Even though schools officially closed on Wednesday, many kids have been home since last week.

While the school holiday is a fun time for the kids, it can be a stressful time for parents especially when it comes to keeping the kids fed and entertained.

By now kids are already complaining that they are bored and when kids are bored, they tend to turn to food to keep them busy.

Sometimes they are not even hungry but they find themselves walking up and down to the fridge or grocery cupboards to find something to eat.

The end-of-year holiday is the longest holiday, which means parents have to dig deep in their pockets to keep the fridges stocked.

In addition to eating their parents out of house and home, kids still expect Christmas gifts and then there is school stationery that has to be bought as well.

All these expenses add up, making December and January extremely expensive months.

However, there are ways parents can curb all-day snacking that does not necessarily include locking up their cupboards or hiding all the treats.

Here are some tips to keep your kids fed without breaking the bank.

Planning and preparation

Fortunately, there are practical strategies parents can employ to keep their kids fed without emptying their pockets and it starts with careful planning.

Creating a meal plan for the holidays is essential. Not only does it help reduce those last-minute grocery trips, which often lead to impulse purchases that can spiral costs, but it also allows parents to shop smartly.

Make a shopping list and stick to a budget. Keeping an eye out for sales, and buying non-perishable items in bulk, can lead to significant savings.

Incorporate low-cost staples like pasta, rice, beans, and seasonal vegetables into your meal plans.

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Budget-friendly tips for feeding your kids over the school holidays