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I’m a parenting expert – here’s how to feed your kids for less than a tenner this summer – and how to eat out for free

KEEPING kids entertained over the summer can see family budgets go out the window.

It costs £127 a week to keep each child busy over the six-week break, according to a study by pizza brand Goodfella’s with food being one of the biggest costs.

Parenting expert Elizabeth Buko has shared her tips on how to keep children fed for less this summer
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Parenting expert Elizabeth Buko has shared her tips on how to keep children fed for less this summerCredit: Getty

However, one mum has revealed how you can cut the price of your kids’ food in half this summer - and you could even feed them for free.

Mum of two, Elizabeth Buko, a Transformational Financial Mentor and founder of Wealth From Little, has spoken to about how she keeps the cost down when it comes to feeding her children.

As the average weekly food shop bill has increased by almost 10% per household (8.5%), Elizabeth shares  her top tips for budget meal planning this summer.

“Preparing nutritious meals for your children on a budget is very possible - and cooking or preparing meals at home is usually cheaper than buying ready-made meals,” she says.

on Money Saving

“For example, if you children like sandwiches, a homemade tomato, ham and cheese sandwich could cost as little as 40p compared to a ready-made pack at £2. 

“Eggs on toast, baked potato and tuna, pasta with tomato sauce and cheese,  chicken or tofu, salad, chips & fish, sausages and mash, spaghetti bolognese rice and curry are other ideas for quick homemade meals which can cost between £0.20 to  £1 per person”. 

To ensure you keep within your budget here are three tips…

1. Make a plan of meals to cook and write a list before you go shopping.

2. Avoid waste by storing leftovers properly in sealed bowls in the fridge or freezer (if required) and eat them quickly.

3. Where you can cook in a big batch and divide portions into bowls and freeze. This will reduce cooking time and energy costs.

If you do feel like treating your child to a meal out, here are a few places where kids can eat for free or for £1 this summer 2022..

  • Asda cafe - £1 every day
  • Yo! Sushi - kids eat free lunch
  • Sizzling pubs - £1 between 3 pm and 7 pm
  • Bella Italia - £1 between 4 pm -6 pm Mon to Thurs.
  • Angus steakhouse - One free child's meal per adult meal.
  • Preto - Under 10s eat free every day with a paying adult.
  • Morriston- One free kid's meal after 3 pm when you spend £4.99.
  • Dunelm - Free kids meal with £4 spend.
Elizabeth Buko, Financial mentor and mum of two, shares tips on how to keep costs low this summer
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Elizabeth Buko, Financial mentor and mum of two, shares tips on how to keep costs low this summerCredit: Elizabeth Buk
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