How do we eat for cheap, but healthy?

[chrisandniki]

We are a family of four (we have two small children), plus we have a dog.

We'd like to get our grocery bill down to about $400/month. Any suggestions on how to eat for cheap, but healthy.

I don't mind eating rice and beans (I can pack these things for work on my lunch hour) while the rest of the family has better foods.

Any suggestions?

[Jennn]

fresh fruit is expensive but stuff like apples and pears are your cheapest bet and keep for longest too
Frozen veg is handy
And tinned veggies like ratatouille (we have loads of this is my family - good for adding veg to pasta or fish dishes)
Oatmeal is a godsend - really cheap, comes in a big bag and you just add water.
Buy frozen fish portions rather than fresh
Buy in bulk when you can

Hope this helped

[bubbles]

Do you have a yard- planting a small garden and growing vegetables can save on any bill.

I have been shopping at BJ's which is bulk and they have lots of organic vegetables in the frozen section.

Also clip coupons and hit sales.

Unfortunately saving money- is time consuming because you need to look for coupons sale and make a shopping plan but it can be done.

Cut out ALL premade foods too- it's much cheaper to make things like and even snacks like cookies and cake.
Not junk- you don't need chips and soda anyways- get that big canister of unpopped popcorn for $10 that will last a year! LOL