I've set myself up for failure...plain and simple. How? I've challenged myself to feed this family of four on less than $100 a week and feed us well. As in lots of fresh fruit and veggies, lean meats and no junk (aka processed/boxed foods). Not so easy during this time of year since I can't hit the farmers' market just yet, head to the parental figures' garden for a veggie raid or step out on the porch for homegrown goodies. Oh, can I throw in here that I don't often have coupons that I use because well...let's face it...the off brand is generally cheaper anyway.
In theory, it should work. I have the menus for the month planned out pretty much, but will be shopping weekly instead of all at once (that allows for a switch up of meals if wanted). I have some 'cheating' help in the form of WIC for the youngest screamer that negates a bit of milk, eggs and cheese along with juice and dry cereal (oh, way too much dry cereal really...you should see all the freakin' boxes around here). PLUS, I will still be adding to the preps a little each week. It's feasible to do this, but the question remains...can I?
Should be interesting to see, eh?
6 comments:
You should be able to obtain this goal with ease as long as you are willing to give up junk food. I recently had a blog entry about a woman who fed herself for less than $30.00 a month. Here is a link to her site: http://lessisenough.wordpress.com
and here is one to the beginning of her experiment:
http://lessisenough.wordpress.com/2009/02/page/4/
Thank you much lilthump...appreciate the links, interesting reading that's given me a few ideas already!
Been following you post for a while. Really enjoy it! I make an effort when shopping to really read the side panel and keep the product ingredients limited to 6 or less. Its not perfect, but it does eliminate alot of the junk food.
I am a frugal shopper, but live in an area with only one store, so a lot of big shopping has to be done in the city. I try to catch sales, and freeze and dehydrate what I can. Living in the high desert, I dont get to "graze" or forage like I did in North Idaho, so I have to get my fix when I head to the valley. Spring can't come fast enough!
Thanks for stopping by maddy!
I take the same approach to the ingredients, less is more that's certain. I'm brushing up on my foraged food stuffs and going to sneak them in as often as possible...if I can find a fairly clean source that is. The woods and fields around the townhouse are riddled with 4 wheeler trails so I have to watch where I 'shop'.
If you give up the junk foods don't give up the snacks. Plan to have something - popcorn, crackers & peanut butter or family favorites. If there aren't any quick snacks then the family seems to feel there's "nothing to eat" & good plans can go down the drain easily.
Oh definitely ready with snacks and such Stephanie!! I'm lucky in the fact that the screamers are just as happy with a bowl of fresh carrots or an apple as they are any junk kind of snack (thank goodness for me being a bad mom and saying no to candy). Popcorn, nuts, fruit and veggies with homemade dip at the ready!!
Thanks for dropping by!
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