by Jackie Fullen, Home Economist in Residence, Beaver County Business
Listen to a podcast discussion about this article.
The former chef and owner of Sisters Restaurant in Beaver Falls believes food should be simple, inexpensive, and delicious—above all prepared with love.
Some Beaver Countians may recall that I used to run Sisters Restaurant in Beaver Falls. Back then, my customers didn’t come in for culinary fireworks—they came for greens and beans, cabbage rolls, and pie that tasted like their grandmother made it. My philosophy hasn’t changed: food should be simple, inexpensive, and delicious—above all prepared with love.
That philosophy is being tested these days. Grocery shopping feels like a high-stakes card game where the house always wins. Cheerios are seven bucks, bananas are about to become luxury items, and some people are staring at their credit card statements like they’ve been mugged in the produce aisle.
But don’t despair. Feeding a family has always taken a mix of thrift, creativity, and a willingness to eat scrambled eggs for dinner. Here’s how to keep food on the table without selling the silverware.
Budget Like a Presbyterian Accountant
Pick a number and live by it. Not “about thirty dollars.” Not “whatever it comes to.” Tattoo it on your brain and add up as you go. Math is the only way to win this game.
Make a List, and Don’t Get Cute
Impulse buying is how you wind up with frozen cookie dough and $15 pretzels. Stick to the plan—or better yet, order curbside and let someone else do the resisting for you.
Shop Your Own Kitchen First
Before you leave, stare down the fridge. Yes, the carrots are still good. Yes, that chicken will thaw. Rice plus leftovers equals dinner. Restaurants have been calling it “chef’s special” for years.
Rethink Dinner
You don’t need four courses every night. Grilled cheese is dinner. Eggs are dinner. Pancakes at 6 p.m.? That’s a party.
Don’t Shop Hungry
Hungry people buy like lottery winners. Eat a sandwich first and spare yourself the shame of coming home with Doritos and cheesecake instead of diapers.
Bow to the Generic Gods
Brand loyalty is a luxury. Flour is flour. Rice is rice. If the label isn’t Heinz, relax—you’ll live.
Worship at the Altar of Coupons
No scissors required anymore. Every store has an app. Tap, save, repeat. Think of it as free money.
Farmers Markets Aren’t Just for Hipsters
Local produce is fresher, cheaper, and doesn’t taste like it was shipped from Jupiter. Plus you get the entertainment value of zucchini the size of baseball bats.
Buy in Bulk—Within Reason
Yes, the 40-pound sack of lentils is a bargain. But unless you’re opening a soup kitchen, keep bulk buys to the things you’ll actually use.
Pay With Cash
Nothing keeps you honest like watching twenties disappear one by one into the register. It stings—and it should.
Food prices aren’t going down anytime soon. But with a little discipline, some old-fashioned common sense, and the occasional pancake supper, you can feed your family without filing Chapter 11. Call it survival, call it victory—just don’t call it gourmet.
Jackie’s Tip: Love is the cheapest ingredient you’ll ever use. Don’t forget to season generously.
