Did Anyone Watch The Program On Bbc1

[Psybbo]

Great British Budget Cooking? Are things really that bad or is this an exaggeration?

[Zacs-Master]

Didn't watch it but image some meeeja type has done a spin exercise on poverty struck Britain, picking out one or two cash strapped families and spinning their circumstances until it makes an almost entertaining programme, to which the masses can rally and shout 'down with the government'.

Aaaaand breath.

Sorry, TVs rubbish at the moment isn't it?

[carolegif]

The family of four lived in a detached house in Surrey. Why couldn't they get a cheaper house I'd things were that bad.
Things are difficult for people, but the cost of food in the supermarket should be looked at.
The chefs all went to markets and haggled for food, but they found it tough and went over budget.
I think the best chef won, her chicken and rice meal looked delicious!

[factor-fiction]

Very interesting programme. Whether these are untypical benefits claimants I don't know, but it did seem to be a lifestyle choice for some or all of them

[carolegif]

They weren't all on benefits. He woman living with her teenage daughter worked for a living.

[factor-fiction]

Sorry, I assumed from Zacs-Master's comment that we were talking about the programme at 9:00 about 3 families/individuals on benefits. I didn't know about the programme at 8:00.

[pastafreak]

There were two different programs-part of a 'season' the BBC are doing on money strapped Britain. The first looked at how difficult it is becoming for some to feed themselves adequately. The saddest was the pensioner who made two 'meals' from a packet soup and a couple of slices of bread. It was shocking and sad.
Of course-for most its a matter of taking the time to seek out bargains-and knowing what to do with them-something many are ignorant about.

[ummmm]

It's not an exaggeration at all. They weren't on benefits.

[ummmm]

Pasta - did you see his reaction when James Martin presented him with his meal? Made me cry...

[murraymints]

Reminds me ...when I was a Saturday girl in well known store I would give pensioners who asked for two ounces of cheese or cold meats at least half pound...they must have wondered what was going on when I left !

[pastafreak]

I wanted to hug him. Its just no way to live.

[tiggerblue10]

I only caught the last half hour and thought it was quite shocking. The problem is from my experience the price of veg and some other food fluctuates from day to day. Whenever I do a delivery order the price is nearly always different when delivered to the day I actually placed the order. I did query the price different and that was what I was told. Given this it may be difficult for those on a budget to stick to the budget plan if prices change.

I do believe supermarkets can do things to help but this may have a negative affect on farmers and producers.

When I first moved into my house, over 15 years ago, I lived on a budget of £7 per week for several months when my income was low and outgoings high. I consider myself extremely lucky that I don't have this problem now.

[AB Editor]

Did watch it and the one after about people on long term job seekers.

It is easy to stand back and judge from a position of security. However, I will say that many of the families just didn't seem to know how to budget or how to cook.

Was interested to see one of the chef's approaching a supermarket chief about setting up "cooking classes" in their on site cafe.

[mccfluff]

it was really sad.

the mum who drank tea, so her daughter would always have a meal

[ummmm]

She actually survived on sugar.

[pastafreak]

See the thread I posted. It shows that eating on a tight budget can be done...

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Food-and-Drink/Question1258732.html

[B00]

The annoying thing about the programme was that in order to cook the "budget" meals they fully admitted that they'd blown the budget.

[Psybbo]

I suppose if there had to be a winner, Angela Hartnett deserved it, but I still wonder about the pensioner and will they all be forgotten by the chefs.

[carolegif]

Like you murraymints, I worked as a Saturday girl in Woolies and always gave the pensioners a couple of extra biscuits. Got told off for not breaking biscuits in half to get the correct weight!