🗓️ Budget-Friendly Meal Planning for the Week

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Meal planning can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be! At PC Food Pantry, we’ve seen how just a little bit of planning can stretch your groceries further, reduce waste, and save your family time and stress during the week.

Here’s a simple, no-stress way to plan healthy meals—even when money is tight and time is short.

🛒 Step 1: Start with What You Have

Before you make a list or head to the store (or pantry!), take stock:

  • What’s already in your fridge, freezer, or cabinets?
  • Do you have leftover rice, canned beans, or frozen veggies?

Pro tip: Build your meal plan around these items first—it saves money and prevents food waste.

🥘 Step 2: Plan for 2–3 Main Meals and Rotate

You don’t need to cook something new every day. Just pick a few easy meals and make enough to stretch across the week.

Example Weekly Plan:

  • Meal 1: Rice + beans + mixed veggies
  • Meal 2: Pasta + tomato sauce + canned meat
  • Meal 3: Oatmeal + fruit + peanut butter (breakfast-for-dinner!)

Use leftovers creatively to make bowls, wraps, or stir-fries.

📋 Step 3: Create a Flexible Menu

Here’s a sample layout you can try:

DayBreakfastLunchDinner
MondayOatmeal + bananaPB&J + appleRice + beans + veggies
TuesdayToast + eggTuna salad + crackersPasta + sauce + canned corn
WednesdayCereal + milkLeftover rice bowlVeggie stir fry + noodles

Mix and match according to what you have and what’s left.

🧂 Step 4: Keep It Simple

Simple doesn’t mean boring! Choose meals with:

  • 5 ingredients or less
  • One pot or pan (easy cleanup!)
  • Pantry staples you already use

The goal is to eat well, not stress out.

📝 Step 5: Write It Down and Stick It on the Fridge

This helps everyone know what’s for dinner and avoids the “what are we eating?” question every night.
It also helps with grocery shopping and food pantry visits—just bring the list!

💛 Make the Plan, Make It Work

A meal plan is a small step that can bring big relief. It gives structure to your week, saves money, and helps ensure your family is getting the nutrition they need.

At PC Food Pantry, we’re here to support not just your grocery bag—but your kitchen, your confidence, and your table.