Being a low-income older person, perhaps I should move to the States! Though there are no food support programs here in South Africa (despite over 50% of the population living below the poverty line). I’m grateful for the social grants my husband and I receive — puts food on the table.

As my main expense is food, I plan our meals for the whole month. Not what to cook on what day, but what ingredients I’ll need to ensure we have 30/31 nutritious meals under our tightened belts to see us through the month.

Now that we are in winter, I do lots of soup meals — full of veggies and either lentils, chickpeas or red kidney beans for protein. Otherwise, I buy the cheaper cuts of beef for stewing and make awesome curries in the crockpot, which last for 3 sittings. I always have sweet potatoes in my pantry — they are full of awesome nutrients, so much healthier than plain potatoes. The only fruit I buy is avocados and papayas — also full of goodness. Otherwise, a chicken casserole (that’s the cheapest meat here) or hake fillets as a treat.

No junk food!