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When Kevin Curry graduated from Harvard’s Kennedy School during the global recession in 2008, he couldn’t find work. So he went to sign up for SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, to make ends meet. “I was embarrassed,” he says. “But the caseworker looked at my Harvard fleece and said, ‘Don’t be ashamed. This is a bridge from where you are to where you’re going……..Continue reading…
By: Marielle Segarra, Clare Marie Schneider, Malaka Gharib
Source:NPR
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The 5-4-3-2-1 grocery method is a simplified, balanced approach to meal planning and shopping that involves buying 5 servings of vegetables, 4 servings of fruit, 3 types of protein, 2 sources of carbohydrates, and 1 fun or “treat” item.
This method helps create a versatile list for making multiple meals without needing extensive planning or recipeLidl was the cheapest supermarket for a basket of 79 branded and own-label items in July and October 2025, according to analyses by Rest Less and the Evening Standard, taking the top spot from Aldi.
However, Aldi and Lidl are consistently the most affordable supermarkets, with very small price differences, and it is best to compare prices based on your specific needs, including sales and loyalty cards. Other options, such as Asda, are the next cheapest for a standard supermarket shop. Asda has the lowest minimum spend for delivery, with no minimum required for delivery but a £4 surcharge for orders under £40.
Other options include Iceland, which has a £25 minimum for delivery, and The Co-op, with a £15 minimum spend for both delivery and click and collect. The cheapest supermarket meal deal is from Co-op at £3.50 for members, while Asda has the cheapest non-membership deal at £3.74. For other supermarkets, Tesco is £3.85 with a Clubcard, Morrisons is £4 (or £3.60 with a More card), and Sainsbury’s is £3.95.
The cheapest way to shop involves planning meals, sticking to a shopping list, and choosing budget-friendly supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. To save money on specific items, compare prices online, look for yellow-sticker reductions at the end of the day, and shop at local markets or ethnic grocers for deals on produce and staples.
Additionally, use coupons and loyalty apps, buy store brands instead of name brands, and consider buying some items in bulk or frozen for later use. A “5-a-day diet” is a health campaign recommending at least five portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day, which can help lower the risk of serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
An adult portion is about 80g, and you can include fresh, frozen, canned, dried fruit, and up to one 150ml glass of unsweetened fruit juice dailyThe cheapest foods to live on include grains like rice and oats, legumes such as beans and lentils, and staple vegetables like potatoes and carrots. Other affordable options are eggs, frozen or canned vegetables, and cheaper cuts of meat. Buying these items in bulk or choosing store-brand and “wonky” produce can further lower costs.
Frozen vegetables are typically less expensive than their fresh alternatives. In addition to reduced cost, frozen vegetables can also contain more servings than the fresh option. This enables you to get more for your money.The best way to save money on groceries is to plan meals and create a shopping list to avoid impulse buys, shop at cheaper stores or at the right times to find deals, and buy generic or store brands instead of name brands.
Additionally, avoid waste by properly storing food, using up what you have, and cooking in bulk to make pre-made meals. Build a low-cost grocery cart by choosing long-lasting, filling and nutritious foods like beans, lentils, rice, oats, pasta, canned goods and frozen fruits and veggies, Curry says. Turn a few ingredients into multiple meals.Lower-income households purchase more cereals, pasta, potatoes, legumes, and fatty meats.
Their vegetables and fruits are often limited to iceberg lettuce, potatoes, canned corn, bananas, and frozen orange juice.Fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables are all viable — and tasty — options for getting extra fiber and vitamins on your plate. The one red flag to avoid when you’re shopping for canned vegetables, however, is added salt.A family of three in the UK typically spends around £130-£141 per week on groceries and food out, with specific grocery costs being roughly £95-£104 per week, depending on the ages of the family members.
In the US, a family of three spent about $970-$985 per month on groceries in 2023, which is approximately $225-$230 per week. These figures can vary significantly based on location, shopping habits, and whether the family includes children or older teenagers.
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