Quote Originally Posted by MommaL View Post
I feel like I'm spending way too much money on food. I cook meals from scratch, using lots of fresh fruits, veggies and proteins. I also have a group of really good eaters. Last month alone, I spent over $1000. I don't know whether to stop serving the types of meals and snacks that I do and start cooking canned foods, grilled cheese, or hotdogs instead? Or, should I raise my prices (and will parents will understanding if I do?). I just can't continue to spend so much. Help!

To give you an idea of what I'm serving, today was:
Morning Snack: yogurt with granola, strawberries and blueberries
Lunch: Greek chicken pitas with cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese and tzatziki. Peaches for dessert
Afternoon Snack: Raw veggies (carrots, celery, peas, cucumbers) and crackers with hummus

Tomorrow will be pumpkin and quinoa muffins for morning snack, stir-fried ginger pork and vegetables with rice for lunch, and apples and home-made trail mix for afternoon snack.


Some tips to help cut down on cost:

Plan your menu around seasonal fruits/vegetable (or, use frozen ones)
Plan your menu around things on sale.
Buy things on sale for future menu. Like if ground lean beef is on sale, I buy tons (and freeze them) to make meatballs, or casseroles, etc.,
Get some things from Bulk Barn

Did you make tzatziki and humus from scratch? Because those ready-to-use specialty sauces can really hike up your budget.

Buy stuffs that you can also use for your family meals. Like, a bag of carrots - surely your children wouldn't be eating all that along with a bunch of celery and cucumbers. How much can they eat?

Mind portions. Children don't eat as much as adults. If you're throwing a lot of left overs by kids, then you're giving too much.

Think like a restaurant chef when it comes to planning meals, and costing.