I'm feeding six of us, sometimes more, on a nightly basis, so it's important that my menu is family-friendly yet affordable. But, my biggest concern is healthy, as we try to avoid preservatives, dyes, and as many added non-nutritive ingredients as possible. It can be a tall order, but we are getting better and better at it, though it's always a work in progress. One thing we rely on is local markets. We regularly shop the healthier stores, not necessarily the big markets that sell everything. By shopping at two of them that are close, we aren't wasting gas (or time) and we are able to get the best deals between the two of them. What we can't buy there, we buy at the regular supermarket. It definitely takes a little more time, but keeping lists and shopping on a regular day so it becomes routine is cost-effective as well as easier on my schedule. We buy produce wherever it's cheaper, and plan our meals around what is available at a good price, planning our meals entirely around what meat and veggies are available. Find an ingredient you like that's on sale? Look up recipes online using that ingredient. You expand your menu and reduce the risk of boring menu rut. Buy meat in big chunks. I cook a whole chicken a couple of times a week; one half will go in burritos, the other half on top of salads, both individually sauteed in healthier olive oil (at a medium temp). Make things from scratch that you normally buy, like chicken soup. Cook a whole chicken, save the water/broth, make it into stock, and you have a meal, or two, where you know every ingredient because you did it all, for half the price, without the additives your family doesn't need. Stock up on good spices, and you can season any meal to fit your family. Keep the basics on hand, of good quality, and you'll save your money by buying the main ingredients on sale. Organic is great, but be sure it's 'real' organic, or better yet, grow some of your own spices, or even your own basil. Utilize all those gadgets you have, with your family's help, so you're making great meals while having family time. Some of the best conversations occur while you're putting together dinner. And save those leftovers! Recycling works well in the kitchen, too. You can definitely eat whole foods and healthy on a budget with a little bit of time investment and you'll know a whole lot more about food, too.