As the spouse of an enlisted Marine raising five children in high-cost-of-living Southern California, I quickly learned that groceries were going to be a major part of our household budget. On our first night checking into housing at Camp Pendleton, I went off base into Orange County to pick up ingredients for a simple pasta dinner with salad and garlic bread. When our ten items rang up over $100, I nearly cried. I later learned that I had made the rookie mistake of going to “the nice grocery store,” an expensive local chain known for organic produce and high-quality meat.
Over the next few years, I had to get creative to feed my growing family. Sure, I wanted to provide healthy meals and good nutrition. I also wanted to have money left in our account each time my husband got paid! It can be challenging to balance your food budget, but with some planning, it is possible to feed your family well without breaking the bank. Here are some strategies that have worked for my family and can help you maintain a healthy food budget.
- Shopping at the commissary. The motto of the commissary is, “It’s worth the trip!” If you live off base, going to the commissary might feel inconvenient, but the extra mileage is worth it to save on your weekly grocery bill. At our second duty station, when we lived in town, I often alternated between the national chain grocery store and the base commissary, filling a similar shopping cart at each location. The same food that cost me $100 per week at the commissary cost $20 more at the national chain — a 20% increase! This can lead to significant savings over time. While most military families know you must shop at a variety of stores to maximize all deals and coupons, commissaries do offer discounts on a range of items, from fresh produce to pantry staples. Make it a habit to do your primary grocery shopping at the commissary, taking advantage of special promotions.
- Buying in bulk. Another clear way to save money is by purchasing items in bulk from wholesale clubs. With locations nationwide, you can usually find one wherever you PCS. Memberships to these clubs can be a worthwhile investment, especially for non-perishable items, household goods, cleaning supplies and frequently used ingredients. Buying in bulk reduces your cost per item and ensures you won’t run out of essentials. This approach is particularly helpful for large families, like mine. We go once a month to stock up, then freeze or store what we can’t use immediately. Just make sure you have storage space in your tiny on-base quarters!
- Applying for WIC benefits. Many enlisted families are eligible for this government assistance program, especially if you are pregnant or have multiple children under 5 years old. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children provides vouchers for purchasing nutritious foods. This is not a military program, but you can often learn more at the base family center. If you qualify for WIC, you can use your vouchers at grocery stores or farmers markets, allowing you to buy healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and beans. These vouchers really helped us maximize nutrition on a budget!
- Planning ahead. No matter where you choose to shop, you can keep your grocery budget under control with meal planning. Before heading to the grocery store, I usually plan my meals for the week and create a shopping list based on those ingredients. I plan around proteins and veggies, so we get good variety. Sticking to the list helps me avoid impulse purchases so I only buy what I need. To really stretch your budget, look for store coupons or discounts on specific items and plan your menu around those.
- Being creative with free food. Sometimes, local charities or churches offer free food on base. While these donations are well-intentioned, they don’t always include healthy options. Try to supplement with nutritious items from your own shopping. For example, if you receive canned vegetables, consider using them in soups or stews with fresh ingredients to boost their nutritional value. Canned tuna can be added to salads or whole grain rolls for a healthy meal. Canned beans can be added to ground beef to make tacos go further.
Ultimately, feeding your family healthy, nutritious food on a budget requires an intentional effort. Use available resources, plan ahead and be open to new ideas.
As we celebrate National Nutrition Month, take the time to look at your food budget and explore new ways to provide your family with wholesome, affordable meals. Remember, you are not alone in this journey — many military families face similar challenges. Together, we can support each other in making healthy choices affordable for all.
Blog Brigade unites military spouses by creating a community built on shared experiences and mutual support. Navigating the complexities of military life can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Military OneSource offers valuable resources focused on well-being, readiness, and connection. Explore a range of health and wellness resources and tools tailored to your needs.
