5 ways to eat well on a budget in 2024

Although prices are no longer rising as steeply as back in 2023, the cost of living is still eye-wateringly high. Nothing illustrates the cost of living better than the cost of food, the stuff we literally need to live. Here are five ideas to reduce the cost of your shopping, while making meals that nourish and satisfy.

When we go to the supermarket these days it stings. In 1990, a pint of milk typically cost 25p. By 2020 – 20 years later – this had risen to 42p, but a year and a half after that it had risen to 70p.  

With price rises like this many individuals and families are struggling to simply fill their cupboards let alone eat healthily (please see our information on emergency food if you’re one of these people). Added to this, it’s really hard to know what eating well really looks like – if we go online it can be an absolute minefield with lots of contradictions. 

So, can we eat well on a budget, and if so how?! 

We have to start by accepting there is no ‘right’ way to eat (although the World Health Organization have some advice), especially as we all have different bodies with different needs. Our food choices can make a big difference, yes, but we don’t need to be perfect. We’ve put together a list of tips that can help you on your way towards a healthier dinner plate without breaking the bank.  

Tinned ingredients like these can be an affordable and easy alternative to fresh. Many are ready to eat straight from the can, making them a time saving option too.Photo credit - Upslash

Tinned ingredients like these can be an affordable and easy alternative to fresh. Many are ready to eat straight from the can, making them a time saving option too. Photo credit – Upslash

1. Best buys 

We can be clever about what we buy to keep things healthy and cheap. Canned tomatoes, lentils, fish and beans are all affordable and nutritious. Tinned and frozen fruit and veg also count towards your 5-a-day.  

2. Go for low impact foods

Organic food benefits both people and the planet. It can be seriously pricey, but most supermarkets do now have own-brand organic ranges, including Lidl and Aldi.

Even when we can’t buy organic, we can be more confident when making non-organic choices. Here is a helpful list of the 15 fruits and vegetables likely to have the least pesticides

We know space is at a premium in Brighton and Hove, but if you do have space then try bulk buying. Seasonal fresh food often goes on offer, so you can also buy a load of strawberries in the middle of summer and freeze them for winter.  

Whole foods can sometimes be bought loose, like these dried pulses in bags. Pulses can be a filling base for a recipe, or they can be the delicious star of the dish. Photo credit - Upslash

Whole foods can sometimes be bought loose, like these dried pulses in bags. Pulses can be a filling base for a recipe, or they can be the delicious star of the dish.
Photo credit – Upslash

3. Eat wholefoods 

One of the easiest ways we can eat healthier is to increase how often we cook from scratch using ‘wholefoods’. There’s a bit of debate about what counts as wholefoods, but generally they are foods close to their natural state, like a potato, or minimally processed foods like peanut butter. It definitely takes a little longer, but even if we do this one more day a week, that’s a win! These foods are better for our bodies because they have more fibre and fewer additives. Check out our low energy cooking recipes for cheap and healthy recipe ideas.  

4. Batch cook 

Cooking from scratch takes a little longer, and can cost a bit more in heating bills. Batch cooking helps: try cooking up a big pot of what you like and can keep portions in the fridge for the week, or freeze for later. Have a look at our batch cooking recipes for ideas.  

 

One example of an Affordable Food Scheme in the area is Moulsecoomb Community Market. This photo shows the volunteers and staff ready to welcome members to choose from the wide range of produce laid out attractively on the table cloths.Photo credit - MCM

One example of an Affordable Food Scheme in the area is Moulsecoomb Community Market.
Photo credit – MCM

5. Visit your local affordable food scheme 

If you’ve tried everything, but your budget still won’t cover the supermarket shop, Brighton & Hove’s Affordable Food Projects are here to help. For a small fee, members can access a choice of fresh, affordable, local produce at greatly reduced prices. Plus, members often have the chance to contribute to running these community shops, meaning it’s also a great way to join a welcoming community group.

There are a number of affordable food schemes in Brighton and Hove, some of which are open to everyone. Find your local community shop on this list, and contact them directly to sign up.

Do you have your own tips for eating well on a budget in Brighton?

Or want to donate to your local food project?

Contact us at [email protected]

 

 

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