Wednesday, April 1, 2009

The Under $100 Challenge

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:

Anonymous said...

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/

Jess (Ozark Momma) said...

Thank you much lilthump...appreciate the links, interesting reading that's given me a few ideas already!

madmaddy said...

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!

Jess (Ozark Momma) said...

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'.

Stephanie in AR said...

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.

Jess (Ozark Momma) said...

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!

The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedience, and by parts. --Edmund Burke