What Kind of Help Is Available at Food Banks? More Than You Might Think
When people hear the term food bank, they often imagine shelves of canned goods handed out in an emergency. While that is certainly part of the picture, modern food banks offer far more support than most people realize. Today’s food banks have evolved into community...
How to Cook Delicious Meals Using Only What’s in Your Fridge and Pantry
Cooking with what you already have isn’t just a budget-friendly habit—it’s a powerful way to reduce food waste, spark creativity, and build real kitchen confidence. Whether you’re trying to stretch groceries until payday, avoid another trip to the store, or simply challenge yourself to be...
Healthy on a Budget: Low-Cost Ingredients That Deliver Maximum Nutrition
Eating well does not have to be expensive. In fact, many of the most affordable grocery items are also some of the most nutritious. For families, students, and anyone trying to stretch their food budget, focusing on low-cost, nutrient-dense ingredients is one of the smartest...
How to Feed a Family of 5 for $50 a Week: Budget-Friendly Meal Planning That Works
Feeding a family of five on a tight budget can feel overwhelming, especially when grocery prices continue to rise. But with smart planning, simple recipes, and strategic shopping, it is possible to create a full week of meals for around $50—without sacrificing nutrition, variety, or...
Big Flavor on a Small Budget: Why Spaghetti Is One of the Cheapest Meals to Feed Your Family
When grocery prices keep rising, many families are looking for meals that are filling, affordable, and easy to prepare. Few dishes check all those boxes as well as spaghetti. Simple, versatile, and loved by kids and adults alike, spaghetti has earned its place as one...
14 Must-Have Ingredients for a Budget Pantry (Plus Smart Tips for Affordable Cooking)
With grocery prices continuing to rise, more households are looking for practical ways to stretch their food budgets without sacrificing nutrition or variety. One of the most effective strategies is building a well-stocked budget pantry. According to Food Network’s guide to pantry cooking, having the...
Cheap Healthy Meals That Won’t Break the Bank — Tasty Budget Recipes for Every Home Cook
Eating well doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Whether you’re feeding a family, planning weeknight dinners, or trying to eat healthier on a tight food budget, the Taste of Home “Cheap Healthy Meals” collection offers a wealth of affordable, flavorful, and nutritious recipes that prove...
Stretching Your Food Budget: Smart Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Nutrition or Joy
Managing a food budget can be challenging, especially as grocery prices continue to rise and household expenses compete for limited resources. For many individuals and families, stretching food dollars while still preparing nutritious, satisfying meals is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. The good news...
Celebrating Community Kindness: Ottawa’s Support for CBC’s Make the Season Kind
In December 2025, the Ottawa Food Bank joined forces with CBC Ottawa in a powerful community initiative that showcased the spirit of generosity, compassion, and collective action right here in our nation’s capital. The Make the Season Kind campaign—part of a broader national effort by...
Cooking on a Budget: Smart, Simple, and Satisfying Meals Without Breaking the Bank
In a world where the cost of groceries keeps climbing and every budget stretch matters more, learning to cook on a budget isn’t just a skill — it’s a lifestyle choice that rewards you with better nutrition, less stress, and more money in your pocket....