How to feed your family for under $5: Canned bean dinners that are really delicious

[riversedge]

Good article for these times when grocery prices are so high



How to feed your family for under $5: Canned bean dinners that are really delicious

Affordable canned bean dinners under $5 that stretch your budget without sacrificing nutrition or taste when money is tight
https://www.mother.ly/food/canned-bean-dinner-ideas/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us


By Sara Goldstein Updated Oct. 29, 2025


Let’s acknowledge what’s happening: with looming cuts to SNAP benefits and food assistance programs, many families are facing impossible choices at the grocery store. Food prices continue to climb, and now the help many people rely on has been reduced or eliminated entirely. If you’re feeling the squeeze—or if you’re one of the millions of families directly impacted by these cuts—you’re not alone, and you haven’t failed.

Canned beans aren’t a consolation prize. They’re a legitimate strategy for feeding your family nutritious, filling meals when budgets are tight and government support has been pulled out from under you. This isn’t about “making do”—it’s about making smart choices with what you have, and making sure everyone gets fed well.
The real numbers

Here’s what we’re working with:

One can of beans: $0.89-$1.29 at most grocery stores
Protein equivalent: About the same as $4-6 worth of chicken or $6-8 worth of beef
Feeds: 2-4 people depending on how you use it
Shelf life: 2-5 years, meaning you can stock up when you have a little extra

With SNAP benefits gone, every dollar matters more than ever– and it’s forcing impossible decisions. Beans can help bridge that gap without sacrificing nutrition or flavor.
Why beans work when money is tight

Nutritional density that matters Beans aren’t just cheap—they’re actually one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can buy:

High in protein (about 15g per cup)
Packed with fiber (keeps everyone fuller longer)
Rich in iron, folate, and other essential nutrients
Complex carbs that provide lasting energy

When you’re stretching a budget, you need foods that keep your family satisfied and healthy. Beans do both.