Student budgets are notoriously tight and there are a plethora of things that need to be paid for. The majority of the world has the equivalent of $2 per day to spend on food. Living in an affluent country like Australia we are used to spending a lot of money on food that we waste.

It’s not necessary.

You can cut your spending to only $40 per week by being more mindful of what you eat and sticking to a budget of $5 per day. The extra $5 can be spent however you like.

Look at the markdowns

Supermarkets mark down stock that is close to the use by date so it’s worth taking a look at the mark down trolley. I have found that smaller independent stores have more food that is marked down because they don’t have the turnover larger stores do.

You can get great bargains in the dairy and refrigerated sections. Plan your weekly menu around these markdowns.

Buy cheaper cuts of meat and less of it

Buy stewing meats instead of steaks, chicken pieces or drumsticks or cut down how much meat is in your diet. Beans, lentils, grains and vegetables are all cheaper than meat and will bulk out meals so you can use less.

Find free or cheap sources of fruit and vegetables

Visit the markets, forage for free fruit from overhanging trees or grow your own in pots on your balcony. If you can get even some of your fruit and vegetables for nothing you can cut your food bill dramatically.

Stock your pantry with cheap staple food items

Rice, pasta, tinned food and other staple foods make all the difference when you are trying to make a meal on a budget. If you have some cocoa, flour and eggs you can even make some easy desserts so you won’t feel as if you are being deprived.

It takes a bit of adjustment but it is quite possible for a student to eat very well on only forty dollars a week.

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