I’m a savvy mum – here’s how to make family meals for 74p per person, I never waste leftovers
A SAVVY mum has revealed how she feeds her family for just 74p per person.
With the cost of living crisis affecting households across the country, Amanda Marshall, from Glasgow, knew she had to find a cheap way to make meals over the summer.
The 41-year-old’s daughters are home from school over the holidays so she has been faced with the dilemma of how to cook for the family daily while on a budget.
Amanda has revealed some of her great cost saving tips she uses to dish up delicious meals for Rachel, Caitlyn and Brooke while only spending pennies.
The mum of three bought a mega-saver hamper from online healthy retailer MuscleFood to stock up on meat cheaply.
She was able to use the supply to batch cook family favourites such as beef stew for just 74p per person, and homemade pork dumplings for 83p each.
She also buys loose fruit and veg instead of pre-packaged options, and never wastes leftovers.
She said: “I’ve always loved cooking and feeding my family, nothing fancy, just some good old homey dishes.
“Since the cost of living crisis, our food bills have gone up, which meant I had to get a bit more serious about planning for the summer holidays to be able to feed my whole family without breaking the bank.
“Food prices are extortionate nowadays, so you have to be even more mindful about what you buy in the supermarket.
“I have found that small changes are the best way to cut costs. Repurposing leftovers and opting for loose fruit and veg over pre-packaged versions have saved us money.
“I hate food wastage, I never waste any leftovers, I always turn it into something else.
“With bones, I make a stock for future meals, the same with veggie skins which I have bags of in the freezer. Reusing food is always a great way to save, especially with food prices going mad.
“I generally have to avoid the more expensive cuts of meat and items such as steak but the MuscleFood hamper has allowed me to get some delicious meats for a decent price.”
Amanda also shared that she knows how to bulk meals up to make them last longer, and avoids buying any ingredients she can grow herself.
She added: “I batch cook often, my fridge and freezer are always stocked with delicious healthy meals for my three girls, which they will be able to enjoy over the summer holidays.
“If I don’t think I’ve got enough, I’ll add some veggies and lentils to bulk them up so nobody gets left hungry.
“I even buy my spices from a wholesaler over a supermarket to cut back on costs.
“I also love to grow my own herbs, basil, parsley, coriander – you name it. Pop them on the window ledge and make the most of the summer sunshine.”
The 41-year-old mum shares photos of her family recipes on her Instagram page, Mumslockdownmeals.