Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Last week I asked a simple question: What are you doing differently because of rising food costs?
I wasn't prepared for what happened next.
Thousands of you shared your stories, and three themes stood out. Some are planting gardens, buying directly from local ranchers, or filling chest freezers when they can. Others are relying more on affordable proteins like beans, lentils, eggs, and cottage cheese. But the stories that have stayed with me all week came from people working extra jobs, visiting food pantries for the first time, and wondering if they're the only ones struggling.
You're not.
In this Sunday Chat, I talk about what I learned from your responses, why I believe so many families are feeling the pressure, and what I hope we can do together. I don't have all the answers, but I do know this: no one should feel ashamed for struggling to put food on the table.
If you've been feeling the squeeze at the grocery store, I'd love to hear from you.
Leave a comment below:
- What changes have you made to your grocery budget?
- What affordable meals have become family favorites?
- How can I use this platform to help in a bigger way?
### Helpful Resources
🥣 Everything You Need to Know About Cooking Dried Beans
thestayathomechef.com/how-to-cook-dried-beans
🫘 Browse all of my bean recipes
thestayathomechef.com/category/beans
Thank you for being part of this community. We'll keep finding ways to make good food stretch a little farther, and we'll keep reminding each other that none of us has to face this alone.
Last week I asked a simple question: What are you doing differently because of rising food costs?
I wasn't prepared for what happened next.
Thousands of you shared your stories, and three themes stood out. Some are planting gardens, buying directly from local ranchers, or filling chest freezers when they can. Others are relying more on affordable proteins like beans, lentils, eggs, and cottage cheese. But the stories that have stayed with me all week came from people working extra jobs, visiting food pantries for the first time, and wondering if they're the only ones struggling.
You're not.
In this Sunday Chat, I talk about what I learned from your responses, why I believe so many families are feeling the pressure, and what I hope we can do together. I don't have all the answers, but I do know this: no one should feel ashamed for struggling to put food on the table.
If you've been feeling the squeeze at the grocery store, I'd love to hear from you.
Leave a comment below:
- What changes have you made to your grocery budget?
- What affordable meals have become family favorites?
- How can I use this platform to help in a bigger way?
### Helpful Resources
🥣 Everything You Need to Know About Cooking Dried Beans
thestayathomechef.com/how-to-cook-dried-beans
🫘 Browse all of my bean recipes
thestayathomechef.com/category/beans
Thank you for being part of this community. We'll keep finding ways to make good food stretch a little farther, and we'll keep reminding each other that none of us has to face this alone.
