Feed a Family of Six for $100 a Week

As a mother of 4 (and usually an extra guest or two), grocery shopping is something I do more than I want to. However, this year, I moved to a small beach village outside of town and find myself carefully planning what to buy. Only now do I realize how convenience really lends itself to excessive spending! But just recently have I gotten astute enough to actually plan a week of groceries for a family of 6 for almost exactly $100*! (*Based on Wal-Mart Supercenter Prices - this being our only option in town.)

This is great news. You do not have to move to the country, or a beachy village to shop with purpose. I have done it for you! So, say bye-bye to convenience shopping and try and make this work this week - I think you will be surprised how far $100 can go...and how good you can eat! First, let's cover a few grocery shopping basics so you can accomplish your goal with success. (Don't worry, grocery list is on the way! But, I would be remiss by not reminding you of the following...and believe me, I remind myself every time I shop!)

1. Never buy anything not on the list.

2. Consider fat. In the end, if you don't have it in the pantry, no one eats it and you and everyone in your family can live without an Oreo. (Don't worry, I don't expel all junk food in this plan. Sweet tooth accommodated!) This is a note to simply avoid "Oh, I love those" - syndrome...consider the fat.

3. Have a budget. When and if you go over the budget, put something back - starting with sugar items or items full of high fructose corn syrup (fat.)

4. For additional savings, scan your list before going to the store and if you are a brand-name patriot of a certain item, get on-line and find a coupon. This only results in a lower total, or sometimes 2 for the price of one!

5. Don't bring kids if you can help it. Kids have a way of adding to the grocery total even for the most disciplined parent. If kids are along, set the stage by saying, "We are only buying what is on the list." (You may find yourself repeating that depending on age of child.)

6. Last but certainly not least, Don't go shopping on an empty stomach! In fact, EAT before you shop...and finish it with the long awaited treat that makes you realize you have no self restraint - then shop mad at fat.

The $100 list, by meal plan (for healthy lunches, filling dinners and cost savings):

Breakfast
- 2 Boxes Cereal (whatever is on sale, or anything with coupon you bring)
- Milk
- Eggs
- Oranges OR Apples (whichever is cheaper)
- $ 7 LARGE bag Shedded Cheddar Cheese

Note on Cheese: Shredded Cheese for adult breakfast sandwiches, scrambled egg topping, taco dinner, steam broccoli topping and loaded baked potato topping. Yes, this is costly but you will use this all week!
Note on Apples or Oranges: These fruits can also be used in lunch or as dinner sides, sliced thin - balancing the meal with all food groups.

Lunch
- Celery (for Tuna Salad, Adult Lunch and Roast Beef Dinner)
- 5 Loaves of Bread
- Peanut Butter
- Jelly
- Grapes
- Goldfish (the big box)
- Baggies (No zip lock, generic)
- Fruit Roll Up Minis (18 in Box)
- Swiss Cake Rolls

Note on Bread: Freezing all but 2 loaves to start the week is a great idea.

Dinner 1 - Tacos
(Tacos are Meal 1 because lettuce and tomato are best fresh)
- Hamburger Meat
- Tomato
- Onion
- Taco Shells
- Tortilla Shells
- Lettuce (Only use ½ head, other half for Pasta Dinner Salad)

Special Note: The spiceCumin is a tasty add for frying taco meat, if you have it.

Dinner 2 - Spaghetti
Follows taco meal for "maximizing leftovers."
- 1 Jar Spaghetti Sauce
- Large Box Spaghetti Noodles (Half for this dinner, half for another)
- 1 loaf Italian Bread

Special Note: Use meat, tomato and onion left from taco dinner in sauce.

Dinner 3 - Mac and Cheese / Cup of Soup
Please Note: Most parents know that not all nights allow for big dinners. One night is usually something quick by default (life.) Besides, kids LOVE Mac-n-Cheese, despite the fact that this may not be a parents dream dinner.

- 2 Boxes Mac-n-Cheese
- 1 Large Can Chicken Noodle Soup - one cup for all
- Frozen Broccoli
- Can of Soup or 2 just for Adults

Note on Broccoli: Sprinkle with Cheese, Sesame seeds or Almonds for extra taste!
Note on Adult Soup: There are GREAT soups out nowadays for low cost!

Dinner 4 - Italian Beef Au Jus
- Large Rump or Shoulder Roast (Keep in mind it will shrink to half it's size when cooked)
- Onion
- Italian Seasoning (Spice)

Intended Recipe: In a crock pot for 3 hours or in a boiling pot of water, combine Roast, Onions , Celery and pepper. Cover with Italian seasoning - lots. It is finished when meat falls apart. Serve meat on bread or alone.

Dinner 5
- Mazithra Cheese (ask in deli)
- Crescents.

Note: Use lettuce from taco dinner to make small salad
Note on Cheese: Shred block Mazithra cheese and cook in skillet with butter till brown. Pour over noodles when cooked.

"Must-Haves" in our house:
- Soda
- Coffee
- Crackers

Dinner 6 - "Breakfast for Dinner" or leftovers!
Dinner 7 - EAT OUT (Yes, treat yourself to a job well done!)