We have some really big “get out of debt” goals this year and a key component to accomplishing them is to make and stick to a meal plan.  This year I am trying to figure out the best way to shop–weekly, twice a month, or monthly.  Right now, I’m feeling that twice a month will work best for us.  That is long enough to still keep produce fresh and short enough that I actually have room to store everything.    We have $350/month set aside in our budget for groceries.  It’s going to be tough, but I’m super excited for the challenge!!  Let’s get this new year started off right.

Breakfast

Frozen waffles, cereal, yogurt and granola, sausage and eggs

Lunch

Kids pack their lunches for school (peanut butter or turkey and cheese tortilla, string cheese, yogurt, fruit, and sometimes a treat).

I either pack a sandwich or take leftovers.

Scott is on his own–sandwiches at home or lunch out, depending on his work schedule.

Supper

For this 2 week period, I planned 13 meals.  Leftovers or a meal at the grandparents is almost certain for the fourteenth day 😉

1. Rotisserie chicken with mashed potatoes and fruit
2. Chicken and broccoli slaw egg rolls with rice and fruit
3. Brown beans and cornbread
4. Deer burgers with french fries and fruit
5. Homemade mac ‘n cheese with broccoli and fruit
6. Chicken tacos with rice and beans
7. Buffalo chicken philly with glazed carrots
8. Turkey bagels with pretzels
9. Blueberry muffins, sausage, eggs
10. Baked ravioli with salad
11. Sloppy joes (with deer meat) and french fries
12. Grilled chicken salad
13. Shrimp scampi pasta

A couple of notes:

1. I keep frozen and canned veggies on hand, so we add those into our meals, they’re just not listed.
2. We keep carrots and a chopped salad in the fridge to mix in with meals.
3. We also keep canned and fresh fruit to add into meals.
4. We buy very few prepackaged foods, but when we do it’s because the convenience of the item outweighs the time commitment (i.e. frozen waffles when we’re rushed in the mornings!).

This week’s shopping trip to Food Lion was $181.  I was pretty pleased considering we didn’t have too many things in our pantry or freezer and this trip should cover almost all we need from now until the end of two weeks.  We will most likely have to go back for milk and maybe a few more fresh fruits and veggies.

Remaining Grocery Budget: $169