How can a financially struggling family increase dietary calcium intake?

Incorporating collards or kale into one meal a day is a practical and cost-effective way for a financially struggling family to enhance their dietary calcium intake. Both collards and kale are excellent sources of calcium, along with numerous other beneficial nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. They can be purchased at a relatively low cost, especially when fresh, and can also be found frozen, which may be more economical and have a longer shelf life.

This option promotes a plant-based approach to increasing calcium intake, which can be particularly beneficial for families looking to diversify their diet while managing expenses. Integrating these leafy greens into meals can add nutritional value without significantly impacting the family's budget. Additionally, cooking methods such as steaming, sautéing, or adding them to soups and stews can allow for easy incorporation into various dishes, enhancing both the nutritional density and overall flavor of meals.

Other options, while they do contribute to calcium intake, may not be as accessible or budget-friendly. For instance, supplements can be expensive and may not be a sustainable option for regular use. Calcium-fortified drinks can also be a better choice, but they often come with a higher price tag compared to fresh vegetables. Increasing dairy consumption may