Guides / Kid costs
Cut the grocery bill with kids at home
Meal planning, a few rules for the store and less food waste.
Groceries are one of the few big family costs you can change quickly. A plan, a list and fewer trips do most of the work.
Plan
- Plan dinners for the week around what's already in the fridge and what's on sale
- Repeat favorite meals; kids like routine anyway
- Cook a bigger batch twice a week and use leftovers for lunches
- Write a list by store section and stick to it
Shop
- Fewer trips mean fewer extras
- Compare unit prices on the shelf label
- Try store brands for staples
- Shop without kids when you can, or give them a job and a small, fixed treat budget
Waste less
- A "use it up" shelf in the fridge
- Freeze bread, bananas and leftovers before they spoil
- Serve smaller portions and offer seconds
Help that exists
If money is tight, check whether you qualify for SNAP, WIC or free and reduced-price school meals. Your state's benefits website or 211 can help you find local programs.
General educational information, not financial advice. Your Money Stretcher isn't paid by any bank, lender or company mentioned here.