# $5 Dinners Credit Crunch Dining Can be Healthy With These Budget-Friendly Meals By TopDog | Published 2009-04-21 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/five-dollar-dinners-credit-crunch-dining-can-be-healthy References: [5dollardinners](http://www.5dollardinners.com/2009/04/rachael-ray-and-new-york-city.html) The Credit Crunch has a squeeze on everything from real estate and luxury to what you serve on the dinner table. The inclination to eat unhealthy foods versus fresh whole foods has become widespread, as consumers opt for the ‘less expensive’ means to feed their families. This doesn’t have to be the case, explains Erin Chase, mother of two and creator of 5dollardinners.com, who supplies tips to feed families [healthy meals on a strict budget](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/name-your-price-tool). From [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anytime-fitness-uk-ireland) Dijon Pork Roast to Zucchini Stew, she teaches consumers that [healthier choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healthygirl-kitchen) can be wealthier choices. Erin will also be appearing on the Rachael Ray Show to show consumers how to eat well. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **$5 Dinners:** Offering budget-friendly meals that are healthy and nutritious. - **Credit Crunch Dining:** Addressing the need for affordable meals during economic downturns. - **Healthy Eating on a Budget:** Providing strategies for maintaining a nutritious diet while being cost-conscious. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food and Beverage:** Opportunity for businesses to develop affordable and nutritious meal options. - **Meal Planning and Recipes:** Innovative companies can provide cost-effective meal planning services and recipes for budget-conscious consumers. - **Economic and Financial Services:** Integrating meal planning and budgeting tools into existing financial services to assist consumers in managing their food spending. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Affordable Low-Calorie QSR Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fazoli.md) - [Diet-Specific Meal Planning Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meal-planning-systems.md) - [Low-Cost Grocery Store Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-zone-meals.md) - [Healthy Meal Explorers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foodishtv.md) - [Inflation-Proof Dinner Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-values-platform.md) - [Low-Cost Grocer Meal Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/feed-the-family-for-a-fiver-campaign.md) - [Craveable Low-Cost Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/more-bang-less-buck.md) - [Money-Saving Holiday Meal Deals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kroger-freshgiving-meal.md) - [Inflation-Friendly Menu Specials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dark-meat-chicken-specials.md)