If you shop for price and not what you are in the mood for, food is still to be found for cheap. I found 32 ounce jars of roasted red peppers for $2.12 each, next to the Prego sauce.
If it's on sale, buy it. Portion it. Freeze it. Can it. Dry it. Cure it. Make cooking and preparation a family activity. The only thing I get a chilly reception to is when I find a lot of eggs on hand and I hard boil and pickle them in jars. I love them, but not the rest of the family.
We also make Italian giardiniera, when we find cauliflower, carrots, peppers, celery, on sale or grown at home in the summer. We put it up in gallon sized jars. It keeps great for years. You always have a tasty vegetable to serve in a pinch.
We have a scratch and dent place where prices are available but not at any brand name store!
Good for you! It can be done with a little thought, and price hunting!