Food Budget

I'm trying an experiment. For the next three months, I'm going to try and get by on $25 a week for grocery shopping. Crazy? Well, probably, but I want to see if it can be done. I'm going to continue my normal routine of allowing one meal at a restaurant a week so that it will not factor into my challenge. Most of my weekly grocery shopping is either done at Smith's or Fresh and Easy.

I started today. Stopped at Smith's and spent $24.96. This included 3 Healthy Choice frozen meals on sale for $2.00 each; red grapes at $.99/lb.; 2 bananas; 3 large bakery rolls at 3/$1.00; a four-pack of Yoplait yogurt; cheddar jack cheese; 3 pre-made salads with meat; and a loaf of cinnamon bread for $.69. Yep. A loaf of bread for $.69. I know where their reduced price bakery section is located, and I get great deals on bread since I don't mind that it can't be sold after that day. I place it in the freezer or fridge until I need it anyway, so it stays fresh longer.

This is not a typical shopping week, though. Normally I wouldn't buy frozen meals or pre-made salads, but travel happens and I don't want the food going bad. I think a normal week is going to take a lot more meal-planning and creativity to fit in the $25 per week food budget.