$60–$70 Seven-Day Meal Plan for a Single Mom and Three Kids: how to feed your family on a tight budget when every dollar counts
Being a single mom means you’re juggling everything—and when money is tight, even dinner can feel overwhelming. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “How do I feed my kids when I have no money?”—you’re not alone.
So many mothers face that same question quietly, doing the invisible math of every grocery trip and every meal.
Here’s the truth: you are not failing. You are showing up. You are being resourceful. And your kids don’t need fancy meals—they need simple, filling food and the comfort of sitting around your table with you.
This guide gives you a $60–$70 seven-day meal plan for one mom and three kids. It’s filled with cheap, healthy, family-friendly recipes, plus a complete shopping list, step-by-step instructions, and money-stretching tips.
Full Shopping List for the Week
Target budget: $60–$70 using store brands, sales, or SNAP/EBT.
Proteins
Family pack chicken drumsticks or thighs (4–5 lbs)
1 dozen eggs (18 if affordable)
2 cans tuna (or chickpeas if cheaper)
1 block cheese (8 oz, cheddar or mozzarella)
Grains & Carbs
Rice (2 lbs)
Pasta (2 lbs)
Tortillas (10-pack)
Bread (2 loaves or day-old discount bread)
Pancake mix (or flour, baking powder, sugar)
Potatoes (5 lbs)
Canned & Frozen
Tomato sauce (1 jar or 2 cans)
Canned tomatoes (2 cans)
Refried or black beans (2 cans)
Frozen broccoli (1 bag)
Frozen mixed vegetables (2 bags)
Salsa (1 jar)
Fresh Produce
Bananas (1 bunch)
Carrots (2 lbs)
Onions (2–3)
Optional: cucumbers or apples if on sale
Basics
Cooking oil
Salt, pepper
Garlic powder, onion powder
Peanut butter
Syrup or jam
7-Day Kid-Friendly Dinner Plan
Monday – Chicken & Rice Bake
Ingredients: chicken thighs, rice, frozen veggies, bouillon, onion powder
How to Make It: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a 9×13 pan, add 2 cups rice, 1 bag frozen veg, 4 cups water, and bouillon. Place chicken pieces on top, season, cover with foil. Bake 45 minutes, uncover, bake 15 more to brown.
Why Kids Like It: Feels like a fulfilling dinner with comforting flavors.
Cost: ~$1 per serving
Tuesday – Taco Night (Beans & Rice Base)
Ingredients: tortillas, beans, rice, salsa, cheese
How to Make It: Cook rice, heat beans with salsa, and let kids build tacos.
Why Kids Like It: Interactive and fun—like a taco bar.
Cost: ~$1 per serving
Wednesday – Pasta Night
Ingredients: pasta, tomato sauce, frozen spinach, cheese
How to Make It: Boil pasta, heat sauce with spinach, mix and top with cheese.
Why Kids Like It: Familiar “spaghetti night” with hidden veggies.
Cost: ~$1 per serving
Thursday – Egg Muffin Pizzas + Veggie Sticks
Ingredients: 6–8 eggs, tomato sauce, cheese, carrot sticks
How to Make It: Whisk eggs, pour into muffin tin, add sauce + cheese, bake 15–20 minutes at 350°F.
Why Kids Like It: Bite-sized, fun, and pizza-inspired.
Cost: ~$.80 per serving
Friday – Homemade Chicken Fingers & Fries
Ingredients: chicken strips, egg, crushed oats/cornflakes, potatoes
How to Make It: Cut potatoes into wedges and bake; coat chicken in egg + crumbs; bake until crispy.
Why Kids Like It: Feels like takeout—without the price tag.
Cost: ~$1 per serving
Saturday – Breakfast for Dinner
Ingredients: pancake mix, eggs, bananas
How to Make It: Cook pancakes, scramble eggs, serve with sliced bananas or jam.
Why Kids Like It: Breakfast-for-dinner always feels special.
Cost: ~$.80 per serving
Sunday – Pizza Quesadillas
Ingredients: tortillas, tomato sauce, cheese
How to Make It: Spread sauce and cheese, fold, toast until golden, slice into wedges.
Why Kids Like It: Gooey, cheesy, familiar—total crowd-pleaser.
Cost: ~$.80 per serving
Facts to Remember
Frozen and canned veggies are just as nutritious as fresh.
Beans, eggs, and lentils are the cheapest, most versatile proteins.
Kids thrive on repetition—taco, pizza, and pasta nights create comfort.
Batch-cooking rice or pasta once saves stress and energy all week.
Fresh Starts Tips: Stretch Your Grocery Budget
Little Free Pantries: Many libraries and churches host “take-what-you-need” shelves.
Manager’s Specials: Bread, meat, and dairy are often half-price next-day.
SNAP Double Bucks: Some farmers’ markets double EBT dollars for fruits and veggies.
School Programs: Ask about weekend “backpack food” or free meal options.
Thermos Trick: Pack rice and beans in a thermos for warm, budget lunches.
FAQ: Feeding a Family on a Tight Budget
What’s the cheapest way to feed kids? Focus on rice, beans, pasta, and eggs—cheap staples that make filling meals like tacos, pizza quesadillas, or pancakes.
How much does it really cost to feed a family of four? With planning and store brands, you can feed a mom and three kids for $60–$70 per week.
Are inexpensive meals actually healthy? Yes. Frozen veggies, beans, eggs, and grains are nutrient-dense and affordable. Kids don’t need pricey meals to eat well.
You are feeding your family with care, creativity, and resilience—and that is enough. Every dollar you stretch is a reflection of your strength and love. Every meal, no matter how simple, says: we’re home, we’re together, and we’re okay.
You don’t have to stop here—this dinner plan is just one part of our bigger guide to feeding your family on a budget. Pair it with cheap breakfast, lunch, and snack ideas to cover your whole week.