'I'M FEEDING MY FAMILY for $8 a day!'

Queensland supermum Jeni is battling the cost of living crisis, one shop at a time

- Megan Rowe

The matriarch of Australia's largest family, Jeni Bonell, is treating the increased cost of living as a challenge to make their household stronger.

Like most of us, Jeni, whose 16 children range from eight to 33, and her husband Ray, 55, have tightened their budget in recent months and firmly believe sticking to it requires a team effort.

"We want our kids to know they are safe and cared for but it's OK to tell them the budget is a bit tight and we all have to work together to not overspend," she tells Woman's Day. "I use this time as a teaching opportunity to show them the difference between needs and wants."

KEEPING COSTS DOWN

The first thing the couple did when prices began skyrocketing was call their nine children living at their Toowoomba home to the table for a family meeting.

"The increased cost of living is worrying for everyone," says Jeni, 53.

"Funny enough, our food budget hasn't changed much over the years but what has changed is the number of kids living at home, so I can definitely see the price rise in groceries. I still try and stick to around $600 a week.