A report on how this family of 3 ate frugally, for $37 a week, for a full year. If you're looking for cheap meal ideas or cheap dinners, read these tips!
If you're reading this, you may be in the same position I was back in 2013. A new mom, transitioning to stay home with her newborn, and suddenly realizing you can't breastfeed and have to put your baby on formula, an expensive and unexpected expense.
On top of all the emotional aspects of having a new baby, you now have to figure out where the money for the formula will come from and how you'll make it.
This was an unfortunate reality for me and John after we had Allison, and we decided to take the money out of our grocery budget of $60 a week. We were left with $37 to live on for food and household items, and I wondered how we'd do it.
It wasn't perfect, but we survived, and I want to outline exactly what we did for that entire year in hopes that I can encourage someone who might be in the same situation.
A few things to note before you read on:
Did we buy organic food? No.
Did we eat “clean”? No.
Did we at least try to eat healthy? Depends on what you call healthy. Keep in mind we were dealing with our first baby and all the hormones and depression that can sometimes go with that, so I ask that you read with an open mind and know that we're much better now and can see what we eat in my grocery hauls on Youtube.
Most of the meals we made can be found in my new "Emergency Meals" e-book, which you can find here at a special discount!
cheap foods we Bought and Ate
The two main stores we shopped at during this time were Meijer and Aldi. Aldi was our heavy-hitter, where we bought most of the essentials, and Meijer was for the great coupon deals.
Here were some of the items that made its way into our grocery list most weeks:
Pasta: I only bought pasta when it was less than $1.00 per box. My stock-up price was 50 cents, and I would buy 4-5 boxes at a time.
Salad dressing: Our main vegetable and side item was salad, with cheese, croutons, and bacon bits (See above question about whether we ate healthy). I could get Kraft salad dressing for less than $1.00 after coupons, so it made for a cheap option.
Lunch meat: I distinctly remember one week where John said, “You have $18 this week for food. Can you do it?” Meijer had a Buy 8 Items, Get $8 off sale so I bought a lot of deli ham and bologna for something like $.69 each, along with boxes of Velveeta shells and cheese for $.99. We had macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, and wraps all week, but I was under budget!
Salsa, sour cream, enchilada sauce, tortilla shells: We ate a LOT of simple Mexican food, which consisted of any/all of the previously mentioned items as well as rice and home-cooked dried black beans. We'd eat them as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, or just a regular burrito bowl.
Kraft macaroni and cheese: Yep, I said it. We ate Kraft macaroni and cheese. It's still one of our favorite brands and we'd eat it as a complete meal, sometimes adding cut-up hot dogs.
DiGiorno pizza: If we could get these for under $5, I’d buy a few for the freezer. These were great cheap meal nights!
Fruits/veggies and baby food pouches: I made Allison’s baby food, using simple fruits and vegetables, and froze the puree in ice cube trays. When she refused purees on a spoon, I bought the pouches instead and gave her one a day. I found that Beech-Nut is the cheapest at $.88 each at Wal Mart.
Here were some of our staples at Sam's Club:
Chicken breasts: We bought them at $1.88 per pound, in approximately 5-pound packages, and froze some for future use.
Chocolate chips: We'd buy a 4-pound bag and use them in pancakes and waffles.
Pancake mix: I know it's cheaper to make your own, but for $5.00 we got a lot of mix and it lasted us quite awhile.
Ground turkey: I can’t remember when we started to buy this, but we started using this instead of ground beef. $2.59/lb as opposed to $2.99+/lb.
Shredded cheese: We'd buy the 5-pound bags of cheese and froze them into 1-pound bags.
We had to be careful when we bought things at Sam’s. Most things were $10+, so one item would wipe out half our grocery budget for the week. I used Swagbucks when I could, taking surveys here and there to get extra gift cards, but I only got around 2 $25.00 gift cards that entire year.
Cheap meals We Made
Dinner (Lunch was always leftovers)
Slow cooker caesar chicken sandwiches
Crock pot chicken and stuffing
Three cheese macaroni with tomatoes
Cheese quesadillas
Burrito bowls (rice, black beans, salsa, sour cream, cheese, jalapenos)
Nachos (Same as above but with tortilla chips)
Breakfast
Cereal (from Aldi, or large bags at Meijer)
Piece of sausage on toast
Chocolate peanut butter overnight oats
Pancakes/Waffles (Bought a bulk bag of mix at Sam's, made big batches and froze the leftovers)
How We Finished Out Strong
Allison was born in October 2013, and in April 2014 we got enough money from our tax return to make a big GFS (Gordon Food Services, like Sam’s but mostly restaurant quality food/items) and Sam’s Club run.
We bought household essentials: paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, freezer bags, etc. We also bought food for a month’s worth of meals.
I used this $5 Dinner’s monthly menu for Sam’s Club. (Note: It looks like this menu is now only for purchase and no longer free.)
All the paper goods lasted us almost 6 months, which was when we were able to finally up our grocery budget!
Frequently Asked Questions
Didn't you qualify for food stamps?
To be honest, we didn't check. We were still navigating the basics of budgeting and probably COULD have kept our grocery budget the way it was and found the money for the formula.
I think a lot of this situation was just trying to see if we could actually do it. If we were in dire straights, we definitely would have taken advantage of food stamps and the local food bank.
By the way, there is no shame in accepting assistance. That's why it's there! If you need it, take full advantage.
How did you figure out the cheapest store?
Because I'd done most of my grocery shopping at Aldi already, I knew that was cheapest for a lot of my pantry staples.
There were a few items I knew I could buy cheaper elsewhere when on sale. I'd check the Meijer and Kroger ad for sale prices, and their apps to see if there was a free item to clip. Kroger had a freebie Friday during that time, and I took advantage!
I also found a couple discount stores in my area- mainly bread outlets. I could buy loaves of bread and other bread items for 50 cents each. It was a great way to stock up my freezer.
Are you eating healthier now?
Our weekly budget has increased significantly since then, which has allowed us to buy more whole foods.
We're not perfect (Nobody is), but now I try to include fruits and vegetables in our everyday meals. I still search for the best deals to get the most out of our money!
How important is planning your meals?
SO important! Meal planning has saved my family so much money in the long haul. You need to know what you're eating for the next few days/week, and that means making a shopping list and sticking to it.
Even when John lost his job and we lowered our budget to $30 a week, we still did weekly meal plans because it meant we saved money.
How we survived
I prayed constantly. I didn't think we could continue this for a full year, but little things happened that I just knew was God at work.
If we needed to buy something we were almost out of, it would magically be on sale the next week, or it would be the off week that we didn’t need to buy formula, or I somehow had enough Swagbucks to get a gift card to use at Sam’s!
We were never in need, and we got through it, and we were still faithful.
If you're in a similar situation, remember that you WILL get through this. Times will be tough. You'll probably cry because you just want a little extra money for groceries.
I've been there, multiple times, and there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. Keep praying, keep doing your best with what you have, and you'll make it through your situation with an inspiring story to share and a better understanding of how you can survive on a shoestring budget.
Jaime is a Nutrition Coach through the ISSA and professional writer. She has 4 years experience coaching and 9 years experience in writing. She enjoys cooking easy meals, running, and learning more about food.
Jaime specializes in helping women with ADHD learn to meal plan and cook healthier meals without getting overwhelmed.
My first thought when reading through this post was "gosh, that's a lot of 'junk' food - where are the vegetables? That's so unhealthy!" But then I realized that you probably already knew this, and then I read through the comments and saw how many times people still felt the need to point this out to you. But you handled it graciously every time! Thanks for being so honest and so patient with people!
I really appreciate that. =) As a sleep-deprived first-time mom, I just wanted to survive. Looking back, it really wasn't the best way, but it was what I knew how to do. We're actually in the same boat of having to lower our grocery budget to $30 a week due to my husband losing his job, but my knowledge of nutrition has increased and I'm trying to incorporate as much fresh produce as I can with what I have. It's still not perfect, but it'll have to do until we get income again!
Sounds like the worst diet ever
It really wasn't the best! Like I said at the beginning, it was a hard season in our life and I did the best I could with what we had. You'll be happy to know that we're eating better now!
Jamie... as a woman who is struggling to make ends meet as a teacher and going through a separation from her husband (and a possible divorce) I was in an absolute panic when I looked at my budget for groceries. However, this blog gives me hope. If you can do it, so can I! Thank you so much for sharing and inspiring to plan instead of panic!
Erin, thank you for sharing this! I wish you the best of luck with everything and I'll say a prayer for you.
Before powdered baby formula, evaporated milk was used. It is mixed with water and then a dropperful of vitamins added. It is almost the same as powdered formula BUt without the added corn syrup!!! Much better!! and much much much cheaper.
Wow, I had no idea! Thanks for sharing, that's really interesting. =)
I also used evaporated milk for my children Back in the 1960s. We were living on a military service man's salary. And sad too say but very few women breast feedback then. That wasn't the modern thing to do. Jamie you are to be commended for doing your best. And I'm happy to see so many young women being so frugal.
I have four kids and at one point after the divorce we were eating mostly rice and beans, pasta casseroles, tuna, peanut butter sandwiches, oatmeal and for a treat fried chicken legs or thighs that were on sale. I'd make sure to buy 99 cent bags of frozen vegetables to throw into casseroles and whatever fruit was on sale for 99 cents a pound. A few other tricks I picked up were to buy meat that was reduced because it was getting older. I'd use it right away or throw it into the freezer. I also made my own sauces, pancake mix and laundry soap. The kids loved my homemade pizza that I'd make with a little tomato sauce, seasonings and a package of 99 cent cheese. Or baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and served with a salad. They asked for favorite meals occasionally that were too expensive for the budget but for the most part I don't think they realized how poor we were. Luckily, we are doing a little better now.
Thank you so much for sharing! We're currently doing all the things you've mentioned except the laundry soap, although we did in the past. I wish you the best of luck right now!
I know this is a old post but you don't know how much I needed this. When I read the end I literally almost cried. My husband and I are having a rough time and can't even really pay our bills. We bought a house last year to raise our baby in then found out I was pregnant again. That was great. Then he lost his job and here we are. I make ok money but not enough. This will help us so much. Thanks!
Angela, thank you for sharing this! I'll be keeping you in my prayers. You do what you have to do to keep your family sheltered and fed. =)
I really loved this post. I am so impressed at your determination, humility, and creativity. You are an inspiration! My family doesn't really have to struggle these days, but we have certainly been there. I wish we had had your "can-do" attitude instead of focusing on what we were missing out on. You are an inspiration, and I am sure that your story will encourage families for years to come! Well done!
Thank you, I appreciate that! =) I'm so glad my story can help people.
I really appreciate this post. First off, I get the no-milk thing. I felt like such a failure. Guess what? It's just part of how God made our bodies. #cantwinemall
We had nearly the opposite problem: a way-too-early baby with a load of medical bills, and special formula to boot. We aren't currently in a dire situation, but I think it's always prudent to not overspend. I'm gun shy after so. many. medical. bills. You have a great selection of tips, and I'm glad they aren't "shop the farmer's market (ours is more expensive)" or "go to the bulk spice store (we don't have one)." This is serious budget shopping for real people!
Thank you for sharing this, Emma! Looks like you and I are both in better situations now. I love our farmer's market now, but you're right, it is more expensive. I don't think we have a bulk spice store nearby, either! You gotta do what you gotta do to save money. I appreciate your story!
I just came across this post. I'm so glad I did. Our grocery budget went from $100 a week to $50,
(on a good week) after I got pregnant with my second and had to leave my job. My son is now 9 months but what I made would hardly cover daycare for him all day and our 6yr old after school. My husband makes enough money to pay our bills but the food budget is going to be so tight for the next couple months! I do plan on donating plasma again as soon as I can to help pay for groceries. Its 2 donations a week (about an hr each donation) and ends up paying $70 total. Its really worth going in a pinch! Also you can usually find coupons in your local ads to earn even more. Anyways this really comes in handy! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Heather! It's so tough having to essentially cut your grocery budget in half. I've never thought about donating plasma, that's a good idea to make a little extra money! =)
I remember very well that feeling of transitioning to SAHM and trying to figure out how I was going to make it work. I also had a two-week late baby who entered the world at 10 lbs 6 oz, so I understand how those big babies eat A LOT. I love your meal plan and reminder to look at our lives as seasons--that attitude makes it so much easier to weather the harder times. Thanks for writing this!
Thank you for your encouragement! It's so nice to hear that I wasn't alone in this. =)
I'm so sad I found this post late. We are trying to save for a down payment for a house instead of living in an apartment. Do you have any tips to cut the food budget for a family of 5 I currently spend about $150 a week. Would like to cut that down to have more money to pocket away. We have a pretty picky family.
Hi Samantha! I have a couple posts that I wrote last year when my husband lost his job and we cut our grocery budget- How to Eat When You Have No Income, and Meals to Make When You Have No Money. I still hold to these tips even now that we have a stable income again! One recent thing that's helped me is going to a bread outlet store- Entenmann's, Aunt Millie's, Hostess, etc. Do a Google search for one in your area if you buy a lot of bread. My outlet marks down bread, buns, bagels, English muffins, and more, down to 50 cents/$1.00. If you have room in your freezer, it's worth buying a lot and freezing for later! I hope this can help you a little. =) Good luck saving for your down payment!
What a lovely testimony to the goodness of God. I quit teaching when I was expecting our daughter. Our son came 6 years later. We always said we didn't have our children so someone else could raise them. We lived on one modest income and I felt pretty frustrated at times, but we were never hungry or in dire need. God always provided. Our children 43 and 37 now with families of their own. We are still trusting God and He is good.
Thank you for your kind words! It's definitely difficult to live on one income, but it's amazing how God provides in the toughest of times!
I just saved 2 articles for reference and they were both yours! I love these tips and ideas. Always trying to save on groceries when we are struggling (like now) and when we are not. There is almost a feeling of desperation deep down when you have less than a certain amount of money for the week to feed a family of 4, sometimes 6 people and your ideas show how far every penny really can go! Thank you!
Thank you, Natalie! I really appreciate that. It's so hard when you feel like you just don't have enough money, but God will provide!
These are all really great! My family of 4 recently had to cut our budget down to $50-$60 a week. A few other really great cheap meals you can make are: French bread pizza
Bread $1, pasta sauce $1.38, cheese $2, pepperoni $2 (feeds 4 with left overs)
Fritto pie: bag of frittos, can of chili, half a bag of shredded cheese bake st 400 for 30 mins it's amazing and so easy and around $4
I make a lot of hamburger helper with ground turkey which is usually about $3-$4 total to make.
We also make a lot of breakfast for dinner, bacon eggs and toast or sausage and eggs which ever is cheaper.
Love the post it's nice to know I'm not alone in trying to make cheap meals for my family when you done have a lot to work with!
Thank you, Courtney! =) Frito pie sounds amazing; I'll need to add it to my dinner rotation soon!
In many states you can get free baby formula. Wick program. This also gives free food for baby until they are five years old regardless i
of income
That's good info to know for those who may need it! =)
I'm crying reading over your post and these comments. We were in that same place when our first child was born. I remember holding a $20 in one hand and a list in the other at the entrance to Aldi and praying, "well God, this one is on You." And then I'd walk into the store and they'd have milk at 25 cents just for that day and meat with that lovely $5 off sticker and bread for 10 cents and I would just smile. It's stressful and hard and yet caused me to strengthen those trust muscles and get creative.
And this is just for anyone else who is reading these like I am: I remember one day standing in the grocery store having a full blown panic attack because I was killing my kids by not feeding them organic blueberries (not to mention that their "favorite" meal is bologna and cheese sandwiches). I went home and told my husband that I could not have this happen every time I shopped or fed our kids. We talked it through and decided that day that our family is simply not an organic food family. We will do what we can but we don't sacrifice their greater good (which includes us living within our budget and their momma not having panic attacks in the grocery store) for the good of organic blueberries vs. non organic. Let go of the guilt. The season you're in is not forever. Do what you can today and be proud of it. Love on your family and feed them. You're doing a great job.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Stephanie! It's amazing how God provides in the toughest of times. I agree, we should have no guilt in feeding our family by doing the best we can. Organic or not, they're being fed and ultimately that's what matters!