- Plan for the whole school holiday before spending your grocery money on one big December shop.
- Compare prices, budget for snacks and keep money aside for January’s meals and school costs.
Schools are closing soon, but the kitchen will be working overtime.
With children at home for breakfast, lunch, supper and snacks, parents face the challenge of making groceries last through the holidays.
For households whose children receive meals at school, parents must also make room in the budget to replace those meals.
A little planning can help stretch what is available, although no shopping trick can make up for having too little money to feed a family.
Here are practical ways to keep holiday food spending under control.
Start with what you already have
Before heading to the shops, check the cupboards, fridge and freezer.
Make a list of what needs using and build meals around those ingredients. A packet of rice, half a bag of potatoes or a tin of beans could help cover another meal without buying everything from scratch.
Put food that needs using soon where you can easily see it.
Count the weeks, then split the money
Work out how long your grocery money must last, including the days before your next January payday.
Divide the available amount into weekly budgets. If you buy staples upfront, calculate what remains for weekly purchases such as bread, milk and vegetables.
Keep January’s school expenses in mind before deciding how much is available for festive extras.
Put lunch on the menu
Planning supper alone leaves a gap when children are home all day.
Write down a few simple breakfast and lunch options alongside evening meals. Where practical, cook enough supper to cover lunch the following day, provided you can store it safely.
Choose meals your household will eat. A cheap ingredient is still wasted money if it ends up in the bin.
Give snacks a place in the budget
Snacks need their own line on the shopping list.
Compare options such as fruit, plain yoghurt, sandwiches or homemade popcorn, taking children’s ages and dietary needs into account.
If you buy larger packets, portion them out instead of buying individual packs each day. Explain which groceries must last the week, while making sure children have enough to eat.
Include drinks in the calculation too. Cooldrinks and juice can take up money needed for meals.
Check whether a special really saves money
Look at the price per kilogram or litre when comparing brands and packet sizes.
A bigger pack is not always cheaper. A “buy three” offer also means spending more upfront, so check whether you need all three and will use them.
Keep a running total while shopping and check your till slip before leaving.
Stretch meals with beans and vegetables
Compare the cost of different proteins when planning your meals.
Beans or lentils can replace some of the meat in mince dishes, stews and curries. Vegetables can also help a meal feed more people.
Tinned options may be convenient, while dried beans can require more preparation and cooking. Include electricity or gas costs when deciding what works for your household.
Share a bulk purchase
If a large bag offers a real saving, consider splitting it with a trusted relative or neighbour.
Agree on the price, quantities and payment before buying. Make sure everyone has suitable storage for their share.
Include transport costs when comparing shops. A small saving on groceries can disappear if getting to the shop costs more.
Buy fresh food in quantities you can use
A large bag of vegetables is only good value if it gets eaten.
Choose quantities that suit your household and plan when you will use them. Freeze suitable portions only if you have reliable freezer space.
Households with limited refrigeration may find smaller purchases more practical.
Separate festive treats from everyday meals
Decide what you can afford for celebrations after setting aside money for ordinary meals.
Keep festive purchases on a separate list so they do not quietly swallow the weekly food budget.
Children can help choose between treats within that amount. Planning together can make expectations clearer before the family reaches the shops.
