By Chiagoziem Abosi
In a city like Lagos where food prices rise almost every week, many parents—especially mothers—are left wondering: how can I feed my children well without breaking the bank?
As tough as it sounds, it’s possible.
With a little planning, smart shopping, and creativity, nutritious meals for children can be made from affordable ingredients found in any local market across Ikeja.
“I want them to eat well, but money no dey”
Mrs. Kehinde, a mother of three and food vendor in Ogba, shared her struggle:
“Sometimes I just mix rice and oil, because I no fit buy meat or fish that day. But I still try give them fruits or pap.”
She’s not alone. Many parents in Lagos are forced to make do with little, yet still want the best for their kids.
Nutritionists say this is where simple, balanced meals come in. It’s not about expensive food, it’s about the right mix.
3 Golden Rules for Feeding on a Budget
According to Mrs. Esther Ajayi, a registered dietitian, here are the three golden rules for feeding on a budget
1. Mix carbs with protein:
Combine rice, yam, or pasta with eggs, beans, or even groundnuts.
2. Add vegetables anywhere you can:
Ugu, spinach, okra, and scent leaf are cheap and rich in iron and vitamins.
Chop them into stews, noodles, or even blend into moi-moi.
3. Don’t skip local options:
Pap (akamu) with milk and akara is a great breakfast.
Yam porridge with ugu, or eba with okro soup and dry fish are balanced and affordable.
Sample Budget Meal Plan (₦2,000/day or less)
Breakfast: Pap + 1 boiled egg + banana
Lunch: Rice + beans + small smoked fish + chopped vegetables
Dinner: Eba + okra soup + ground crayfish + little palm oil
Weekly, you can bulk-buy items like:
Beans (₦3,000 for half a paint)
Frozen titus fish (₦3,500 for half a kilo)
Ugu bunch (₦300)
Eggs (₦3,200 for half a crate)
Dry crayfish (₦500 For a wrap)
These last for multiple meals and give variety.
Do you have a budget-friendly recipe that your kids love?
Share it in the comment section or tag us on social media!
Let’s help each other raise healthy children in this economy.
