There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.

Throughout my life, especially during my younger years, there have been numerous occasions when I had to manage a very tight grocery budget, sometimes as low as $20. The experience of food insecurity can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. For many, this is a daily reality. When faced with such a limited budget, you might wonder what you can buy to feed your family for the week. Here are some strategies I’ve learned to make the most of a $20 grocery budget, along with suggestions for items you can purchase to provide nutritious meals for those in need.

The $20 Grocery Budge

Use these tips for what to buy when donating to Hope 1 Ministries’ Food Donation Drive. so we can stretch a $20 grocery budget for the week.

Beans – Beans provide a great source of protein and are filling. And they can be used in so many ways from rice and beans to wrapped in tortillas for a bean burrito. If you happen to have any meat in your freezer, you can add beans to any dish to stretch the meat out further as well. To get more for your money, opt for dry beans and the skip cans.

Rice in Bulk– Rice is another good filler that provides a great source of grain. Rice can be added to other things to create casseroles, soups, and wraps. You can buy several pounds of rice for less than $2 in the bulk section of most stores and a little goes a long way.

Canned Tomato Puree- I buy this all the time for many things and at places like Costco, you can get a gallon can of it for around $3. You can make a huge pot of spaghetti sauce or chili and use the leftovers for another meal.

Oats in Bulk – Buying quick oats in bulk is a great way to have a filling breakfast every morning, and it is super low-cost as well. Jazz it up with some maple syrup, brown sugar, raisins, or fresh fruit if you have any. Learn how to donate food. Your impact: $20 = 1 week of grocery.

Fill a Grocery Bag – Hope I MINISTRIES Food DONATION FOR SENIORS AND FAMILIES WITHOUT HOMES.

Our Mission: To run a Supplementary Feeding Program that focuses on promoting food security and good nutrition. We aim to provide safe food to nutritionally vulnerable groups within the population, particularly disadvantaged individuals and primary school students at risk of malnutrition and other related nutritional deficiencies. We can fill a bag of groceries for a much lower price than what you would pay at the grocery store. We buy quality foods in bulk at significantly reduced prices. Your donation of just $20 can provide a bag of groceries for families and individuals in need.

 For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; ³⁶ I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me [with help and ministering care]; I was in prison, and you came to Me [ignoring personal danger].’ Mathew 25:35-36