5 Meals You Can Make for Under $10 While the Food-Stamp Freeze Hits

With the federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) running out (and many families facing tighter grocery budgets), I’m keeping it real with Y’all: you can still eat good without breaking the bank. I’m talking meals for under ten dollars that feed the whole crew. Grab pen & paper.

1. Spaghetti Dinner

• 1 lb spaghetti noodles (~$1.50)
• 1 jar pasta sauce (~$2.50)
• 1 lb ground beef (~$5.50 according to local retail averages)
• Garlic bread (~$1.50)
  Total estimated cost: ~$10 or less (depending on the sale price of beef)
  Throw in a salad or veggies if you have leftover budget.

2. Chicken Alfredo

• ½ box fettuccine (~$1.00)
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce (~$2.00)
• 1 lb chicken (boneless, on sale ~ $4.00-5.00)
• If shrimp’s on sale (~$8-10/lb sometimes) you could swap in shrimp (~$3-4 portion)
  Estimated cost: ~$9-10.
  TIP: Use half the jar of sauce and freeze the rest for next time.

3. Taco Night

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (~$4-5)
• Taco seasoning (~$1.00)
• Tortillas (pack ~ $2.00)
• Shredded cheese & salsa (~$2.00)
  Total cost: ~$9-10.
  Stretch it further by adding beans (~$1) or rice (~$1) for the family.

4. Sloppy Joes & Fries

• 1 lb ground beef (~$4-5)
• Can of sloppy joe sauce (~$1.50)
• Hamburger buns (~$2.00)
• Frozen fries (~$2.00)
  Estimated cost: ~$9.
  Comfort food mode activated — childhood favorite that still hits.

5. Hot Dog Night with Baked Beans

• Hot dogs (package ~$2.50)
• Hot dog buns (~$2.00)
• Baked beans (can ~$1.50)
• Add veggie sticks or a side (~$2.00)
  Estimated cost: ~$8-9.
  Quick, cheap, and you still get a full meal.

6. Bonus: DIY Quesadillas

• Tortillas (~$2.00)
• Shredded cheese (~$2.50)
• Leftover chicken/turkey/beans (~$2.00)
• Salsa (~$1.00)
  Estimated cost: ~$7-8.
  Quick throw-together, perfect for busy nights

What This Means for You

• Grocery budgets are under pressure.
• These meals keep you fed without overthinking or overspending.
• Share these with your friends or post them on the station’s socials with your own twist.