worried about money. If you're struggling to pay your rent, looking for benefits support or help with budgeting then give us a call. They can even help you find free clothing and interview coaching.