Monday, April 30, 2007

May Grocery Challenge

Try as I might, my grocery bill constantly is constantly inching up. This month was worse than most as I didn't have the energy to stay on top of it all month. I need to challenge myself to have a turn around month. And, this is the month to do it.

Off the top of my head, in the freezer we currently have the following meats:
2 chuck roasts
3 whole chickens
4 pork chops
1 pork roast
10 lbs b/s chicken breasts
10 italian sausage links
4 lbs ground beef
1 lb pork sausage
2 lb kielbasa

Combine that with all the pasta, rice (20lbs) and 3lbs of potatoes we have left. I think we have plenty of food for the next month.
So, I have made out my list of what we have to buy this next month and it still comes to nearly $200. That is so scary. This is what I am allowed to buy:

4 gal of milk @ $2.99 each (this is the cheapest price in the area)
5lbs shredded cheese (~ $11)
3 containers Formula (~ $60)
Diapers (pullups for EM, overnight for K and 1 pkg for Junior)(~ $20)
2 lrg containers Yogurt ($5)
3lbs frozen veggies ($ 4)
Lrg Bag Fish Sticks ($7)
2 loaves sandwhich bread ($2)
lrg tub cream cheese ($3)
3 lrg Apple Juice ($10)
1 container powdered lemonade ($2)
20 ct tortillas ($2)
Dr. Peppers (my vice) $22 (8 12-packs on sale and will last until next sale)

Since we are going to be at the mountain house this coming weekend I am also giving myself permission to spend up to $20 on cheese from the Cheese Factory.

We are going to use up what we have in preparation for fresh eating in a couple of months. And, just to give us a break from the grocery store for awhile.

Wish me luck. I don't have shoe and clothes buying issues - I have grocery shopping issues.

Peace,
Amy

1 comment:

Melora said...

Grocery shopping kills me too, and I'm always depressed when I read about how other people feed really big families on half what I spend. We eat ground meat, hot dogs, and chicken when we eat meat, and mostly store brands. I feel like I'm a frugal shopper, but still that monthly amount is much higher than I want it to be. My only spending vice is books and, recently plants, but I've cut way back since I'm not working. I wish you well in your efforts, and enjoy reading your thoughts on the topic!

A family of six living and learning. You might catch us outside in the mud or working on crafts. We always seem to be on the go, come on and join us.