A mother of four has revealed how she cooks for her family for just $2 a day by serving mostly vegan food, including black beans, tofu, and lentils.
Betty, who lives near ‘the big Australian city’s CBD’, spent just $114 in two weeks to serve herself, her husband and children aged eight and five.
Using a menu made up mostly of plant-based foods, she revealed she made just one click & collect order at Coles – then went to two local grocers.
A mother of four has revealed how she cooks for her family of four for just $2 a day — serving mostly vegan food (her meals are pictured)
In the Facebook group Mums Who Budget & Save, Betty wrote: ‘Challenge! Food for $2 per person per day – $114 per two weeks for a family of four.
‘Healthy and fast and realistic for working parents. 168 meals and 168 snacks = $114.45 / $57.22 per week / $2.04 per person per day / 34c per serving.”
She explained that you should have basic dried herbs and spices in the pantry, as well as basic sandwich fillings. Other options – such as drinks and sauces – are optional.
Betty also explained that you could save more by shopping and buying multiple stores or by increasing prep and cooking time, sacrificing nutrition/health, or “cheating” costs with existing inventory items.
Betty, who lives near the CBD of a major Australian city, spent just $114 in two weeks to service herself, her husband and her children aged eight and five. Using a menu made up mostly of plant-based foods, she revealed she’d made just one click & collect order from Coles – then went to two local grocers
She also noted that if you have even less money for your family or you have limited physical capacity or time, you can omit fresh herbs and options like lemon, LSA, zucchini, and coconut cream.
Betty also said those on a tight budget can swap whole wheat bread and pasta for cheaper white breads and swap fresh kale for frozen spinach.
“This will make it close to $100 for the fortnight, but a significant health and nutrition compromise,” she explained.
Using a menu made up mostly of plant-based foods, she revealed she made just one click & collect order at Coles – then went to two local grocers. Snack options pictured
Dozens of parents thanked Betty for the post, saying it was “incredibly helpful.”
“Good on you for going to such lengths to share this information with those who need it,” said one.
“What a wonderful way to showcase the options available,” added another.
‘I love this message! Vegan cooking is life-changing. It even helps you get more creative and use more flavors/methods than you normally would with a “Meat & Sides” option,” a third noted.
In the Facebook group Mums Who Budget & Save, Betty wrote: ‘Challenge! Food for $2 per person per day – $114 per two weeks for a family of four.
Betty also explained that you could save more by shopping and buying multiple stores or by increasing prep and cooking time, sacrificing nutrition/health, or “cheating” costs with existing inventory items.
‘I love it! When properly balanced between proteins, fats and carbohydrates, it is very filling and nutritious,” said another.
‘I’m impressed! Your meals look healthy and nutritious instead of being loaded with white carbs and cheap meat. Nice snack ideas too! I’d love to see more from you,” one wrote.
Another added: ‘One of the most helpful posts I’ve seen, this will be helpful to so many and a great way to motivate others to try vegan meals (even if it’s only trading 1-2 days a week).
‘BEST POST! Finally a healthy option I always cringe at the amount of processed and unhealthy foods in most posts, this is amazing! Try it this week!’ wrote another.
‘That is amazing!!! Healthy and very price conscious m, looks great. I’d eat all of this, but I’m quietly surprised your kids are eating it all #mumgoals,” said one.
Betty also explained that you could save more by shopping and buying multiple stores or by increasing prep and cooking time, sacrificing nutrition/health, or “cheating” costs with existing inventory items.
