Food Stamp Challenge – Week 2

For the month of June, I am participating in the Food Stamp Challenge hosted by Katy at The Non-Consumer Advocate. Our challenge is to try to spend less on groceries than what our family would receive if we were to receive food stamps. The average family receives $101 per person. I also have a 3 year old so we would qualify for $44 in WIC, which brings our total budget to $549 for the month. I hope that we will be able to spend less than that as I plan to donate the difference between our budget and what I actually spend to our local food bank.

My grocery shopping was not very organized this week. I decided to go shopping after dropping my oldest child off for physical therapy; choosing to go to stores that were near the doctor’s office. I did have coupons in my purse from Mambo Sprouts (which is a great resource for organic coupons), picked up sales flyers when I went in the stores, and did some impromptu planning, but mostly I just winged it. Although I stayed under my weekly budget of 137.25, I exceeded my goal of only spending $100.00. Raleys – $28.44 I had a store coupon for the pizzas bringing the price to $3.99 each ( a rare treat for the gluten eaters in my house). I also had coupons for the crackers and gluten free waffles, which were also on sale (Final price: Nut-Thins $1.49, Waffles $1.18). The organic grapes and broccoli were on sale. Oh, and there are eggs under the waffles. Wal- Mart – $42.79 I indulged and bought lots of yummy liquids since we all are still nursing coughs and sore throats. The nitrate free hotdogs were $1.50 and the nitrate free lunch meat was $2.50. I did not need any other meats because I still have plenty in my freezer, but I will have to budget for meat next week.

Whole Foods – $50.53 I had $1.00 off coupons for the pretzels and animal cookies. I blew it on the organic cauliflower! I couldn’t find a price and instead of asking a clerk, I just threw it in my cart. It was $1.99 a lb., so it cost me $4.26. In the winter I buy my greens here, but my garden is producing enough lettuce, spinach, and chard for me to serve salads every day and have leftovers for my morning smoothie. I also haven’t had to buy any herbs, onions, or garlic thanks to my garden.

Total for week – 121.76

Total for month – 226.74

Visit The Non Consumer Advocate to see a link to other bloggers who are participating in the June Food Stamp Challenge.