By strategizing and minimizing waste, I manage to sustain my family for just £38 a week, and as a bonus, we enjoy a complimentary takeaway meal.

How to Feed a Family on a Budget

Heidi Ondrak, Duchess of Thrift, Shares Her Tips

Heidi Ondrak, popularly known as the Duchess of Thrift on TikTok, recently unveiled her ingenious strategy to feed her family for less than £38 per week.

Her savvy approach involves a meticulous meal plan that not only keeps costs down but also maximizes the utility of leftovers.

Making the Most of Leftovers

Based in Plymouth, Heidi showcased her budget-friendly meal plan, emphasizing her knack for repurposing leftovers.

She highlighted her approach to utilizing a roast chicken to its fullest potential, boiling the carcass for a flavorful casserole and extracting surplus sausages for subsequent meals.

Her resourceful cooking extends to various dishes like sausage traybake, pasta with pesto and broccoli, and chili variations served with rice or jacket potatoes.

A Clever Shopping Strategy

Heidi’s budget-savvy shopping haul from Aldi comprises essentials for her weekly menu.

Her basket includes an extra-large chicken, sausages, mince, and an assortment of fresh vegetables like turnips, leeks, carrots, garlic, onions, broccoli, cabbage, and potatoes.

Additionally, she secured pantry staples such as rice, stock pots, pesto, pasta, tomato puree, red kidney beans, and passata to diversify her meal options.

Smart Additions and Freezer Options

While her £38 shop covers six days’ worth of meals, Heidi smartly supplements it with items from her store cupboard and freezer.

She mentions having extra vegetables and frozen items that she’ll incorporate into her dishes.

Her strategic planning also involves the inclusion of easy freezer food and a weekly free Chinese takeaway, optimizing resources without compromising on variety or taste.

Conclusion: Stretching the Budget

Heidi’s approach not only outlines a cost-effective meal plan but also emphasizes the significance of resourcefulness in meal preparation.

Her ability to creatively utilize leftovers, complemented by a shrewd shopping strategy and clever usage of pantry and freezer items, showcases how a family can be well-fed on a budget without compromising on nutritional value or taste.