Budget Friendly Foods for People without a Kitchen

Now more than ever, we are seeing more and more people screen positive for food insecurity. As an outpatient dietitian working with a lower-income population, general “budget-friendly food” handouts weren’t applicable to patients living in cars, tents, or motels. Also, for people who have a home, but may have had electricity turned off.

This 5-page packet of information is intended as client education for those experiencing homelessness or for people who are looking for budget-friendly, no-cook meals. The handouts do not use the word “homeless,” so that they can apply to a wider variety of people and situations. 

The information highlights the basics of healthy eating. The foods listed on this handout are found in most dollar stores, budget grocery stores, or food pantries. This is for general healthy eating, rather than disease specific. If disease specific information for this population is needed, please let me know, as I would be happy to create those resources in the future.

Highlights

• A tip sheet for guidance when shopping for shelf-stable foods. For example, draining and rinsing canned foods and the ratio of water to instant dry milk.
• A meal builder food list sheet. These lists provide examples of foods in each category (protein, fruits/vegetables, and grains) that can be transported easily and do not need to be refrigerated until opened. Foods that do need to be refrigerated after opening are noted on the handouts.
• 7 recipes of balanced meals from the food lists provide. The recipes use measurements such as “1 can” or “2 handfuls” rather than cups or tablespoons, as this population likely won’t have specific measuring equipment.