If you’re finding it hard to afford enough food for your family, these tips may help you stretch your food budget and ensure your family has enough to eat:

Look for local discount stores

Discount stores like NQR, Aldi and The Reject Shop often sell discounted groceries and household items - including non-perishable foods such as pasta and canned goods. Look for cheaper alternatives to popular products that are just as good but won't break the budget.

Choose store brand or home brand products

Store brand or home brand products are usually cheaper than branded items but can be just as good. Look for these products at your local supermarket to save money.

Be proactive if an unexpected bill increase cuts your food budget

If you're struggling to afford food because of an unexpected bill, don't be afraid to contact your water, power, or other suppliers and request a payment plan. This can help you spread the bill cost over weeks or months and ensure you can still maintain a budget for food.

Make use of community resources

Many communities have food pantries that provide free or low-cost food to people in need. Use our handy search tool to see if there's a community pantry or garden in your area that you can access.

These are just a few of the things that you can do to help stretch your food budget and make sure your family has enough to eat.