Week 2 - SNAP/No Grocery Shopping Challenge

Reflections

I thought this week's totals would be totally high-jacked given the fact that we took a road trip through 4 states, including the one we live in, and ate out, or carried in a couple of pricey meals.  We stayed with friends in Idaho, but also visited Montana and Wyoming, ending up at Yellowstone National Park.   Staying with friends made breakfasts and lunches cheap and easy.  Dinners were a different story, but delicious and worth it in the end.  Following this plan just shows that if you are careful, even a couple of nights out to eat, or days that go beyond the budget, can be compensated for.  I am thrilled with the results.  Caleb, 13, gained a lot of new cooking and budgeting skills, and is thrilled to be done with his turn.

The best thing happened this week was on a busy evening when Caleb had to walk home from play practice, at 5 pm,  because I was off carting Hannah and her friend around for dance.  When I called home to say we were on our way, Gordon said, "Well, dinner's under way.  I don't know what he's making, but Caleb has it totally under control in the kitchen.  I could smell the garlic from the driveway."  And, when I pulled in, I could smell the garlic, too.  He had made Tomato Basil Bisque, something he'd never attempted before, and he mastered it on his first go.

Also, the night before our trip, the kitchen was crowded with a bunch of teenagers just hanging out,  and our newlyweds, trying to prep their dinner.  Caleb was asking about getting dinner ready and I said, "let's just..." 

He thought I was going to say, "go out to eat," or "go grab something at the store." So, before I could finish,  he interjected with "No, Mom. We are not going to the grocery store, or the convenience store, or anywhere else.  We're eating in...."

"I was just going to say, let's wait until Bren and Marissa are done making their food.  And, thanks for keeping us honest anyway."  

So, because we followed the plan, we stayed within the goals.  Yay, Caleb.

Goal - 

7 Day Family Total = >$157.50

7 Day Per Person Total = >$31.50

Actuals

Week 2 Family Total - $150.61

Week 2 Per Person Total $23.90

Day 8, Monday, October 13

Breakfast - This is our standard breakfast for 4

Milk/hot chocolate $0.15x3 = 0.45

Granola for 1 - $0.25

Family Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast Total - $0.17

Lunches - for 6

Bagels - $2

Cream Cheese - $0.50

Apples - $2

Cheese Nips - $0.60

Family Lunch Total - $5.10

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.85

Snack - for 4

Popcorn - $0.50

Milk - $0.60

Family Snack total - $1.10

Per Person Snack Total $0.27

Dinner - for 5

1.5 lb spaghett Pasta - $1

1/2 c butter $0.75

4 cloves garlic, minced $0.10

1 lb tomatoes, sliced - $1

1 zucchini, diced $0.50

Salt and pepper

$3.35

Salad

1/2 head green leaf lettuce - $0.50

1 cup carrots, diced - $0.30

$0.80

Dessert

Leftover Cupcakes - already counted on wk 1 budget

Family Dinner Total - $4.15

Per Person Dinner Total - $0.83

Day 8 Family Total - $11.05

Day 8 Per Person Total - $2.12

     

  

Day 9, Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Breakfast - Standard for 4

Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17

Lunch - for 6

Pears - $3

Hummus and crackers $3

Family Lunch Total - $6

Per Person Lunch Total - $1

Dinner - for 6

Tomato bisque

1 large onion, diced - $0.30

3 garlic cloves, minced, $0.15

3 cans petite diced tomatoes - $1.50

2 cans tomato sauce - $0.40

2 cups veggie broth - $0.60

1 cup cream - $1

1/2 cup grated Romano cheese - $1

Garlic Bagels buttered and toasted - $1.50

Family Dinner Total - $6.45

Per Person Dinner Total - $1.07

Day 9 Family Total - $13.15

Day 9 Per Person Total - $2.24

Day 10, Wednesday October 15, 2014

Breakfast - Standard for 4

Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17

Lunches - for 6

Samosas W/ homemade Flour tortillas

Leftover curry and Dahl  combo - recipes and costing counted on Week 1 menu

4 cups whole wheat flour - $0.30

3 tablespoons vegetable oil $0.15

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 cups warm water (not HOT)

Makes 15+, we only used 6 for lunch

$0.45/15 = $0.03 = $0.18

Riata Leftovers

Pears - $3

Family Lunch Total = $3.18

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.53

       

Dinner - for 6

Pizza crust for 2 - 12" pizzas

2 tbsp yeast - $0.10

2 tsp sugar $0.05

2 cups warm water

5 cups flour $0.40

1/4 c olive oil $0.55

2 tsp salt $0.02 

$1.12

Toppings for 2 pizzas

2 cups seasoned Tomato Sauce - $0.50

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - $2

1 cup diced Spinach - $1

2 Diced Tomatoes $0.40

1 diced spicy Pepper $0.10

- $4

Family Dinner Total - $5.12

Per Person Dinner Total - $0.85

Day 10 Family Total - $9

Day 10 Per Person Total - $1.55

                     

Day 11, Thursday, October 16

Breakfast - Standard

Family Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17

Lunch - for 4 

Mac & Cheese - $1.50

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.38

Dinner - bagel Sandwiches/6

Bagels - $2

Butter - $0.40

Cheese/Eggs - $2.60

Cucumbers - $0.50

Baked Kale chips - $0.50

Tomatoes from the garden

Family Dinner Total - $6

Per Person Dinner Total - $1

Day 11 Family Total - $8.20

Day 11 Per Person Total - $1.55

       

Day 12, Friday, October 17, 2014

Brunch - for 6

Scrambled eggs - $1.20

Milk - $0.60

gifted bread

Family Brunch Total  - $1.80

Per Person Brunch Total - $0.30

Snacks - in the car for 6

Cheese crackers $2

Whole grain crackers - $2

Carrots, cucumbers and dips - $3

Family Snacks total - $7

Per Person Snack total - $1.16

Dinner - for 6

Homemade salsa w/ garden ingredients except onions & cilantro - $1

1 cup shredded Cheese - $1

1 cup Sour Cream - $1

Tamales from tamale lady $20

Family Dinner Total - $23

Per Person Dinner Total - $3.83

Day 12 Family Total - $31.80

Day 12 Per Person Total - $5.29

Day 13, Saturday, October 18

Breakfast - for 6

Cereal and Milk - $3

Family Breakfast Total - $3

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.50

Lunch - in the car for 7

Homemade Hummus and crackers - $3

Veggies and dip - $2

Chips and salsa - $2 (only counting chips as salsa was leftover)

Family Lunch total - $7

Per Person Lunch total - $1

Dinner - for 7

Pizza in Yellowstone! - $40!

Per Person Dinner Total - $5.71!

Day 13 Family Total - $50

Day 13 Per Person Total - $7.21

Day 14, Sunday, October 19, 2014

Breakfast - for 14

2 boxes waffle mix - $2

1 stick butter - $0.75

2 cups syrup $0.60

1 gallon milk - $3

Family Breakfast Total - $6.35

Per Person Breakfast Total - $0.45

Lunch - for 6 

Pasta salad - 

1 lb pasta $1

1/2 lb carrots$0.50

1 cucumber $0.50

4 sliced string cheeses - $1.20

Italian dressing - $0.50

1 loaf homemade bread - $1

Family Lunch Total = $4.70

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.78

Snacks - in the car for 6

Cheese crackers $2

Whole grain crackers - $2

Carrots, cucumbers and dips - $3

Family Snacks total - $7

Per Person Snack total - $1.16

Dinner - for 6

Fried Ramen

8 packs ramen noodles, par boiled - $0.80

1 med onion, diced $0.30

2 cups carrots, diced $0.30

2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced $0.30

2 tbsp canola oil - $0.10

3 tbsp soy sauce - $0.56

Family Dinner Total - $2.36

Per Person Dinner Total - $0.39

Day 14 Family Total - $20.41

Day 14 Per Person Total - $2.78

                         

Preliminary totals

Week 2 Family Total - $143.61

Week 2 Per Person Total $22.74

Adjusted totals

Sometimes kids are eating when I don't see or track it.  Based on my inventory, here's what I think we need to add to our weekly totals for 6 conspirators:

Gallon of milk - $3

2 cups of salsa - $1.50

Bag of chips $1.50

4 bags of popcorn $1

Family Misc. Total - $7

Per Person Misc. Total $1.16

Week 2 Family Total - $150.61

Week 2 Per Person Total $23.90

First Time Pizza - Master Chef

                       

     

Caleb made his first pizzas tonight.  Dough from scratch, it was the best pizza crust to ever come out of our oven.  Here's how he did it and how much it cost.

Pizza Crust for 2 - 12" pizzas

2 tbsp yeast - $0.10

2 tsp sugar $0.05

2 cups warm water

5 cups flour $0.40

1/4 c olive oil $0.55

2 tsp salt $0.02 

$1.12

Toppings for 2 pizzas

2 cups seasoned Tomato Sauce - $0.50

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - $2

1 cup diced Spinach - $1

2 Diced Tomatoes $0.40

1 diced spicy Pepper $0.10

$4

$5.12/2 = $2.56 each

Directions 

1. Mix all ingredients in a stand mixer.  When a soft, wet dough is achieved, let rest covered for 15-30 minutes.  

2. Preheat oven to 500*.  With floured hands, divide dough into 2 parts.  Turn one mound of dough onto floured parchment, or floured baking pan.  Work dough into a circle using floured hands.  Finish shaping to desired thickness with a rolling pen.  

3. Cover with favorite toppings.  Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.  Repeat with second portion of dough.

Makes 2 - 12 inch pizzas.

Family Fed 7 Days (so far) By Teenage Boy - All Alive and Healthy

Week 1 Food - Monday, October 6 -  Sunday, October 12

Note: Every meal at our house has a different head count.  There are always 4 for breakfast; Gordon and the three younger kids.  For lunch, there are always 6; Gordon, the younger kids and our newlyweds.  I eat leftovers at lunch, food already counted.  Dinner is generally 5; me, Gordon, and three younger kids, unless it is a big event or Sunday, then it is 7+.  So, the end of day Per Person Totals will just be the sum of all per person meal totals, rather than a division of the daily total.  I know I am overcomplicating this.  Help me simplify it by leaving feedback.

I think this is the hardest experiment we have done so far just because of the tracking required.  Also, a 13 yo boy executed most of the plan.  Things derail a bit over the weekend, but get back on track for Sunday dinner.

Here was the goal considering $4.50/day or roughly $1.50/ meal for our family of 5 (or 7):

Goal - 

7 Day Family Total = $157.50

7 Day Per Person Total = $31.50

Actuals

Week 1 Family Total - $132.64
Week 1 Per Person Total - $26.04

Wahoo!  Scroll down to see how we did it.

Day 1 - Monday, Oct 6

Breakfast - This is our standard breakfast for 4

Milk/hot chocolate $0.15x3 = 0.45

Granola for 1 - $0.25

Family Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast Total - $0.17

Lunch - for 6

Samosas - sautéed onions/potatoes $0.27, spiced homemade lentils $1, wrapped in 6 tortillas, baked in the oven - $0.90

12 tiny triangles of Flatbread - $1

12 oz spiced lentils - $1

Homemade Mint Chutney - $1

Grapes - $3

Family Lunch Total - $8.17

Per Person Lunch Total - $1.36

                

                          

Snack - for 4

Popcorn - $0.50

Milk - $0.60

Family Snack total - $1.10

Per Person Snack Total $0.27

Dinner - for 7+

Note: Tonight's dinner was for the chili Cookoff. This chili fed the masses like loaves and fishes.  There were 88 people at our house tonight and several had a bowl of our chili.  I know for sure all of my kids had some because it was the only vegetarian soup there.  I'll just count our family 7. 

Chili

3 cans kidney beans $1.50

2 cans diced tomatoes $1

2 cans tomato sauce $0.40

Cumin, chili pdr - $0.10

1 large can rotel - $2

1 large onion $0.30

1 habanero $0.25

1 tbsp oil $0.05

Dish Total - $5.60

Per person total - $0.80

Cornbread 

3 Mixes on sale $0.75

3 eggs - $0.30

3/4 c oil - $0.60

2 cups milk - $0.30

Dish Total - $1.95

Per Person Total - $0.39

Doughnuts 

managers special $1.25x2 doz =$2.50

Per Person total - $0.45

Family Dinner Total - $10.05/7

Per Person Dinner Total - $1.44

                           

    

Day 1 Family Total - $20.02

Day 1 Per Person Total - $3.34

Day 2 - Tues, Oct 7

Breakfast - Standard

Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17

Lunch - for 6

Hummus rolls - 12 tortillas - 1.80, hummus $2.50

Bananas - $1.20 

Cheese Nips $0.60

Family Lunch Total - $6.10

Per Person Lunch Total $1.02

Snack - for 4

Chips $1

Salsa $1

Family Snack total - $2

Per Person Snack Total - $0.50

Dinner

Baked potatoes

8 med Potatoes $0.50

2 cups Spinach $1.50

Leftover Chili $1.50

1 cup Cheese $1

Sour cream $1

Chives $1

1 stick Butter  $0.75

Family Dinner total $7.25/5 

Per Person Dinner Total $1.45

Day 2 Family Total - $16.05

Day 2 Per Person Total - $3.15

Day 3 - Wednesday, Oct 8

Breakfast - Standard

Family Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17

Lunch - for 6

Baked potatoes - 6 med Potatoes $0.40

Leftover Chili $1

Sour cream $1

Granola bars $2.85

Family Lunch Total - $5.25

Per Person Lunch total = $0.87

Snack - for 4

Mac & Cheese - $1

Milk/Egg Nog - $1

Family Snack Total - $2

Per Person Snack total - $0.50

Dinner - for 5 

Frittata

Fried Potatoes - 2 potatoes $0.10, 1/2 med onion $0.12, 1 tbsp oil $0.05

Steamed broccoli - 2 cups - $1

2 cups Spinach, chopped $1.50

Two tomatoes - $0.67

1 cup Cheese $1

Family Dinner Total $4.44

Per Person Dinner Total = $0.88

                     

      

Day 3 Family Total - $12.39

Day 3 Per Person Total - $2.42

Day 4 - Thursday, Oct 9

Breakfast - Standard

Family Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17

Lunches - for 6

Burritos w/ 3 Leftovers

Fried Potatoes - 2 potatoes $0.10, 1/2 med onion $0.12, 1 tbsp oil $0.05

Chili - 1 can beans $0.50,  can tomatoes $0.50, spices $0.10

Rice - 2 cups cooked rice$0.10, 1/4 c salsa $0.33

12 tortillas - $1.80

Pretzels $0.30

1 oz peanut butter - $0.60

Family Lunch Total - $4.40

Per Person Lunch Total $0.75/each

                      

Snack - for 4

Popcorn - $0.50

Milk - $0.60

Family Snack Total - $1.10

Per Person Snack Total $0.27

Dinner - for 5

Ravioli & homemade bread

1.5 lb frozen Ravioli $3

Tomato sauce $1

Garlic $0.50

Butter $0.75

Bread $1

Family Dinner Total $6.25

Per Person Dinner Total - $1.25

                         

Day 4 Family Total - $12.45

Day 4 Per Person Total - $2.44

Day 5 Friday, Oct 10

Breakfast - Standard

Family Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17

Lunches - for 6

10 Homemade Burritos $3

1/2 bag tortilla chips $1.50

1 cup salsa $1.32

Family Lunch Total - $5.80

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.96

                         

Dinner - leaving the plan for grandma and the scouts

4 Girls - Dinner Out with Great Grandma - $20

2 Guys - Sandwiches on camp out with the scouts - $10

Family Dinner total - $30

Per Person Total - $5

Day 5 Family Total Blown - $36.50

Day 5 Per Person Total - $6.13

Day 6 Saturday, Oct 12

Breakfast - Standard

Family Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17 

Lunch - Farmers Market 

Girls - tacos & quesadillas $1.75 each x 3 = $5.25

Guys - lunch with scouts - free

Family Lunch total - $5.25

Per Person Lunch Total - $1.75

Dinner - date night in for 2, all kids off with friends

2 Mini Bagels - $0.50

Eggs $0.20

Cheese $0.60

Butter $0.20

3 ice cream bars - $4.50

Dinner Date Total - $6

Per Person Total - $3

Day 6 Family Total  - $11.95

Day 6 Per Person Total - $4.92

Day 7 - Sunday, October 12 

Breakfast

All Fasting

Lunch 

All Fasting

Dinner - for 7

Coconut korma, whole wheat naan, Dahl,  Riata, cupcakes for 7

Note:  This meal was large enough that we had leftovers of everything for another whole meal.  That is seven family members of various ages and sizes eating their fill for two meals. Components will be counted free for a future meal or 2.

Coconut Korma

2 Tbsp butter $0.20

1 medium onion, diced $0.30

2 cups cauliflower  $1

1 tbsp garlic, minced $0.10

1 1/2  tbsp curry powder $0.10

1 1/2 tbsp garam masala $0.10

2 1/2 tsp salt

1 cup chickpeas $0.50

1 cup veggie broth $0.50

1 15oz can chopped tomatoes  - $0.50

1 15oz (regular size) can coconut milk - $2

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream - $0.50

1/2 c toasted cashews $0.65

1/2 c golden raisins $0.25

2 tsp chopped chilis of choice $0.10

3 cups rice - $0.25

$7.05

Best Ever Whole Wheat Naan

1 1/2 tsp yeast $0.05

1 tbsp sugar $0.03

1 c water

3 c whole wheat flour $0.60

1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 c yogurt $0.20

3 tbs olive oil $0.35

$1.23

Riata

2 cup Greek yogurt $1.50

1 large cucumber, grated $0.50

2 cloves garlic, minced $0.10

2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro $0.10

1 tbsp finely chopped mint $0.10

1 tsp cumin powder $0.02

1 tsp curry powder $0.03

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

$2.35

Dahl

1 large onion, diced - $0.30

2 cloves garlic, minced - $0.10

1/2 c butter $0.75

3 cups lentils - $0.75

1 tbsp veggie bullion $0.30

1 tsp ginger $0.03

1 tsp cinnamon $0.05

2 tsp turmeric $0.5

1 tbsp garam masala $0.10

1 tbsp cumin $0.05

2 tsp salt

$2.48

Cupcakes from scratch and a mix 48 - $4

                     

Day 7 Family Total = $17.10

Day 7 Per Person Total - $2.44

Preliminary Totals

Week 1 Family Total - $126.64 (meets the goal of >$157.50)

Week 1 Per Person Total - $24.84 (meet the goal of less than $31.50)

Wait! True Confessions

In the spirit of full disclosure, I bet we went through a gallon of milk and a pound of butter that is somehow unaccounted for above.  So, I will add $6 to the family total, and divide that by 5, and add $1.20 to the per person total, though I'm pretty sure Caleb drinks a whole gallon by himself in a week.  Here's what the truer totals look like:

Week 1 Family Total - $132.64 (meets the goal of >$157.50)

Week 1 Per Person Total - $26.04 (meet the goal of less than $31.50)

I am thrilled about this!  Even with feeding the whole neighborhood, recreating a wedding feast, and eating out, we came in under budget.  No one felt deprived but it was A LOT of work!

Week 1 Reflections

I loved driving home at the end of a long day with 13-yo Caleb at my side saying, "I am so tired...What am I going to make for dinner?" And, every day I was in the kitchen with him, but he had to figure out, based on his plan, what we had, what he wanted to make, how much time and energy it was going to take.  It was more work than I think he realized.  Then, when dinner was done it was time to assemble lunches so they would be ready for morning.  It was awesome to watch him work creatively, through the fatigue of a busy day, to get dinner on the table and lunches somewhat prepped for the next day.  

                       

     

I also thought our little bit of eating out would derail the whole plan.  But, careful planning each day gave us just the wiggle room we needed for those little trips out.  

We did run out, of a few key things, namely: milk and pre-baked tortillas. I can go to the dairy for milk, but only once in two-weeks, and I have a limited budget for it.  Saturday's dairy day couldn't come soon enough for Caleb. 

                       

Finally, i wonder what can be done about breakfasts.  Kids sort of shun anything more than we are doing, because between a need for sleep and basic grooming, we always have a quick family prayer before they leave in the a.m.  They don't feel like eating early, either.  I dont have break-fast until noon, but im an adult and not going to school.  I feel like they need something more, but they aren't willing for it to be much more.  So, I will continue pondering this conundrum.

Whew! One week down, 5 more to go.  I'm excited to see what next week brings.

7 Ingredients. 5 Min Prep + No Hassle Rise and Bake Time. Whole WheatBread Recipe

                              

    

One of my favorite, cheap & easy, go-to whole wheat recipes.  $0.65/Loaf 

1 1/2 cup water (doesn't count as an ingredient on bread labels)

1/4 c local honey - $0.50

1/4 canola oil - $0.10

1 tbsp yeast - $0.05

1 tbsp vinegar $0.03

5 cups whole wheat flour $0.40

1/4 c vital wheat gluten $0.21

2 1/2 tsp salt $0.01

Total - $1.30/2 loaves

Mix wet ingredients.  Add dry ingredients.  Mix for 4 minutes using kitchen mixer. Shape into a ball.  Cover and let rise for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 450*.  Gently divide dough into two loaves. Place on large cookie sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Bake for 30 minutes.  Top with butter.  

Note: Baking at 450*  with a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven will give a chewy, artisan crust.

Kids Planning, Kids Shopping, and best of all, Kids Cooking

                           

     

A month of meals with the kids in charge.  The younger kids are taking turns for two weeks each.  All meals are kid planned, kid shopped for, and kid created on their designated night (well, actually, we choose what we want from the whole list on a given night, but the kids do the cooking) Here's what's on the menu for the first two weeks.  Caleb is in the kid in the kitchen.

Oh, wait, a few words about the plan. Kids plan dinners first to anticipate what we may have left over for lunches.  We are working on bettering breakfasts. Generally everyone just has a cup o' cocoa or milk on the way out the door. Oatmeal or an egg on toast could be done for less than $0.25/serving.  We'd just have to plan better.  Kids are cooking and they are not extra-early kind of risers.

Remember, we are trying to keep our full day of meals under $4.50/person, averaged through the week.  That means each meal should average abt $1.50.  However, since breakfast is never more than about $0.25, lunch is always about $1, snacks are around $0.75,  I give us closer to $2+ for dinners.  You'll note from the top that some meals count for two, either because we will have them again in the cycle, or as leftovers for lunch.  Some of the cost breakdown is surprising.  Like, who knew pasta, burritos, or baked potatoes would be your pricier meals?

Dinner:

1-Indian Curry - 2 meals 

Spices $0.50

1 lb cooked Chickpeas $1

1 bunch Cilantro $0.70

1 lb cauliflower $2

6 diced Potatoes $1.25

Veggie broth $1

3 cans Coconut milk $3.75

4 cups Rice $1

$11.20

2. Ravioli 

1.5 frozen Ravioli $3

Tomato sauce $1

Garlic $0.50

Butter $0.75

Bread $1

$6.25

3. Spaghetti - 2 meals

2  lbs pasta - $1.25

4 med Diced tomatoes $1.30

Basil

Romano Cheese $1

Cream $2

Garlic $0.50

2 cups Spinach $1.50

1 head Lettuce $1

Italian dressing $0.50

Ranch dressing $0.50

Butter $0.75

Bread $1 

$11.30

4-Stuffed zucchini 

3 Zucchini $3

3 cloves Garlic $0.30

4 med Diced tomatoes $1.30

1 medium diced Onion $0.35

3/4 C Feta Cheese $1

Bread $1 

$6.95

5-Burritos

3 cups Rice $0.30

2 cans Black beans $1

2 cans Rotel tomatoes $2

1 large diced  onion $0.50

12 Tortillas $1.80

Spices $0.30

Salsa $1

Cilantro $0.60

Cheese - $2

$10.50

6-Pasty 2 meals

12 med diced Potatoes $0.75

2 cups diced Carrots $0.75

1 large Onion $0.30

3 tbsp olive oil $0.40

Pastry

6 c flour  $1.50

2 c butter $3

1 pack Veggi brown gravy $0.50

$7.20

7-baked potatoes

8 med Potatoes $0.50

2 cups Spinach $1.50

Leftover Chili $1.50

1 cup Cheese $1

Sour cream $1

Chives $1

1 stick Butter  $0.75

$7.25

8-ratatouille 

1 lb dicedSummer squashes $1

1 lb diced Peppers $2

3 cloves minced Garlic $0.20

1 large diced Onion $0.50

1/4 c olive oil $0.40

Homemade Bread $1

$5.10

9-diy pizzas

Dough $1

Leftover Pasta sauce $1

1 lb Cheese $4

2 diced Tomatoes $0.65

1 diced Onion - $0.50

1 diced Zucchini $0.50

1cup Spinach  $0.75

$8.30

10-fried noodles

10 packs Ramen noodles $1

2 tbsp Sesame oil $0.50

2 tbsp canola oil $0.20

2 tbsp Soy sauce $0.30

1 med sliced Onions $0.50

2 cups chopped Broccoli $2

1 cup chopped Carrots $0.35

$4.35

11-tomato basil soup

4 cans Canned tomatoes - $2

Basil - from the garden

Veggie broth - $1

1 cup Cream - $1

Bread - $1

$5

12-quinoa 

3 cups quinoa - $3.50

1 diced large Onion - $0.50

1 diced Zucchini $0.50

2 cups Spinach  $1.50

Sauce

1/2cup Cream cheese $0.50

1/2 cup sr cream $0.50

1/2 c mayo $0.50

Dijon/spices $0.25

$7.25

13. Frittata

4 med Potatoes - $0.25

9 Eggs - $0.90

1 med Onion $0.35

2 small diced Tomatoes $0.65

 1 cup Spinach $1

$3.15

14. FFY (Fend For Yorself) - leftovers

Lunches: (I'll fill in amounts for these later since they always have supplementary items.)

1-bagel sandwich 

2-chickpea salad 

3-left over, pasty

4-left over, burritos

5-leftover curry

6-leftover,  pasta 

7-rice ball

8-left over, fried noodles 

9-corn on the cob

10-hummus rolls

Stop the Presses

Wait!  It has been decided that we are going to carry out our No More Grocery Store/SNAP Challenge for 40 days instead of 30, on the same budget without any extra stocking up.  Here's why.

In the grocery store, on my last day of shopping, I met a cherished friend, Eileen.

Me:  Eileen! It is crazy that you are here because I was just thinking as I was coming in that I needed to text you and ask you to be one of my trusted advisors on our latest experiment.  

(Eileen and I share a warm hug I the middle of the main grocery thoroughfare, much to the chagrin of one of the workers trying to keep traffic flowing.  Both of our carts a blocking the entire aisle.  We try to move out of the way)

Eileen:  What are you doing?  I have been following your posts about butter and price per pound produce.  But, what's next?  

Me:  this is my last day of grocery shopping for 40 days.  And, I'm kind of freaking out.  I've never given up anything for 40 days before.

Eileen: Well, why does it have to be 40?

Me: because Jesus fasted for 40 days.  I've never really been like Him, and, even though I'm not fasting from food for 40 days, I could fast from going to the grocery store.  You know, make due with what we have.  I've done 30 days before and that is totally doable.  This will really teach us something about what we are capable of in the kitchen.  Maybe even in life.

Eileen:  So, make it 35 days.  I bet you'll be really happy you did in the end.

Me: Nope, I am determined. Will you help me? Will you be one of my trusted advisers?  If I am weak will you cheer me on?

Eileen:  Yes, and feed you dinner.

(She says this seriously. She is a phenomenal cook.  The last time Eileen fed my family dinner, I think we all had to be rolled away.  She made rice and sauce and salad and rolls, plenty for my vegetarian kids to eat.  But, she also made the most savory streak I have ever eaten alongside the sauciest fish I've been privileged to partake of.  Eating at Eileen's could make you weep from pure food joy.  I don't know how she cooks like that and stays so thin and trim.  She truly is a talented woman.)

Me: Only if I bring half the dinner.  No freebies.  I can barter for something I may need, but I can't buy it outright, or have it handed to me.  The day may come when I will cook a meal for your whole family in exchange for a cup of fresh cilantro.  Or, I may sell my soul for a stick of butter.

Eileen:  No.  You can do this.  I will help you however I can.  Still, you don't have to be "all" like Jesus.  You could just meet it in the middle and do 35 days. And, weigh yourself.  I wanna know what happens there.  Maybe it will inspire me to follow you....

Grocery store guy (we'll call him Gus):  Wow!  That's a lot of cilantro.

Me: Yeah.  You never know how long it will last, or when you might run out.  I'm not coming back for a while.

Gus: Really, like how long?

Me:  Well, I think I just decided 40 days on the way in here.

Gus:  40 days!  Why not 30, that's way more doable.

Me: I've already done 30 days.  40 days is for Jesus. You know, he fasted forty days.

Gus:  Well, you got me there.  Can't argue with Jesus.  If it helps at all, just remember, too much cilantro makes everything taste like soap.  So, if you're missing your cilantro, don't. You don't want your food to taste like soap anyway.

(Here he actually had a funny story abt how his dad brainwashed him to hate cilantro,  I felt bad he didn't know the bliss these fresh green sprigs can bring)

Me: K. That will be my mantra when I run out.  Cilantro tastes like soap.

Gus: So, this is like your last supper, huh.  No more grocery stores for 40 days?  And you are stocking up on cilantro, frozen ravioli and sugar-free ice cream bars.

Me: One of my kids doesn't eat sugar, and I already have a hoard of regular ice cream going.  I didn't want to leave him out.  

Gus:  And, the muffin cups and paper bags? You have about 200 of each.

Me:  I make six lunches every day.  Those things save me.  I don't want to run out.  It sucks to have to scrub your muffin tins or send your lunches all strewn about in a back pack.   I'm not going to the store much, so I don't have so many grocery bags to repurpose for lunches.

Gus: Wow! You thought of everything.  Too bad you're not coming back for a while.  I think you'd make a very good return customer.

Me:  You're right.  Too good.  That's the point. (I say, shaking in my shoes as I leave the store.)

Good-bye Neighborhood Grocery Store.  I'll see you in 40 days.

                            

Gordon's Awesome Cilantro Mint Chutney

1 bunch cilantro

2 cups mint leaves

1 jalepeno pepper

1/2 medium onion

3/4 tsp salt

2 tbsp lemonjuice 

1/4 c water

Roughly chop all ingredients, add to blender with water.  Blend until the consistency of a thick sauce is reached.  Serve with flat bread, chips, samosas, crackers, veggies....pretty much any food is an appropriate carrier for this dip.

30 Days No More Grocery Store - SNAP Challenge

So.  It begins today.  A month-long fast from the grocery store.  And, taking the SNAP Challenge. Why are we doing this? 

1. To break free of the tyranny of consumerism in general and the grocery store in particular.

2. To save time and money and push the boundaries of self-sufficiency, creativity, practicality.

3. To show that even budgeting below a "food stamp standard," we can not only survive, but thrive, having enough and to spare.

4.  I have WAY blown my budget over the last 6 months by not planning, not tracking, and generally turning a blind eye to all things grocery related.   No More Grocery Shopping helps me reign it and get back to good with my money.  We do have some goals around here and they don't ALL involve food!

5. Finally, because, the last time we did this experiment, we saved $1000 in the month: not just from our grocery budget, but also from eating out, running around and having to fuel up all the time, impulse buying while we're out and about, etc.  $1000.  It was HUGE; and, motivating.

Not going to the grocery store for a month can be a scary prospect for a family of foodies who derive every bit of comfort and pleasure possible from fresh herbs and greens, savory sauces and seasonal desserts.  Think of it.  for 30 days, No More Grocery Store!  in some ways that idea is totally liberating.  in others it is completely daunting.  

Thankfully, we've done this before.  6 years ago when I launched the original experiment, everyone was much younger and they all just sort of went along with it.  Now, I have real help in the execution.  So, here's how it will look.

1.  We have $697 to spend on our family of 5-7.  

Our per person count is a moving target because our newly-weds (our oldest son and his wife) share occasional dinners with us and take one of our homemade lunches with them to work every day.  Also, though we don't count them as family officially, we entertain friends and guests almost every weekend.  A typical Sunday dinner party at our house sees 12-16 people.  We are never so happy as when we have extra people to share with.  I especially love feeding my kids' friends during the school week. 

Why the $697 allotment? Seems like a lot.  Watch what we do with it.  Though we don't participate in the program, this is the amount a family of 5 would get on federal food stamps, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  SNAP allots $1.50 per person per meal, or $4.50 per person per day. If I counted 5 of us for most meals, though sometimes there are 7 and sometimes there are 16, we would get $697 month.  I can do it for less than that, but I'm gonna take every cent i can give myself credit for since we aren't going back for a month.  And remember: it is less about the money, and more about the fast from the grocery store.

On the other hand, people have pointed out that the $4.50/day figure SNAP provides is low and is meant to be SUPPLEMENTAL to the people who need it.  However, most hungry families in need  use their food stamps as the PRIMARY source of purchasing power for all of their food.  We want to raise awareness in ourselves that people all over our country eat every meal, every day, far below our privileges.   And, we want to dispel some myths about being frugal with food; to show that even at a fixed low budget, we can access and prepare healthy, delicious food for our family.  We will address the MUCH lower standard of people around the world in a later experiment.

Subtotals: $377

I spent $377 in stock-up prep for the experiment.  I know this sounds like an outrageous amount to spend in a period of a few days, but we have depleted our in-home storage over the last many months.  i mean, seriously depleted. And,  I always feel better about life when I have 60 lbs of pasta and 50 lbs of rice along side a bunch of other staples in my basement.

B. 2 kids have $200 (total), and are each responsible for 10 lunches (for 6 people),  12 dinners (for 5 people) and 1 hospitality event (for 10-16 people).  They each get 1 Fend For Yourself (FFY) dinner that they are not accountable for.

They have planned menus and shopping lists, done the grocery shopping and are ready to make dinners and lunches from now until Nov. 6.  Menus, shopping lists, receipts and recipes to follow in later posts.

Subtotals: $200

They were each given $100 for their two weeks, along with a tour of what we already have in the pantry, freezer and food storage. They noted the inventory, planned accordingly, went shopping, and each spent about $70 for their two weeks and pocketed $30 in cash (this is their favorite part of the plan).

III. I am allowed to go to the farmers market for produce and the dairy for milk.

1 have $100 for milk and produce, and, i can only get them as long as I have someone with me to keep me accountable for my strictly itemized purchases.  I can not be trusted  on my own around food when money is involved.

Subtotals: $100. 

That's it for all the milk and extra produce we need this month.  I feed a bunch of vegetarians in my house who do drink milk.  One of them is a 13-year-old boy.  We go through a lot!

Grand total: $677

Wait! 

That all only adds up to $677.  See, I said I could do it for less than $697.  So, I'll have to ask my trusted advisers what I can do with the extra $20.  

End Note:  I have two pressing fears: 1. What will happen when we run out of cilantro? And, 2. Am I going to be able to make it through a chili cook-off we host annually, Halloween, a birthday party and a birthday dinner without breaking my grocery store fast?