April 8 is Food Bloggers Against Hunger Day and I am participating by posting a healthy and affordable organic meal that is easy to prepare. Hunger is a serious issue in America with one in six Americans not being sure where their next meal is coming form. This issue is important to me as I have struggled myself at certain times in my life to afford food. Now I volunteer to help run the farmers' market in my town and promote affordable healthy alternatives to junk as much as possible. Many parents want to give their children healthy meals but do not think they can afford it - I am here to tell you you can :)
A great trick in buying organic foods is to make sure that you have use for the leftovers to make a second or third meal so plan out what you will make that week in advance so you know exactly what to buy. Also buy fruits and veggies that are in season as they are the cheapest.
Things like dried beans, quinoa, sunflower seeds, chicken drumsticks, frozen veggies, pasta and brown rice are not expensive - even the organic kind. Bananas, apples, carrots and sweet potatoes are often among the cheapest fresh produce and are all packed with a ton of vitamins and minerals.
Use spices to add flavor and keep fats to a minimum - and don't go crazy trying to buy every spice at once. Buy one a week, especially if money is an issue. The ones you will probably use most are salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder and cinnamon - that should cover most areas. I started cooking a lot after I had my son and at first I thought I needed every spice there was at my fingertips but soon found out I only needed a handful of them.
Not having enough money for food is stressful and terrifying - especially when children are involved. When I was pregnant with my son I was single and had to stop working because of pregnancy complications. I was forced to go on government assistance in the form of food stamps. Going on food stamps was a humiliating and frustrating experience. In no way does it cover the cost of what a person actually needs to eat and anyone who thinks that being on food stamps is in some way getting a "free ride" is an ass. I was lucky enough to be able to go and eat at my parents' house fairly often or I have no idea how I would have had enough to eat, especially since I was pregnant.
Now, that being said, I know from experience that when you are in that situation and you go to the grocery store and see 4 for a dollar mac and cheese you think that is all you can afford. But you can actually make it work with healthier food. Become familiar with the produce section and look for deals. Become creative in cooking - I know time is a luxury but try to take a few minutes and figure out some staple, cheap and healthy recipes - it is worth it to you and your family. I understand that all organic is unreachable for many people but try to buy as much organic and non-GMO foods as possible - the benefit to yourself and the planet is invaluable.
The following recipe costs about $4 and should feed 5 people
Veggie Pasta Garbanzo
1 1/2 cups organic garbanzo beans (soaked and cooked from dried beans - not canned!)
1 cup organic frozen spinach
3 shredded organic carrots
1 clove garlic chopped
1 package organic whole wheat pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
grated cheese
salt and pepper
Prepare pasta as instructed on box.
While that is going on heat olive oil in a pan and throw in garlic. After a minute throw in carrots and beans and cook for about 3 minutes then add in spinach, butter, salt and pepper. (Not too much salt) Cook for about 5 minutes.
Drain pasta and mix in pan with beans and veggies. Serve with a little grated cheese.
The ingredients left after you make this meal should leave you with plenty to partially or mostly 3 or 4 other meals. You can do more than you think with beans, carrots and spinach ;)
Here are some other low-cost meals:
Veggie Quinoa Deliciousness
Chicken Pot Pie Pizza - awesome leftover idea :)
Spaghetti Squash Puttanesca
Pancakes from Scratch - you can freeze homemade pancakes in freezer bags and they are soooooooo much better for you than store-bought frozen pancakes.
Sunflower Seed Pesto
HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD!
Let your elected officials know that federal nutrition programs are needed!!!
A Place at the Table is an awesome, shocking and inspiring documentary on hunger in America and is available on Amazon and itunes
"Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each one of us individually." - Dalai Lama
