Low-income families generally have more difficulty meeting dietary recommendations. However, a well-stocked wallet is not necessary for a balanced diet. Thanks to a few simple tips, it is possible to prepare various meals at reduced prices while having fun.
Sociological studies have found that low-income families consume more high-calorie foods with low nutritional value: soft drinks, French fries, etc. The high cost of products with high nutritional value such as vegetables and fruits, as well as the prices of those rich in protein such as meat, fish or cheese largely explain these disparities.
Optimize your food budget
To reconcile a limited budget with a balanced diet, it is necessary to optimize your purchases, that is, not incur unnecessary expenses and buy at the right price.
- Prepare your shopping list in advance Try to plan the menus for the next week. Buy only the quantities you need and try to stick to them.
- Be vigilant about promotions Check out these are really good deals. Having products at the end of the shelf or “shelf heads” does not mean that they are cheaper. Pay attention to the dates of use and packaging, the quantities offered should adapt to your needs and storage capabilities.
- Feel free to compare products with each other Both for its price and its nutritional value (read labels carefully). In particular, compare the prices per kilogram of different brands, which will allow you to determine the best value for money. Also think of store-brand products, they are often of equivalent quality to the big brands, but at a lower price.
- Pay attention to the speaker at ground level. The products are cheaper out there and not necessarily inferior in quality. Manufacturers pay dearly to bring their products to the eye of the customers and this extra cost is reflected in the selling prices.
- Beware of ‘mini’ presentations Products that are individually bagged or pre-cut, as well as so-called “quick-cook” products: are often much more expensive.
- If you can, Shop in multiple stores To take advantage of the best rates for everyone. Buy fresh produce in one, for example, and non-perishable goods in another. Like many French, feel free to shop at the discount: the choice is inferior, but the quality is often there and the prices are much lower.
- Regarding Organic Products They are often more expensive than regular products and are generally kept for a shorter period of time. Compare prices and make an informed decision.
- Finally, to avoid impulsive buying, Go shopping on a full stomach.
| One Solution, Social Grocery Stores |
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| The Social Grocery Stores It has been around for twenty years and allows the most disadvantaged consumers to get quality products at discounted prices. They offer a collection of at least thirty-five different references, divided into seven major product families: fresh, dry, beverages, canned goods, personal hygiene, household hygiene, and household products. approval. Prices are offered at a level 10-30% lower than the usual public rate. On site, an individualized social support approach is often introduced in order to enable people to improve their financial situation. Social grocery stores are developing more and more, and there are more than 300 buildings in operation today in France. It is managed by the National Association of Social and Solidarity Grocers (ANDESS, 54 rue du Dépôt, 53000 Laval, tel. 02 43 95 67 37). The municipal social work service can provide you with information. |
Save money by cooking your own food
Cooking on your own is more economical. Buying raw materials always costs less than buying ready meals. In addition, home-cooked meals often have more flavor. If you have the time, prefer this solution.
- when you cook, Prepare large quantities And store the excess in the freezer. The cost-per-service price goes down when quantities increase.
- Save the leftovers. Store in the refrigerator in closed boxes. Eat them as is or use them for another preparation — leftovers for shepherd’s pie or stuffed vegetables, leftover vegetables as appetizers, soups or gratin, pasta leftovers in salads, for example.