Food has become very expensive and all over Mzansi families are struggling to get by. However, with some careful planning and using affordable items, feeding your family does not have to cost a lot.
Recently, Shoprite and Pasta & Me, a local supplier, have teamed up to offer families a convenient and affordable dinner option by offering an R20 meal that can feed a family of four.
Is it even possible?
Be creative
Phiwokuhle Myoyo believes feeding a family of four on a budget of R20 to R50 is possible. It just takes some smart cooking and creative use of simple ingredients. For example, lentil and vegetable soup can be made for under R50 and will easily feed a family of four, she says.
This nutritious meal requires a bunch of lentils, a bag of mixed vegetables, and a vegetable stock. With these basic ingredients, anyone can create a delicious and affordable meal, she says.
“The key is to make good use of vegetables and protein sources. With careful planning and some clever choices, it’s possible to make a healthy meal that will please the whole family.”
Phiwokuhle Myoyo
Myoyo advises that to fight poverty, we should all educate our families about food costs and waste.
Buy local
In her role as both farmer and mother, Mpho Nene unveils the secret to a budget-friendly yet wholesome nutritious family meal. For just R20, she recommends that one can get a half cabbage, two tomatoes, an onion, and a green pepper from a local fruit and veg stall.
Even if it’s not what they need or enjoy, Nene has observed that some people buy food based on what they see others are consuming. Her advice is that people should eat for energy and health and only buy necessities.
“We constantly have to look for ways to cut costs, still be full, and feed those around us as food is so expensive these days.”
Mpho Nene
Rather than driving long distances to get frozen meals, Nene recommends purchasing veggies from nearby growers. Food grown locally, according to Nene, is fresh and supports the community.
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Shop smart!
According to celebrity chef Siphokazi Mdlankomo, nutritious and delicious meals for a family of four can be prepared on a budget of R50 per meal or less. For example, breakfast ideas include oatmeal with fruit and nuts, or scrambled eggs with toast, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
For lunch, options like lentils with fried cabbage and steamed carrots, or chicken noodle soup with brown bread can be prepared.
“Maintaining a balanced diet doesn’t have to be expensive. By making a list of your ideal meals and shopping for the necessary ingredients within your budget, you can easily create delicious and nutritious meals.”
Celebrity chef Siphokazi Mdlankomo
A family supper for R20? How!
The Pasta & Me meals are part of Shoprite’s Homegrown line, which features locally-produced food.
Aziza Parker, the founder of Pasta & Me, created three different meal options: steak and chops, jalapeño and cheese, and roast chicken and vegetables. Each meal costs just R19.99 and can feed four people, she says.
What is the nutritional content of the food?
In the package, the Pasta & Me one-pot meal includes a large portion of noodles, soya chunks, spices and dehydrated vegetables.
Per 350g serving:
- Energy – 2 492 Kj
- Protein – 17.2 g
- Carbohydrates – 77g (of which total sugar 6.7g)
- Total fat – 22.4 g (of which saturated fat – 10.5g)
- Dietary fibre – 8.8g
- Total sodium – 980mg
According to Parker, the meals are a convenient and hassle-free dinner option that can be prepared in 15 minutes. Simply follow these easy steps:
- Add 1.2L of cold water to a large pot.
- Add soya, vegetables and seasoning and cook for 3 – 4 minutes.
- Add noodles and cook for a further 4 – 5 minutes before serving.
“The noodle-based one-pot meals are produced in an FSSC 22000 certified facility,” Parker said. To extend the shelf life of meals, Parker suggests storing them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
For those with food allergies, please note that the meals may contain soya, wheat, and gluten.
It is always important to check the packaging of products for sugar and salt content and make sure it is safe to consume. So, read the ingredients list carefully and follow any allergy precautions that apply.
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