Cooking on a Budget: Delicious and Affordable Meals for Every Plate

Jul 18, 2023

In Baltimore, the battle against food insecurity is becoming increasingly challenging. More and more individuals and families are finding themselves in a position where they must stretch their limited resources to provide nourishing meals for themselves and their loved ones. As a response to this growing issue, The Salvation Army of Central Maryland is committed to empowering our community by providing free life skills courses that teach people how to create tasty, nutritious, and affordable meals.  we will explore some cheap and easy meals on a budget that our clients can enjoy, while also shedding light on the alarming statistics of food insecurity in Baltimore.

The Growing Crisis of Food Insecurity:

In Baltimore, the reality of food insecurity is all too prevalent. According to recent statistics, approximately 20% of households in our city experience food insecurity, meaning they lack consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. This number has been on the rise in recent years, highlighting the urgent need to find creative solutions to combat this issue.

Cooking on a Budget:

Preparing meals on a limited budget doesn't mean compromising on taste or nutrition. By making strategic choices and utilizing affordable pantry staples, you can create delicious and satisfying dishes. Here are a few recipes that will help you make the most of your budget:

 Budget-Friendly Vegetable Stir-Fry:

Ingredients:

• - 1 onion, thinly sliced
• - 2 carrots, julienned
• - 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• - 1 cup broccoli florets
• - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

 Hearty Lentil Soup:

Ingredients:

• - 1 cup dried lentils
• - 1 onion, diced
• - 2 carrots, diced
• - 2 celery stalks, diced
• - 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• - 4 cups vegetable broth
• - 1 can diced tomatoes
• - 1 teaspoon cumin
• - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until tender.
3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the lentils are soft and the flavors are well combined.
4. Serve hot with crusty bread for a comforting and filling meal.

Affordable Pantry Staples:

Building a well-stocked pantry can help you create inexpensive meals without sacrificing flavor. Here are some affordable pantry items to keep on hand:

• - Rice and pasta
• - Canned beans and vegetables
• - Dried herbs and spices
• - Cooking oils
• - Flour and baking essentials
• - Tomato sauce and paste
• - Oatmeal and other whole grains

At The Salvation Army of Central Maryland, we understand the challenges faced by individuals and families striving to make ends meet. That's why we offer free life skills courses aimed at teaching people how to make meals on a budget. Major DeeAnn Glick, the Area Commander of The Salvation Army of Central Maryland, emphasizes the importance of these courses: "We offer these life skills courses to teach people to be confident within themselves and to learn new skills they can apply into their daily lives."

By participating in our life skills courses, you'll gain practical knowledge and techniques to stretch your food budget while still enjoying nutritious and delicious meals. Click here to register for our upcoming Life Skills Courses.