✅ Go to meetfabric.com/JEN and apply today, risk-free! ➡ Grab the shopping list and recipes here: www.jenchapin.net/tendollarbudgetdinners 🥫 Find your local food bank: www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
Many years ago (when ground chuck was cheap), my siblings and I joked that our parents had 101 recipes to make ground chuck. 😂 My parents also put out a plate of bread for those who wanted to eat bread and butter with their meal. I remember my Dad never took seconds until he was sure us kids had eaten all we wanted. I think it was mostly him, who ended up eating the bread, most likely so that he was full. ❤ This video brought back that memory. I think that most parents do the best that they can for their children and they have my respect. Thank you for the video!
Amen!!!!! I get sooo tired of seeing comments, not just This channel, about processed foods. There could be wayyyy worse things to talk or complain about!! I love your comment. Thank you!
Well said Jen! I have been at both ends of the wealth game and have compassion for those struggling. Food is food and if you are hungry, then you need to eat whats available.
All organic, all fresh veggies, 93/7 ground beef…. These are luxurious items during some seasons of life. Feeding your family, however that looks, is success!
@@LovinAZ-g1q sometimes you can get the bagged salads that are reduced for a quick sale..and although they may not make as many salads as you typically get from buying the separate components..even if not on sale..sometimes it is a better deal..
Completely agree then we all seemed so shocked when we read the number of cases of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, etc. all being through the roof. It’s sad.
15:21 I completely agree! I appreciate that you have said this. As someone who has worked with low income families, simply having a good meal on the table is a huge accomplishment! I think we need to be proud of anyone for trying to feed their families and yes, that sometimes includes processed foods and no one should be ashamed of that.
Yes!! 💯 Thank you!! Glad someone said it!! I make $20,000/yr with six kids, teens and tots ....I can't EVER afford organic meat or produce, etc. We have hamburger helper and hot dogs and yes these videos are EXTREMELY helpful to those who are struggling just to get by. Once the bills are paid I do my best to place a meal on the table. somedays it has vegetables some days it does not. Life isn't perfect and we do the best we can with what we've got. Thank you for this video, I'm always looking for ways to stretch our food budget, fill the freezer for the month with deals and discounts and have happy full bellies. ❤🙏💯
I don't even waste my time with organic food. I like to shop at a grocery store near my home where they have "ugly" produce that's marked down. But anyways, you do what you need to do to feed your family; you're doing a great job ❤
I loved how you handled that last part of the video. And it's not hard to shop semi-healthy and still be on budget (i.e. frozen/canned veggies, chicken drums/thighs, etc). Not all ultra processed is cheap either, so people really just need to pull their heads out of the sand and see the world as it really is and just 🤫 lol
Agree…the ingredients in this video were not bad. Everything can be considered processed. It’s the ultra processed foods that need to be moderated. As a person who grows a huge garden and preserves food I see nothing wrong with this meal plan.
There are some things that are ultraprocessed in the video, like the pigs in a blanket. But there are some things that are less processed, like the pork sandwiches, French bread pizzas, and chili potatoes. I think a lot can be done with $10... chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, and green beans. Pasta dishes. Burrito bowls, particularly if they are Meatless. Stir fry. But I also get that sometimes some people need more variety.
Build your week of meals around 1 protein. Bone in ham Scallop potatoes with ham Ham and beans Ham and cheese omelets Potato soup and ham Ham and cheese grilled cheese You get the idea Chicken breast Chicken alfredo Chicken and rice soup Chicken, broccoli rice casserole Chicken fajitas 5# chub of burger Sloppy joes and chips Chili over rice Chili baked potatoes Spaghetti
I LOVE these ideas! Honestly, these are super realistic for everyday families with children. I will be using several of these for my own family! Making sure the family is fed, is above all most important 💙
Canned chicken and yellow rice in the instant pot is one of my favorite meals. Dump in a can or two of chicken including broth, add a bit of olive oil, add rice and water according to package. Hit the rice button.
Jen you are so right! Experiencing all of the five fingers you mentioned I have been through! Sometimes you just got to make it work with whatever you can! Thank you for your humility and coming up with real solutions for those that really need these ideas ❤❤❤
I love watching your videos, the recipes have helped me grow as a home cook but the part I love best is hearing your voice and perspective. I think you have a valuable perspective on life and I learn from you.
Man, I love you Jen. Thank you for being a real one. Oh and yes this was super helpful. I was just looking for dinner ideas that would be cheap and feed myself for 3 days.
I’ve been trying to do a lot more scratch cooking and not only is it more expensive to buy all the fresh ingredients it also takes so much more time. I’m a full time working mom and some nights we aren’t eating until like 8 at night so there is only so much one can do before you lose your sanitary. Loved this video!!
Some advice… as your skill set increases prep and freeze the things you can to make homemade/scratch cooking easier and more convenient. For example, my family loves breakfast for dinner once every week or two. I batch make biscuits and hash browns two things I used to buy as convenience items and freeze them. I do this on the weekend or any day off and I make several meals worth. I also do this with pie crusts that I use to make pot pie. Also, learn to love your crockpot if you do not already. I have found some great instant pot recipes. I make from scratch versions of hamburger helper in mine that are so fast and easy. Good luck it does get easier.
I forgot to add if you can invest in some of those souper cubes… I use these to freeze leftovers because you best believe my family is eating them. I freeze things like single portions of chili so they can be pulled out for lunch. Although, sometimes if there is enough chili left I will stick blend some of it. It gets frozen for chili dogs or you can best believe chili dogs will be in the meal plan the same week we had chili for dinner. Let your meal plan work for you so that leftovers are repurposed in to new meals. Also, when I make things like spaghetti I brown up enough meat for a few spaghetti meals. I just freeze the other portions and next time I want to make spaghetti I just pull the meat out to use. Spaghetti ready in the time it takes to boil the noodles.
It's just me and my husband, and we eat vegetarian, and I still have to work hard to stay on budget. I can only imagine how hard it is for families to feed themselves. I loved how you spoke to food insecurity bc it's a real issue for so many. Let's all be more compassionate ❤
Jen, I commend you for speaking up and out for people just trying to feed themselves or their families..this is an excellent video showing people how to feed their families for around $10 ..and I think the meals are pretty well balanced..and I have actually seen reports where frozen fruits and veggies maybe better for us than fresh..due to the supposedly fresh..are not fresh due to where they maybe coming from..like in how long it takes them to reach us...when they're harvested..meaning not ripe and therefore the nutrients are not as dense as they should be etc..Thank you Jen for sharing your knowledge with us!! You're greatly appreciated ❤ Be Blessed Always 🙌
Great video Jen! The meals you chose are great options, for families on a tight budget. Thanks for reminding everyone that we shouldn’t judge people because of their dietary choices. Money or the lack there of influence what we eat. The most important thing is that children are not going to sleep hungry. Please continue to do more of these videos. They’re very helpful.
AMEN!!! when my group of friends adopt our families to support for the year of holidays I always ask for wants and needs. Everyone deserves some wants when times are hard!! We adopt our families in Jan and provide for Valentines day, birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Inflation is insane and is certainly not going to be better in 2025.
Thank you Jen for a video full of ideas for good, filling and economical meals. Most of all I want to thank you for your little reminder at the end about not judging and not being a food snob, both of which makes those struggling feel guilty. I work near hospital row in Toronto and there is a little church nearby which holds a food bank on Thursdays. I can't tell you how many times on Thursday as I wait for my bus that I overhear parents with their bags of donated food discussing how they are going to make the food stretch and how many meals they will be able to eat in the coming days if they are careful. I am blessed in that I have never had to rely on donations or worry about food insecurity, but I have empathy for those parents, especially mothers who skip meals to feed their children. The last thing they need is to feel more guilt about the food not being organic, or fresh or made from scratch. Thank you for being kind! You are an awesome human being, Margaret
Thank you, Jen, for keeping it real. 💖 Some people don’t get it because they haven’t experienced food insecurity themselves. When my father was let go from IBM, he had to piece together two jobs (sometimes three) to make ends meet. Mom swore she never wanted to eat ground beef again because she used it so much stretching meals for a family of four on my father’s meager salary. I love your channel. 💖🌹
I thank you for being straight forward about hardships of feeding a family on a tight, tight budget. There are many out there that do not have a clue. A struggle for many and I think you are awesome to do this video to show an inexpensive way to feed a family. So much better than a box of sugary cereal and a little milk, in my opinion any way. Love the way you lean forward on the grocery cart and talk to us. Makes me feel I am right there. Anyway, you take care and see you soon.
Thank you for this video. Also, for the real life message at the end. Im 55 on a very low fixed income and food stamps. Id love to eat healthier but my food budget just won't allow that. Just trying to do my best ❤
Super video!!! You are helping sooo many people!! Re: scalloped potatoes and ham: I just fixed that tonight! I was able to get 5lb of potatoes for less than 3 dollars. I might suggest using fresh potatoes instead of the boxed, if you can. I sliced my potatoes and seasoned them well with salt, onion and garlic powder and pepper. I tossed in the ham and added about 1 1/2c of milk and also a little water. Covered it with foil and baked until the potatoes were super tender. Then removed the foil and baked till brown on top. The liquid had absorbed and it was delicious. It’s also fabulous to add cheese if you want to do that. You’d probably have potatoes leftover for your baked potato bar!
I just love your kind spirit Jen ❤ These meals are so budget friendly…especially in this day and age. Thanks for all you do…you’re my favorite RUclipsr🤗🤗
My mom used to cut up those canned tamales, mix them with a can of chili, top with cornchips and cheese for a casserole we loved as kids! I haven't had those as an adult though, either.
Wow this was just a great video…for so many reasons. I appreciate that you have empathy for people in our society that are ‘living on the edge”. That’s what my husband and I call the folks out there that are struggling in this economy. He’s working as a school bus driver and he sees it every day. It’s just him and I these days, along with our fur babies but when we were raising our family we sometimes lived through lean financial times and it can be tough to feed those growing bellies! I loved your well thought out budget and I always get great ideas from your shopping expeditions. Thanks for all you do. Also…I’d love to see more of this type of video and you haven’t done a Sam’s shopping and haul in a while. I always look love to see those for sure.
Thank you so much for the video. I really needed that for struggling right now financially and I need help on how to rethink to keep myself back into a budget.
Great video Jen. It’s tough to feed a family in today’s economy and it’s not going to get better anytime soon. Thank you for addressing the processed food issue that you knew was coming. It’s so quick to judge and let’s not forget that there’s people who live in food deserts.
Great video Jen! I love how you had it organized, so helpful! And such a great message at the end. Food is a necessity and not every one can afford it. You do what you can with what you got. 🥰
These videos are great! My heart goes out to people today. In the 90’s I experienced a time when I had to shop for 2 weeks with only $25. I could never make it today. I don’t think even with calculating for inflation with that amount. You buy what you can to have food for your family.
I make a vegetable pizza using crescent rolls (or sheet)baked, 1 pkt ranch seasoning, dry and 1 block softened cream cheese. Stretch rolls onto a cookie sheet, sealing seams, bake 350 until lightly brown. Mix ranch pkt and cream cheese together and spread on rolls when cooled. I go to a salad bar and get small salad minus lettuce and dressing. I get only veggies we like plus shredded cheese, chop up veggies more top rolls with veggies and enjoy.
I truly enjoy your videos Jen and I have the utmost respect for you. This video is especially helpful for families with children because like you said…..food in the belly is the most important goal. I have had many times in my life, both as a child and an adult where I have experienced food insecurity, and it’s very difficult. The average families these days are working so hard to make ends meet and feed their families the best way they can. These videos are definitely going to help in more ways than you know. Thank you for your hard work with the channel!!!!
Great great ideas! Very helpful. It is a real struggle. I like your variety and honestly those frozen veggies are Fab!. Keep it coming! I’ve never tried the Vigo rice, nice tip.
I make goulash a lot. Cheap and pretty healthy. Another revipe we all love is a recipe from years back from Betty Crocker. It’s called Texas Hash. I’ve made it for friends and they all have added it to their meal rotation. Green peppers, hamburger, rice and stewed tomatoes baked. It’s basically a deconstructed stuff green pepper. So good. A lot of my friends put grated cheese on top. A complete meal
@ it is so good. I think it originally came in a recipe box in the 80s. I got the recipe from my friend years ago, I double it just for my husband and I and we eat it all the time
I’ve loved you and your channel for years because you keep it real. And today’s video makes me love you even more! Buying groceries has become outrageous so thank you so much for this video and I would love to see more like this! ❤
Thank you so much for talking about food insecurity. I've always lived on the edge. I remember one time camping because we had been evicted. It got to the point that all I had left was flour and cornmeal. I made breadsticks and cooked them on the tiny campstove we had. I had never felt like such a failure as a Mom. It's about more than money. So many people live like this. 😢
Agreed they arent as cheap due to the bird flu, however, at 82 cents per serving (2 eggs each person/$5 per dozen) its still a steal on protein servings and could make a dinner way under $10. Cheesy scrambled eggs and toast or waffles/syrup would come in WAY under $10 bucks and feed at least 4-6 people well and yummy!
Pork butt shoulder has been $1.99 per pound at my Kroger for weeks. They are all really big. I cut one into thirds and frozen two thirds. I cooked the remaining third in the slow cooker with sourkraut, onions, applesauce (didn't have any apples on hand) salt, and pepper. It was amazing!
Budget Grocery Planning is my all time favorite task. It's just me but I try to help younger couples learn how easy it is and get them on track to become debt free. Your video is realistic, healthy balanced and easy. Thank you for all you share. I 100% agree with your "no judgement" clause. I have been there as well. Society makes a family feel insecure when they are not "keeping up with the Joneses" and following New Age way of thinking. None of your meals are unhealthy. Single moms do not have time to make everything from scratch.
I love this, groceries are so expensive but shopping around you can find good deals. Would love to see how these same meals would cost at other stores.
Yes this video is so helpful! I was like wow those are cheap meals that you showed us. I just need to be more intentional when I go to Walmart. Usually I'm concentrating on getting in and out as quickly as possible. Thank you for the video!
Hey 👋 Jen Great video it brought back memories. I too have been on both ends of this very important conversation. I first have to say to everyone regardless of your situation, never feel bad because you had to use processed foods to feed your family. You never have to feel guilty or sorry for a situation you have no control over. These were all great recipes and I know I would enjoy regardless of how much money I have. Hugs 🤗 everyone.
Thank you so much for making this video! I’m really struggling to come up with ideas to feed my family. Also groceries are just so expensive and it is really hard to afford groceries right now. I love you videos. Have a great weekend!
Great video. All the meals you put together look delicious and all included veggies. I agree with what you said about feeding a family on a tight budget
think you for this video. I am one of those low income just trying to afford groceries for my family the best I can. I get so tired of seeing snotty remarks on videos like this policing what you all are using for ingredients. I always think entitlement when I read them. No one has the right to tell another person, especially a stranger, what they should or should not be using to feed themselves. it is sad that some cant have empathy even if they are not struggling. Our finances can change on a dime, no one is above losing their job or income. I dont understand why some feel the need to scold strangers on the internet, other than they are either self absorbed or they themselves are in a bad place and are just projecting their anger out on others. I appreciate all you do to make such informative videos.. I took notes for your recipes :)
This was such a wonderful video full of great easy affordable meal ideas. Thank you and please make more videos like this. With the price of food so high we all need this. Thank you and God bless you.
I really appreciate this video! Our family income is tight! I am always looking for ways to trim the food budget plus still provide a good meal. Again Thank you ❤
Oh this was a great video. I had no idea of the concept that you used at Walmart to put these particular menu items together. It was SUPER helpful. Please do some more. I can do lots of budget menu items but really liked these. Like a light bulb 💡 came on...been watching your channel for years and always feel like I'm seeing my friend again.❤❤❤
✅ Go to meetfabric.com/JEN and apply today, risk-free!
➡ Grab the shopping list and recipes here: www.jenchapin.net/tendollarbudgetdinners
🥫 Find your local food bank: www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
Do you have an email address I could contact you at?
@@Jen-Chapin Excellent!
Many years ago (when ground chuck was cheap), my siblings and I joked that our parents had 101 recipes to make ground chuck. 😂 My parents also put out a plate of bread for those who wanted to eat bread and butter with their meal. I remember my Dad never took seconds until he was sure us kids had eaten all we wanted. I think it was mostly him, who ended up eating the bread, most likely so that he was full. ❤ This video brought back that memory. I think that most parents do the best that they can for their children and they have my respect. Thank you for the video!
💕💕💕
Amen!!!!! I get sooo tired of seeing comments, not just This channel, about processed foods. There could be wayyyy worse things to talk or complain about!!
I love your comment. Thank you!
@@kristielael2670 Like not trying your best to feed your kids. Esp with so many single parents. Totally agree.
@@kristielael2670 Thank you so much! ❤
Well said Jen! I have been at both ends of the wealth game and have compassion for those struggling. Food is food and if you are hungry, then you need to eat whats available.
Thank you for saying that!
All organic, all fresh veggies, 93/7 ground beef…. These are luxurious items during some seasons of life. Feeding your family, however that looks, is success!
You are so right!
It has always unnerved me that it costs more for the ingredients for a fresh salad than it is to buy these boxed or processed foods.
Completely agree with that.
@@LovinAZ-g1q sometimes you can get the bagged salads that are reduced for a quick sale..and although they may not make as many salads as you typically get from buying the separate components..even if not on sale..sometimes it is a better deal..
Completely agree then we all seemed so shocked when we read the number of cases of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, etc. all being through the roof. It’s sad.
Yes they want us to eat healthier but the cost is just so crazy.
@@lorieisenbarth1359 who are they? The government? That's false. They don't want you to eat healthy.
15:21 I completely agree! I appreciate that you have said this. As someone who has worked with low income families, simply having a good meal on the table is a huge accomplishment! I think we need to be proud of anyone for trying to feed their families and yes, that sometimes includes processed foods and no one should be ashamed of that.
Yes!! 💯 Thank you!! Glad someone said it!! I make $20,000/yr with six kids, teens and tots ....I can't EVER afford organic meat or produce, etc. We have hamburger helper and hot dogs and yes these videos are EXTREMELY helpful to those who are struggling just to get by. Once the bills are paid I do my best to place a meal on the table. somedays it has vegetables some days it does not. Life isn't perfect and we do the best we can with what we've got. Thank you for this video, I'm always looking for ways to stretch our food budget, fill the freezer for the month with deals and discounts and have happy full bellies. ❤🙏💯
I love hamburger helper and hot dogs!
I don't even waste my time with organic food. I like to shop at a grocery store near my home where they have "ugly" produce that's marked down.
But anyways, you do what you need to do to feed your family; you're doing a great job ❤
Nice options! That printable looks sharp, too. Great resource!
Great video, Jen! These meal ideas are super helpful for those who are short on money *and* time.
Hi Jen. I love, love, love this video. I am disabled on a fixed income and these ideas really help me alot
I loved how you handled that last part of the video. And it's not hard to shop semi-healthy and still be on budget (i.e. frozen/canned veggies, chicken drums/thighs, etc). Not all ultra processed is cheap either, so people really just need to pull their heads out of the sand and see the world as it really is and just 🤫 lol
Agree…the ingredients in this video were not bad. Everything can be considered processed. It’s the ultra processed foods that need to be moderated. As a person who grows a huge garden and preserves food I see nothing wrong with this meal plan.
There are some things that are ultraprocessed in the video, like the pigs in a blanket. But there are some things that are less processed, like the pork sandwiches, French bread pizzas, and chili potatoes.
I think a lot can be done with $10... chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, and green beans. Pasta dishes. Burrito bowls, particularly if they are Meatless. Stir fry. But I also get that sometimes some people need more variety.
I've started buying frozen veggies and fruits since they last longer.
Build your week of meals around 1 protein.
Bone in ham
Scallop potatoes with ham
Ham and beans
Ham and cheese omelets
Potato soup and ham
Ham and cheese grilled cheese
You get the idea
Chicken breast
Chicken alfredo
Chicken and rice soup
Chicken, broccoli rice casserole
Chicken fajitas
5# chub of burger
Sloppy joes and chips
Chili over rice
Chili baked potatoes
Spaghetti
@@rhondavigil795 this is what I do too.
I really like that you are showing each meal separately in the cart along with the total.
You’re such a genuine ,kind person . Thank you for always being real. 💕
I LOVE these ideas! Honestly, these are super realistic for everyday families with children. I will be using several of these for my own family! Making sure the family is fed, is above all most important 💙
Canned chicken and yellow rice in the instant pot is one of my favorite meals. Dump in a can or two of chicken including broth, add a bit of olive oil, add rice and water according to package. Hit the rice button.
Jen you are so right! Experiencing all of the five fingers you mentioned I have been through! Sometimes you just got to make it work with whatever you can! Thank you for your humility and coming up with real solutions for those that really need these ideas ❤❤❤
Thank you so much!
I love watching your videos, the recipes have helped me grow as a home cook but the part I love best is hearing your voice and perspective. I think you have a valuable perspective on life and I learn from you.
That means a lot to me! Thank you for watching!
Man, I love you Jen. Thank you for being a real one. Oh and yes this was super helpful. I was just looking for dinner ideas that would be cheap and feed myself for 3 days.
I’ve been trying to do a lot more scratch cooking and not only is it more expensive to buy all the fresh ingredients it also takes so much more time. I’m a full time working mom and some nights we aren’t eating until like 8 at night so there is only so much one can do before you lose your sanitary. Loved this video!!
I feel that! It is so hard to get everything done.
Some advice… as your skill set increases prep and freeze the things you can to make homemade/scratch cooking easier and more convenient. For example, my family loves breakfast for dinner once every week or two. I batch make biscuits and hash browns two things I used to buy as convenience items and freeze them. I do this on the weekend or any day off and I make several meals worth. I also do this with pie crusts that I use to make pot pie.
Also, learn to love your crockpot if you do not already. I have found some great instant pot recipes. I make from scratch versions of hamburger helper in mine that are so fast and easy. Good luck it does get easier.
I forgot to add if you can invest in some of those souper cubes… I use these to freeze leftovers because you best believe my family is eating them. I freeze things like single portions of chili so they can be pulled out for lunch.
Although, sometimes if there is enough chili left I will stick blend some of it. It gets frozen for chili dogs or you can best believe chili dogs will be in the meal plan the same week we had chili for dinner.
Let your meal plan work for you so that leftovers are repurposed in to new meals.
Also, when I make things like spaghetti I brown up enough meat for a few spaghetti meals. I just freeze the other portions and next time I want to make spaghetti I just pull the meat out to use. Spaghetti ready in the time it takes to boil the noodles.
It's just me and my husband, and we eat vegetarian, and I still have to work hard to stay on budget. I can only imagine how hard it is for families to feed themselves. I loved how you spoke to food insecurity bc it's a real issue for so many. Let's all be more compassionate ❤
no bc you're truly the REALEST mom on youtube
Jen, I commend you for speaking up and out for people just trying to feed themselves or their families..this is an excellent video showing people how to feed their families for around $10 ..and I think the meals are pretty well balanced..and I have actually seen reports where frozen fruits and veggies maybe better for us than fresh..due to the supposedly fresh..are not fresh due to where they maybe coming from..like in how long it takes them to reach us...when they're harvested..meaning not ripe and therefore the nutrients are not as dense as they should be etc..Thank you Jen for sharing your knowledge with us!! You're greatly appreciated ❤ Be Blessed Always 🙌
Great video Jen! The meals you chose are great options, for families on a tight budget. Thanks for reminding everyone that we shouldn’t judge people because of their dietary choices. Money or the lack there of influence what we eat. The most important thing is that children are not going to sleep hungry. Please continue to do more of these videos. They’re very helpful.
AMEN!!! when my group of friends adopt our families to support for the year of holidays I always ask for wants and needs. Everyone deserves some wants when times are hard!! We adopt our families in Jan and provide for Valentines day, birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Inflation is insane and is certainly not going to be better in 2025.
Thank you Jen for a video full of ideas for good, filling and economical meals. Most of all I want to thank you for your little reminder at the end about not judging and not being a food snob, both of which makes those struggling feel guilty. I work near hospital row in Toronto and there is a little church nearby which holds a food bank on Thursdays. I can't tell you how many times on Thursday as I wait for my bus that I overhear parents with their bags of donated food discussing how they are going to make the food stretch and how many meals they will be
able to eat in the coming days if they are careful. I am blessed in that I have never had to rely on donations or worry about food insecurity, but I have empathy for those parents, especially mothers who skip meals to feed their children. The last thing they need is to feel more guilt about the food not being organic, or fresh or made from scratch. Thank you for being kind! You are an awesome human being, Margaret
Thank you, Jen, for keeping it real. 💖 Some people don’t get it because they haven’t experienced food insecurity themselves. When my father was let go from IBM, he had to piece together two jobs (sometimes three) to make ends meet. Mom swore she never wanted to eat ground beef again because she used it so much stretching meals for a family of four on my father’s meager salary. I love your channel. 💖🌹
I thank you for being straight forward about hardships of feeding a family on a tight, tight budget. There are many out there that do not have a clue. A struggle for many and I think you are awesome to do this video to show an inexpensive way to feed a family. So much better than a box of sugary cereal and a little milk, in my opinion any way. Love the way you lean forward on the grocery cart and talk to us. Makes me feel I am right there. Anyway, you take care and see you soon.
Thank you for this video. Also, for the real life message at the end. Im 55 on a very low fixed income and food stamps. Id love to eat healthier but my food budget just won't allow that. Just trying to do my best ❤
Great job Jen. Thanks for sticking up for people on a tight budget. Your ideas are so good and meals that i cook on the regular
I loved this video. So many people are facing food insecurity. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing this was interesting and helpful ❤
Super video!!! You are helping sooo many people!! Re: scalloped potatoes and ham: I just fixed that tonight! I was able to get 5lb of potatoes for less than 3 dollars. I might suggest using fresh potatoes instead of the boxed, if you can. I sliced my potatoes and seasoned them well with salt, onion and garlic powder and pepper. I tossed in the ham and added about 1 1/2c of milk and also a little water. Covered it with foil and baked until the potatoes were super tender. Then removed the foil and baked till brown on top. The liquid had absorbed and it was delicious. It’s also fabulous to add cheese if you want to do that. You’d probably have potatoes leftover for your baked potato bar!
I think all the meals you selected were very good. You had veggies and fruit in all the mea!s! Great choices
I love pinto beans and cornbread, husband always wants rice and chicken with it!😂😂
Beans and cornbread are so good!!
Jen you're the BEST...I love your videos and yes I have been there...I agree with you as long as everyone is eating and not going to bed hungry
I just love your kind spirit Jen ❤ These meals are so budget friendly…especially in this day and age. Thanks for all you do…you’re my favorite RUclipsr🤗🤗
Your empathy and understanding is refreshing. Thanks for sharing!
Love all the meals in this video! You have done a great job!! Thank you!!
My mom used to cut up those canned tamales, mix them with a can of chili, top with cornchips and cheese for a casserole we loved as kids! I haven't had those as an adult though, either.
Lots of great meals! I raised 7 kids and sometimes things got tight! I love how you have preplanning meals as examples and menu plans.
Wow this was just a great video…for so many reasons. I appreciate that you have empathy for people in our society that are ‘living on the edge”. That’s what my husband and I call the folks out there that are struggling in this economy. He’s working as a school bus driver and he sees it every day. It’s just him and I these days, along with our fur babies but when we were raising our family we sometimes lived through lean financial times and it can be tough to feed those growing bellies! I loved your well thought out budget and I always get great ideas from your shopping expeditions. Thanks for all you do.
Also…I’d love to see more of this type of video and you haven’t done a Sam’s shopping and haul in a while. I always look love to see those for sure.
Thank you so much for the video. I really needed that for struggling right now financially and I need help on how to rethink to keep myself back into a budget.
Outstanding video,from beginning to end. The printables were clever too.
Thank you so much for this video and ideas on how to stretch the budget! Always like seeing what ppl buy/ make bc it gives me new ideas of meals.
Great video Jen. It’s tough to feed a family in today’s economy and it’s not going to get better anytime soon. Thank you for addressing the processed food issue that you knew was coming. It’s so quick to judge and let’s not forget that there’s people who live in food deserts.
I can’t love this video enough ❤
Thank you Jen
Great video Jen! I love how you had it organized, so helpful! And such a great message at the end. Food is a necessity and not every one can afford it. You do what you can with what you got. 🥰
Great ideas Jen...... Greatly appreciated!😋😋
These videos are great! My heart goes out to people today. In the 90’s I experienced a time when I had to shop for 2 weeks with only $25. I could never make it today. I don’t think even with calculating for inflation with that amount. You buy what you can to have food for your family.
I’ve experienced all of these things - past and present. I appreciate your suggestions.
Such an awesome video!!!! Great inspiration for a budget friendly week of meals! (Or maybe just digging through my pantry for these)
I make a vegetable pizza using crescent rolls (or sheet)baked, 1 pkt ranch seasoning, dry and 1 block softened cream cheese. Stretch rolls onto a cookie sheet, sealing seams, bake 350 until lightly brown. Mix ranch pkt and cream cheese together and spread on rolls when cooled. I go to a salad bar and get small salad minus lettuce and dressing. I get only veggies we like plus shredded cheese, chop up veggies more top rolls with veggies and enjoy.
I love that stuff!
I truly enjoy your videos Jen and I have the utmost respect for you. This video is especially helpful for families with children because like you said…..food in the belly is the most important goal. I have had many times in my life, both as a child and an adult where I have experienced food insecurity, and it’s very difficult. The average families these days are working so hard to make ends meet and feed their families the best way they can. These videos are definitely going to help in more ways than you know. Thank you for your hard work with the channel!!!!
Thank you for keeping it real! And great looking printouts!
Great great ideas! Very helpful. It is a real struggle. I like your variety and honestly those frozen veggies are Fab!. Keep it coming! I’ve never tried the Vigo rice, nice tip.
I love your ideas, and I appreciate you being so realistic!
This is great. Feed the bellies with yummy food. Your kids will remember these meals fondly!
Thank you, Jen, for the ideas and the comprehensive video! I love this kind of video because it gives great ideas. And you included produce!
I make goulash a lot. Cheap and pretty healthy. Another revipe we all love is a recipe from years back from Betty Crocker. It’s called Texas Hash. I’ve made it for friends and they all have added it to their meal rotation. Green peppers, hamburger, rice and stewed tomatoes baked. It’s basically a deconstructed stuff green pepper. So good. A lot of my friends put grated cheese on top. A complete meal
I love that it’s a deconstructed stuffed green pepper!
@ it is so good. I think it originally came in a recipe box in the 80s. I got the recipe from my friend years ago, I double it just for my husband and I and we eat it all the time
Love everything about this video. Would loce more budget meal ideas
Loved this video. ..fingers down a great one 👌 🥂
I’ve loved you and your channel for years because you keep it real. And today’s video makes me love you even more! Buying groceries has become outrageous so thank you so much for this video and I would love to see more like this! ❤
Thank you so much for talking about food insecurity. I've always lived on the edge. I remember one time camping because we had been evicted. It got to the point that all I had left was flour and cornmeal. I made breadsticks and cooked them on the tiny campstove we had. I had never felt like such a failure as a Mom. It's about more than money. So many people live like this. 😢
It sounds like you are a strong and resilient person. Thank you for sharing.
💜 Thanks for sharing. These are great budget friendly meals.
All fingers down! Preach! Keep’em coming!
I remember hearing my mom preach for less than a dime an egg is a great protein.Those were the days!!
Agreed they arent as cheap due to the bird flu, however, at 82 cents per serving (2 eggs each person/$5 per dozen) its still a steal on protein servings and could make a dinner way under $10. Cheesy scrambled eggs and toast or waffles/syrup would come in WAY under $10 bucks and feed at least 4-6 people well and yummy!
So helpful! We can all use ideas. Have you ever considered doing a Dollar Tree or Dollar General meal plan? Thanks Jen!
Great idea!!
Pork butt shoulder has been $1.99 per pound at my Kroger for weeks. They are all really big. I cut one into thirds and frozen two thirds. I cooked the remaining third in the slow cooker with sourkraut, onions, applesauce (didn't have any apples on hand) salt, and pepper. It was amazing!
These are definitely ideas I haven’t seen before! Awesome job. ❤
Also I am LIVINGGGG for the last 3 minutes of this video! Amennnn.
Great video! I would like to see more like this, please.😊
Budget Grocery Planning is my all time favorite task. It's just me but I try to help younger couples learn how easy it is and get them on track to become debt free. Your video is realistic, healthy balanced and easy. Thank you for all you share. I 100% agree with your "no judgement" clause. I have been there as well. Society makes a family feel insecure when they are not "keeping up with the Joneses" and following New Age way of thinking. None of your meals are unhealthy. Single moms do not have time to make everything from scratch.
I love this, groceries are so expensive but shopping around you can find good deals. Would love to see how these same meals would cost at other stores.
Love these budget meals thanks.
Thanks for the tips, love your content.
Yes this video is so helpful! I was like wow those are cheap meals that you showed us. I just need to be more intentional when I go to Walmart. Usually I'm concentrating on getting in and out as quickly as possible. Thank you for the video!
Great video. A lot of inspiration here.
You’re an awesome person❤️❤️
Hey 👋 Jen
Great video it brought back memories. I too have been on both ends of this very important conversation. I first have to say to everyone regardless of your situation, never feel bad because you had to use processed foods to feed your family. You never have to feel guilty or sorry for a situation you have no control over. These were all great recipes and I know I would enjoy regardless of how much money I have. Hugs 🤗 everyone.
Thank you, Jen, for this video.
Thank you for sharing with us. Please share more ideas🎉
Love the videos! All affordable meal plans help
Thank you for sharing this it is very helpful
This was a great video! I downloaded it!! Thank you!
You are welcome! I am so glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for making this video! I’m really struggling to come up with ideas to feed my family. Also groceries are just so expensive and it is really hard to afford groceries right now. I love you videos. Have a great weekend!
Thank you, Jen, for all of the helpful meal ideas ❤
This is so helpful!
Great video. All the meals you put together look delicious and all included veggies. I agree with what you said about feeding a family on a tight budget
think you for this video. I am one of those low income just trying to afford groceries for my family the best I can. I get so tired of seeing snotty remarks on videos like this policing what you all are using for ingredients. I always think entitlement when I read them. No one has the right to tell another person, especially a stranger, what they should or should not be using to feed themselves. it is sad that some cant have empathy even if they are not struggling. Our finances can change on a dime, no one is above losing their job or income. I dont understand why some feel the need to scold strangers on the internet, other than they are either self absorbed or they themselves are in a bad place and are just projecting their anger out on others. I appreciate all you do to make such informative videos.. I took notes for your recipes :)
Thank you so much for your kind words! It means a lot to me.
This was such a wonderful video full of great easy affordable meal ideas. Thank you and please make more videos like this. With the price of food so high we all need this. Thank you and God bless you.
Great video. Bring on more budget dinner videos!
I really appreciate this video! Our family income is tight! I am always looking for ways to trim the food budget plus still provide a good meal. Again Thank you ❤
Glad it was helpful!
Great video - thanks!!
Oh this was a great video. I had no idea of the concept that you used at Walmart to put these particular menu items together. It was SUPER helpful. Please do some more. I can do lots of budget menu items but really liked these. Like a light bulb 💡 came on...been watching your channel for years and always feel like I'm seeing my friend again.❤❤❤
I'm so glad it was helpful!
Thanks for another great video!!
I love you speaking the truth.
Your video is awesome your family is really good at eating veggies
Thank you. Helpful!
Amen Jen. We do the best we can. Love you❤
Thanks for sharing. This is very helpful.
You're welcome! I hope you enjoy these dinners!
@Jen-Chapin thank you, Jen. I truly appreciate you doing this.