There is very little that you actually need to keep in stock in order to feed yourselves and your family. Like your mum you may find yourself part of an organic co-op and hardly in need of visiting the supermarket.
Items that I would list as essential to have are...
eggs
milk
sugar
butter
flour, self raising and plain, wholemeal, rye, spelt
baking powder
yeast
seasonal vegetables
seasonal fruit
mince meat
cuts of beef and chicken
hard cheese
rice
dry pasta
pasta sauce
stock cubes
salt
pepper
assortment of herbs- probably from the garden
cooking oil
apple cider vinegar
honey
You can use these ingredients, all which 'your great grandmother would recognize' to make oodles of dishes that are nutritional and balanced.
Buy items in bulk, especially rice, flour, oil and pasta. Get meats when they are reduced in price and put them in the freezer.Make large amounts of soups, curries and stews and freeze family portions for later in the week or weeks to come. No need for expensive take-away when its so easy to just heat up leftovers and no need to guess if they are still edible as freezing keeps them fresh.
Keep away from canned foods of any sort. Remember most are coated internally in plastic which has been proven to be carcinogenic. Your milk will be what you use to make yogurt and ricotta. you can use your eggs and flour to make awesome filled pasta or simply for fettuccine or lasagna sheets. If you want lentils, beans etc. buy them dry and cook them. Save money and added preservatives and rubbish.
