How I Feed My Family of Four for Under $100 a Week

Feeding a family on a tight budget takes planning, but it’s completely doable. With prices still rising on almost everything, I’ve learned that small shifts in how you shop, cook, and store food can make a huge difference. By staying consistent with a few smart habits, I’ve managed to keep our grocery bill under $100 a week without sacrificing healthy, filling meals.

Plan Every Meal Before Shopping

The biggest savings come from planning ahead. Each weekend, I write out every meal for the week: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. I base our menu on what’s already in the pantry and what’s on sale at the store. This helps avoid impulse buys and wasted ingredients. When everything has a purpose, nothing goes to waste.

Shop Store Brands and Sales

I rarely pay full price for anything. Most of our groceries are store-brand versions that taste just as good as name brands. I also check weekly ads and use digital coupons to stock up on sale items. Combining store deals with cash-back apps like Ibotta or Rakuten adds up fast and often saves $10 to $20 per trip.

Cook Simple Meals That Stretch

Complicated recipes usually mean higher grocery costs. I stick with simple, family-friendly meals like soups, casseroles, tacos, and stir-fries. Dishes that use inexpensive staples such as rice, beans, and pasta stretch meat and vegetables further. Leftovers become lunches or freezer meals for later in the week.

Buy in Bulk When it Makes Sense

Buying in bulk saves money only when you will actually use what you buy. I purchase items like oats, rice, and flour in larger quantities because they last for months. Meat is another great bulk item. I divide it into smaller portions and freeze what we will not use right away. This keeps us stocked without running back to the store.

Limit Prepackaged and Convenience Foods

Most convenience foods cost far more than making the same thing at home. I skip pre-cut produce, snack packs, and boxed meals. Instead, I wash and chop vegetables myself and bake snacks in bulk. It only takes a little extra time, and the savings can easily reach $20 or more each week.

Use What You Already Have

Before shopping, I check my pantry and freezer to see what we can use up. Building meals around what is already there prevents waste and cuts down on spending. For example, leftover chicken can become soup, quesadillas, or salad toppings. Using what you have first keeps your grocery list short.

Shop Once a Week and Stick to the List

Every extra grocery trip usually means extra spending. I make one weekly trip and stick to my list. If I run out of something small, I wait until the next shopping day. This routine keeps spending predictable and helps avoid impulse purchases that sneak up throughout the week.

Freeze and Reuse Leftovers

Freezing leftovers has become one of my best money-saving habits. Extra soups, cooked rice, and pasta sauces all freeze well. Having a few homemade meals ready to go prevents takeout nights when schedules get busy. It is like having your own budget-friendly convenience food at home.

Make Meat a Supporting Ingredient

We used to build every meal around meat, which got expensive. Now I use smaller amounts and stretch it with beans, grains, or vegetables. For example, I use half the meat in tacos or add lentils to pasta sauce. It keeps meals filling while cutting protein costs nearly in half.

Choose Cheap but Nutritious Staples

Foods like eggs, potatoes, beans, rice, and frozen vegetables are always on my list. They are affordable, versatile, and full of nutrients. I rotate these staples into meals throughout the week so we never get bored. It is a simple way to keep costs low while still eating well.

Feeding a Family on a Budget That Works

Keeping groceries under $100 a week is not about cutting quality. It is about being intentional. Planning ahead, buying smart, and cooking from scratch make a huge difference. With the right strategy, you can feed your family well, reduce stress around mealtime, and still have money left over at the end of the month.

Like our content? Follow us for more!
The article How I Feed My Family of Four for Under $100 a Week first appeared on Cents + Purpose.