Feeding a Family of 13: How We Did It (and You Can Too!)

Tired of feeling like you’re constantly in the kitchen? Struggling to keep up with grocery bills? You’re not alone. Feeding a large family can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

We get it. We were a family of 13, and let me tell you, grocery shopping was an adventure. It felt like a never-ending quest to find enough food to satisfy everyone. We constantly felt like we were juggling a million things, from meal planning to managing grocery budgets. But guess what? We figured it out!

Here’s the thing: We realized we couldn’t keep doing things the “old way.” We had to get creative and adapt our approach. So we did some research, a LOT of trial and error, and finally, we found a system that works.

The Case Study: Our Family of 13’s Meal Plan Success

Before we jump into our secret weapon, let’s talk numbers. Our family of 13, including seven kids, went through an average of $1,200 per month on groceries. That’s a hefty chunk of change! But we managed to cut that down by 25% within six months, all thanks to a simple, yet powerful strategy.

The Secret Weapon: Meal Planning

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Meal planning? That’s SO boring!” Hear me out. Meal planning isn’t just about creating a list of meals. It’s about strategic thinking that saves you time, money, and sanity.

Here’s how we did it:

• Weekly Menu: Every Sunday, we sit down together and plan our meals for the week. This helps us avoid impulse buys and ensures we have everything we need on hand.

• Batch Cooking: We cook large quantities of meals on Sundays and portion them out for the week. This saves us tons of time during the week and ensures we have healthy meals ready to go.

• Grocery Shopping with a Plan: We create a detailed grocery list based on our weekly menu, which helps us avoid unnecessary purchases.

• Budgeting: We allocate a specific amount for groceries each week and stick to it. This helps us stay on track and avoid overspending.

• Family Involvement: We involve the kids in the meal planning process, allowing them to choose their favorite meals and even help with cooking. This makes mealtime more enjoyable for everyone.

Results: The Numbers Don’t Lie

After implementing our meal planning strategy, our grocery bill dropped to $900 per month. That’s a savings of $300 per month! That money goes a long way in a large family, allowing us to invest in other things like family activities and experiences.

It’s Your Turn!

We know it can be daunting, but trust us: meal planning is a game-changer for large families. Start small and build your strategy.

Here are some actionable steps you can take today:

1. Download a meal planner: There are tons of free meal planning templates available online.
2. Get your family involved: Let your kids help you choose meals and even participate in cooking.
3. Start with one meal: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start by planning one meal for the week and gradually build from there.

Feeding a family of 13 might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a mealtime experience that’s both enjoyable and budget-friendly.