The Grocery Challenge: Week 6 ($225)
I didn’t count week 5 in here nor did I log it because Trig and I traveled for the first time without the kids. I stocked the fridge with a few basics for the kids and their caretakers but I didn’t stock up the way we normally do. I didn’t want it to skew the average cost at the end of this challenge because that wouldn’t be fair.
Well, I’m definitely getting much better with coupons. I got back a total in $20 by planning well and using sales or coupons. I’m starting to get the hang of this and I’m also recognizing that it’s ok that my family averages around $200 a week on food. We dine out 1 meal a week so at the end of the day I’m ok with this value. Without this challenge I wouldn’t have recognized that but I also wouldn’t have gotten my frivolous grocery shopping under control. I only shop 1 day a week now, and when we’re out of something, we’re out. My only exception is organic whole milk for the kids, but so far I’ve planned ahead well.
Speaking of organic, I buy what I can in organic but not everything I buy is organic or local. I used to be somewhat of a local fanatic and only bought local produce and meats, but since having kids I’ve loosened up a lot on that and buy berries in the winter and even occasionally some grape tomatoes. I’m ok with it because it works for us. My organic priorities are dairy and any other animal products. I’m pretty lenient with fruits and vegetables and tend to buy whatever was “more” local that week. I always pick local over organic too.
Anyway, here’s this week’s haul:
BJ’s: $105
organic baby spinach (giant tub) $4.99
2 packs of mini cucumbers – 16 total $7
2 lbs romaine lettuce $4.99
frozen kale $4.99
frozen mixed berries $9.99
frozen strawberries $9.99
sugar snap peas $6.99
12 oz blackberries (not organic) $3.49
12 oz raspberries (organic) $6.49
loaf whole wheat bread $2.69
6 cans chick peas $4.39
30 pack biscuits $10.29
Whole Foods: $120
gallon organic milk $5.69 <- more expensive than other brand but dating was better
4 cans extra large pitted olives $3
6 cans cannellini beans $5.39
6 cans artichoke hearts in water $18
2 lbs asparagus $6
2 red peppers $3.50
2 dozen organic eggs $7.50
bag of clementines $5
leeks $3
2 lbs eggplant $6
bag of lemons $5
5 avocados $5
5 loose mushrooms $2.50
whole wheat english muffins $2.50
1 lb organic strawberries $5.50
1 chocolate croissant (whoops!) $2
3 lbs bananas $2
rotisserie chicken $9
35 slices American cheese $7
1.25 lbs atlantic salmon $20
Previous posts:
Week #4: $150
Week #3: $275
Week #2: $175
Week #1: $251
4 Responses to “The Grocery Challenge: Week 6 ($225)”
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Hi! Have you ever googled Whole foods coupon match up? It has saved me a ton! Also, my son and your daughter are the same age, and I noticed you said she was down to nursing 3 times a day. During the other times what do you give her to drink? Water/ sippy cup? Love these grocery posts because I really struggle with this (especially at whole foods)
I will google that. I always assumed most of my Whole Foods items were lost causes. Thanks.
Ali (11 months old) has about 18 oz of breastmilk a day between morning, before nap, and bedtime. The rest of the day she drinks water out of a straw cup.
you should look into winter farmers markets its a great way to get local foods and the prices are sometimes better then the store!
Thanks Jennifer. The winter market is unaccessible to me – it’s too far. The spring one is opening near me next month though so that will be helpful.