Kidney-friendly eating on a budget
Following a kidney-friendly eating plan can be challenging, especially for people on a tight budget. American Kidney Fund is here to help with tips and resources.
Eating on a budget
Following a kidney-friendly eating plan is essential for people with kidney disease. But it is not always easy if you are on a tight budget.
Maybe you do not live near a grocery store and have to rely on processed, ready-to-eat foods. These foods may be cheaper, but they often contain ingredients that can stress your kidneys and lead to kidney failure.
Or maybe you can access fresh, healthy foods but cannot always afford them since you are already juggling medical costs and other expenses.
No matter what challenges you face, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) offers practical tips and resources for stretching your food budget.
No matter what challenges you face, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) offers practical tips and resources for stretching your food budget.
Shop smart for groceries
These AKF resources will help you trim costs and enjoy a kidney-friendly eating plan:
Grocery shopping can be a challenge when you are on a tight budget. Consider these tips to make shopping easier:
- Make a list and stick to it.
- Compare prices and brands.
- Buy in bulk when practical.
- Look for sales and use coupons.
- Request specific items from local stores.
- Shop online when it makes sense to do so.
- Shop seasonal and local produce.
Shop smart for groceries
Grocery shopping can be a challenge when you are on a tight budget. Consider these tips to make shopping easier:
- Make a list and stick to it.
- Compare prices and brands.
- Buy in bulk when practical.
- Look for sales and use coupons.
- Request specific items from local stores.
- Shop online when it makes sense to do so.
- Shop seasonal and local produce.
These AKF resources will help you trim costs and enjoy a kidney-friendly eating plan:
Cook at home with these
time-saving tips
Preparing food at home gives you control over what you put in your body. It is often cheaper than going out. But cooking can be inconvenient, and you may not always have the energy. Let us help you save time in the kitchen. With a bit of preparation and some helpful kitchen gadgets, you may have more time than you think to prepare tasty meals.
Cook at home with these time-saving tips
Preparing food at home gives you control over what you put in your body. It is often cheaper than going out. But cooking can be inconvenient, and you may not always have the energy. Let us help you save time in the kitchen. With a bit of preparation and some helpful kitchen gadgets, you may have more time than you think to prepare tasty meals.
Limit eating out
Almost everything seems more expensive than it used to be, including eating out. If you are eating out, consider these cost-saving ideas:
- Order your food to go and pick it up at the restaurant to avoid delivery charges.
- Order a healthy appetizer or two instead of a big main course.
- Share your meal with a friend and split the cost.
- Save leftovers in a to-go container to enjoy later.
Restaurant food is often high in sodium and filled with preservatives. Protect your kidneys by planning ahead. We can help with these quick tips for dining out at fast-casual or fast-food restaurants. Dine with confidence using our dining out guide for easy recommendations you can follow during your next meal out.
Use a food pantry wisely
Food pantries provide a variety of budget-friendly foods. Unfortunately, many of these foods are high in phosphorus, sodium and other additives that preserve their shelf life but can harm kidneys. Read the food labels and ingredients to ensure you choose kidney-friendly options. And be sure to check out our Kidney Kitchen recipe collection to explore recipes for every stage of kidney disease.
| Category | Choose this | Limit this |
|---|---|---|
|
Canned goods
|
Unsweetened canned fruits or canned fruits in 100% juice |
Canned chili, stews, soups; baked or refried beans; fruit in juice or syrup; premade sauces and dressings.
|
|
Grains |
Whole grain options like brown rice, quinoa, whole grain rice, pasta, cereal. |
Boxed macaroni and cheese, instant noodles.
|
|
Packaged snacks
|
Whole grain crackers, air-popped popcorn, unsalted nuts or seeds, dry fruits without added sugar
|
Chips, crackers, cookies
|
|
Dairy |
Low-fat or fat-free dairy milk or yogurt; lactose-free dairy or fortified soy products |
Processed cheeses |
|
Protein |
Fresh or frozen lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, peanut butter without added sugar |
Processed meats like deli meats, hot dogs, sausage and pepperoni |
|
Vegetables |
Fresh, frozen or low-sodium canned vegetables |
Potatoes (especially fried or in processed forms like chips or hash browns) |
Find food resources near you
Local organizations can help you eat well on a tight budget. Use the American Kidney Fund Community Resource Finder to search for food pantries and programs, meal deliveries, food markets and more support services near you.
The following resources will help you find additional nearby food resources, including soup kitchens, food pantries and meal delivery.
- Hunger Free America assistance
- Feeding America Food Pantry Finder
- Meals on Wheels
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Hunger Hotline
- Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET.
- Text “food” or “meals” to 914-342-7744 and receive a list of resources near you.
Take advantage of food assistance programs
You may qualify for one or more of the following food or financial assistance programs.
- American Kidney Fund Financial Assistance Program—Help for people with kidney disease
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)—Monthly food packages for people 60 and older
- MyPlate—Local savings and information about new ways to prepare lower-cost foods
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Helps low-income families pay for groceries
- Farmers’ SNAP—A list of local farmers’ markets that accept SNAP
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)—Cash payments and services for low-income families with children
- Special Supplemental Food Program (WIC)—Offers food, health care referrals and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.
Reach out for resources
Kidney disease may progress faster in people with limited access to healthy food. If you need support, reach out to care professionals who can help.
- Talk to a registered dietitian to help you create and follow a kidney-friendly food and fluid plan. If you are in a dialysis clinic, you can talk to the available dietitian or check out our Ask a Dietitian page to find a dietitian in your area.
- If your dialysis clinic has a social worker, ask them to help you find food assistance programs and services near you.
Following a kidney-friendly eating plan may feel overwhelming when you struggle to make ends meet. Remember, we are here to help you find the food you need.
