Comments on: Meal Planning, Part Two: How Much Should You Spend On Groceries?

By: heather

heather — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:09:21 +0000

my daughter just blogged about one of our favourite breakfast cookie ( Yummy Cookies!)

http://www.drheathermanleynd.com/merrinsblog/

we have it with a protein smoothie and everyone loves it!

By: Katie

Katie — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:25:18 +0000

That was great to include a percentage range for a food budget! I’ve been wondering about it for some time now, but never thought to try and look it up. Of course, I’ve spent the last 20 minutes trying to figure out where we stand, and we’re at 10.5% – 11% (including eating out and household items like cleaning supplies and toiletries, but not including gas). I’m pleasantly surprised! Hmmm, now I need a little extra time perusing all the great info you’ve provided!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:52:50 +0000

I know I’m jumping in a little late, but I haven’t seen a reference to couponmom.com yet. I save the entire inserts of coupons from each Sunday paper and use http://www.couponmom.com to match available coupons to current grocery store deals. I don’t clip anything out until I know what I need, then I dig up the correct insert and find the coupon I need. There is also a coupon database you can search to see if there is a coupon available for a non-sale item on your list. I’ve been collecting coupons since October and throw away the expired sets as I go. I’ve knocked off $120-150 off of my monthly bill!

I know people argue that coupons are for processed foods, which we try to avoid, but they are also good on things like crackers, soy and organic milk, butter, sour cream, yogurt, canned soup and veggies, frozen veggies, mustard, salad dressing, sugar, flour, rice, oatmeal, dog and cat food, foil…you get the idea. If I find a really good deal on something we won’t eat, I often buy it anyway with the intention of donating it.

I love all the other ideas, though!

By: Smalltowngirl

Smalltowngirl — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:46:51 +0000

This is great discussion here- I am SURE we spent way over on food…I buy organic milk for the kids which isn’t cheap….also, my daughter and I eat gluten free (she has celiac disease) and so many of the treats she likes are very expensive!! Even her bread is expensive and I buy a mix and make it myself! This is a tough one. We have been trying to do better at portion control and I think that helps (having leftovers for lunch the next day) and I shop more at costco for things and that has helped. These are great ideas- can’t wait to spend more time lookign through them!

By: Jenny

Jenny — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:03:02 +0000

Have you tried FoodSupoort before? They partner with local grocery chains and offer free food cards. You can learn more about them at http://www.FoodSupport.org