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Seven foods to stretch your budget
 1. Dry beans: Canned beans are certainly convenient when you^re time pressed, but dry beans are a more economical choice. Soak them the night before and plan several hours of simmering time on the stove.
2. Rice: Rice and beans are a staple food around the world. Switch your family to brown rice and you^ve upped the nutrient and fiber content over plain white rice. Even discount stores are stocking exotic rices, including brown, basmati and jasmine.
 3. Whole chicken: The boneless, skinless chicken breast has become ubiquitous at most supermarkets, many of which no longer employ meat cutters on the premises. But if you buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself, you^ll not only save money, but you^ll also get a more chicken-y flavor. Throw the carcass in a soup pot with diced carrots, celery, onions and parsley and let it simmer on the stove to make homemade soup stock.
4. Greens: Collard greens, beet greens, Swiss chard and kale are among the least expensive vegetables in the produce section, but they provide a big nutritional bang for your buck. Greens are easy to prepare; wash leaves well to remove any grit, remove tough stems and chop. Steam or sauté and serve,  no added fat required.
5. Eggs: In moderation, eggs are a healthy and inexpensive protein choice.
6. Peanut butter: A kid-friendly favorite, peanut butter is a versatile protein source that spans the gamut from main dishes (such as Thai Peanut Noodles) to desserts. But there^s no need to get fancy. Spread on bread it^s a great way to keep hunger pangs at bay. 
7. Cheese: Fight the urge to buy pre-shredded cheese. Chunk cheese is usually cheaper and stays fresher longer. Individually wrapped cheese slices are also more expensive per ounce than unsliced.
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