I have several elderly friends on very limited budgets trying to eat well and also pay for medical necessities. Many are going hungry, eating unhealthily, or having to budget very carefully because they simply can't afford to make ends meet. I also am friends with young women with growing families who are trying to make ends meet with limited budgets.
This was shown on social media as costing less than $5 per meal.
1 1-pound bag of pinto beans 1.98 per pound @ Walmart, .77 a pound bought in bulk at Sams Club. (Ask a friend with a membership to add them to their order and you can pay them back. I would happily do this for someone.)
cornbread homemade from scratch (cheapest) or 62 cents a box @ Walmart
collard greens (grown at home = nearly free) 99 cents a bunch at our local FoodLion
chopped roasted potatoes 4.98 a 5 lb bag @ Walmart
One person or a couple could eat more than one meal from this. I would add fat to the beans to add flavor and make them more filling.
If you need a helping hand and live locally, please don't hesitate to ask. I have not quite adjusted from cooking for a large family to cooking for just half of us, so there is always plenty to share. My love to all!
