Stretching Your Dollar: Simple Ways to Save Money and Make Your Food Last Longer

At Seymour Helping Hands, we know that every dollar counts—especially when it comes to feeding your family. With grocery prices on the rise, it’s more important than ever to make the most out of every meal. A few smart habits in the kitchen can help you stretch your food, reduce waste, and save money without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

🛒 Shop Smart

• Plan before you shop: Make a simple meal plan for the week and write a list. Stick to it!

• Buy in bulk (when it makes sense): Items like rice, pasta, beans, and oats can save money when purchased in larger quantities.

• Compare prices: Check unit prices on the shelf tags—sometimes smaller sizes are the better deal.

🥫 Make the Most of What You Have

• Use leftovers creatively: Turn extra chicken into tacos, casseroles, or soup the next day.

• Freeze extra portions: Soups, stews, and sauces freeze beautifully and make for easy future meals.

• Rotate your pantry: Keep older items at the front so nothing goes to waste.

🍳 Cook with Purpose

• One-pot meals: Less mess and more savings—think stews, pasta dishes, and casseroles.

• Stretch your protein: Add beans, lentils, or rice to meat dishes to make them go further.

• Use seasonal produce: Fruits and veggies in season are fresher, cheaper, and tastier.

💡 Bonus Tip

Keep a “use it up” night once a week—gather whatever’s left in the fridge and pantry and get creative! You’ll be surprised how delicious those meals can be.

With a little planning and creativity, feeding your family well doesn’t have to break the bank. Seymour Helping Hands is here to support you with practical tips, community resources, and meal ideas that make a difference.

Seymour Helping Hands is proud to offer our Outdoor Community Pantry, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to anyone in need. It’s stocked regularly with canned goods, boxed foods, and other essentials—no questions asked. For those needing a wider variety of items, our indoor pantry provides a full selection of food as well as hygiene products like soap, shampoo, and laundry supplies. We also have a dedicated Parent Pantry that supports families with baby formula, diapers, wipes, and other childcare necessities, ensuring that every member of our community—no matter their age—has access to what they need.

Check out the pictures attached for easy $10 meal ideas!