Can a family of four be fed for ?50 a week?

[super jumbe]

Is it possible to feed a family well and healthily on only ?1.79 per person a day?
Sure you can feed your family for ?50 a week, just as you can restrict yourself to 1,200 calories a day if you need to. But it takes willpower, and supermarkets aren't always the best places to exercise that. Everything ? well, practically everything ? will have to be pre-planned. You can't afford to be deflected by impulse buys, though it's worth keeping, say, a ?5 float to take advantage of offers on non-perishable foods like pasta and tinned tuna and for stocking up on basics like herbs and spices (which are cheaper in independent shops than supermarkets.

In 1994, Sainsbury's ran a campaign promising to feed a family of four for less than ?50 a week. I had my doubts then, and I have them even more now that the company is offering almost exactly the same deal some 17 years later.
The simple fact is, that while it may be feasible to feed a family of four for ?50, it is, I believe, almost impossible to do it well for such a lowly sum. One may be able to meet people's basic nutritional needs, but it will give little variety in the diet and extract all joy from the experience of dining.

[MrFug]

A family of four guinea pigs maybe...

[oneman]

It is possible to do it. But as the article says it takes a lot of planning, smart shopping, living on no brand goods and more prep time as you will be cooking from basics.

[dik]

?50 for 1 person maybe, ?35 on stella ?15 on pot noodles

[Walkinmyshadow]

The answer to this would be YES.. But in a one off situation or challenge.
Trying it a 2nd or 3rd week would result in 2 very cranky kids and a seriously pissed off wife!!!

[SouthernComfort]

Technically you could feed a family of four on ?0 per week, would it be safe, healthy or practical is different matter.

[super jumbe]

I have tried mathematically its not possible unless some 1 carries on with the shop lifting.

[oneman]

The answer to this would be YES.. But in a one off situation or challenge.
Trying it a 2nd or 3rd week would result in 2 very cranky kids and a seriously pissed off wife!!!

Don't deny it wouldn't be a boring'ish diet but its definately do able. Protien would have to come from pulses and beans (which are pretty cheap dried) rather then meat though you can get 2 chickens for a fiver that would be good for 2 or 3 meals. Carbs would pasta, potatoes, bread, etc (you can get a 25kg bad for ?6). Biggest thing would be to load up on fresh veggies which can be a fraction of the price compared to supermarkets, e.g. 5kg of carrots can be had for ?2. Buy in season and bulk out the meals.

Also cereals can be had cheap in bulk, as can be dairy. Cook in bulk and freeze.

Main thing is no ready meals, no going out and no brand goods.

[thered]

Is it possible to feed a family well and healthily on only ?1.79 per person a day?
Sure you can feed your family for ?50 a week, just as you can restrict yourself to 1,200 calories a day if you need to. But it takes willpower, and supermarkets aren't always the best places to exercise that. Everything ? well, practically everything ? will have to be pre-planned. You can't afford to be deflected by impulse buys, though it's worth keeping, say, a ?5 float to take advantage of offers on non-perishable foods like pasta and tinned tuna and for stocking up on basics like herbs and spices (which are cheaper in independent shops than supermarkets.

In 1994, Sainsbury's ran a campaign promising to feed a family of four for less than ?50 a week. I had my doubts then, and I have them even more now that the company is offering almost exactly the same deal some 17 years later.
The simple fact is, that while it may be feasible to feed a family of four for ?50, it is, I believe, almost impossible to do it well for such a lowly sum. One may be able to meet people's basic nutritional needs, but it will give little variety in the diet and extract all joy from the experience of dining.

of course its possible you could probaly do it for ?30

if you are sensible and plan your meals for each day it shouldnt be a problem you just need imagination

a little extra in the sunday lunch can do 2 meals any spare meat save for sandwiches

overdo your chilli con carne's and spag bols instead of piling too much plate all the extra can be froze for another day or have it with jacket spuds the next night

you dont need dearest cuts of meat either slow cook a brisket of beef all day it will be lovely

go to market or aldi for fruit and veg and stick rigidly to your shopping list

i find the bigger the supermarket the more you spend on tat and offers they talk you into thinking you want

imagination and a plan is all you need

[SouthernComfort]

I have tried mathematically its not possible unless some 1 carries on with the shop lifting.

Mathematics has little to do with it, survival would be the predominant factor.

[Shady]

my butchers (walter smiths) does a 'weekly shop' deal
for ?20 you get
chicken
4 pork steaks
4 lamb chops
joint of pork
1lb sos
1lb bacon
1lb mince meat
1lb steak and kidney
dozen eggs
add some spuds from the spud man and some veg from the grocers..ur laughing with ?30...

[oneman]

Have a look here for ideas,

The Frugal Cook

[Evastar]

it's not just dinner though, there's breakfast and lunch as well. i guess they could drink tapwater most of the time, and cups of tea, and you can get quite cheap cereals and bread in some shops, or make porridge.

[lagerland]

The size of lamb chops no way you need about four each .............

[lagerland]

I get my bread free i nick off the ducks from the park............