The month of March is dedicated to a month-long pantry challenge! I’ve committed to spending only $25 a week on fresh produce, milk, and eggs for the whole month of March. Curious about what to buy on a pantry challenge? Read on to find out, and click here to sign up and join me!
The first full week of this pantry challenge is here! My menu for the month has been made and I can already tell I’ll need to move things around. It won’t really affect what I buy and when; but as an example, I planned on making quesadillas later in the month but may do them this week or even early next week. Aldi only had enchilada sauce in a huge can and I only need half right now; so I’ll probably move the quesadillas up sooner and use the sauce for those. You have to be flexible in a challenge like this and learn to wing it sometimes!
I did all of my shopping at Aldi, and I was really surprised at what I was able to buy for just under $25! $24.91, in fact. That covered all the produce I needed. I was really hoping to be able to buy yogurts for us, because we love yogurt for snacks/lunch; but right now, that’s more of a luxury item. Here’s what I’m currently planning for snacks for us:
- Snack bars (We have lots of RXBars, Larabars, and other miscellaneous bars in the cabinet)
- Peanuts/cashews
- Raisins
- Energy bites (I may need to make more this week; I keep them in the freezer for easy snacking!)
- Biena Chickpea snacks (I have like 4-5 more bags to use up)
So we’re not really lacking in snacks; I just know we need to use them all up. Here’s what I bought this week, and what we plan on eating during the pantry challenge:
Aldi
Green grapes, 2.50 pounds: $2.48
Bananas, 3.79 pounds: $1.44
Romaine hearts: $1.99
Green onions: $.79
Spinach: $1.49
Broccoli crowns: $1.49
Green bell peppers: $1.59
Strawberries: $1.29
Cream cheese: $1.49, for Allison’s preschool snack
Colby Jack cheese block: $1.79
Eggs: $.78
Milk: $1.07
Enchilada sauce: $1.89
2 cans diced tomatoes: $.45 each
Greek yogurt: $3.49
Can of black beans: $.55
Tomato paste: $.39
Weekly Total: $24.91
Menu
Lunch is always leftovers. Items marked with an asterisk (*) were purchased in previous weeks.
Dinner
Small group: Making Bread Machine Breadsticks
Anniversary dinner at Pizza Hut (Simple but yummy!)
Whole turkey from freezer*, instant mashed potatoes*, frozen green beans*, bread*
Leftover Turkey Chili, cornbread
Turkey salad on pitas* (From freezer), grapes, roasted broccoli
Turkey Mexican Casserole (Similar to last week but using turkey instead), grapes
Leftovers
Breakfast
Carrot cake cookies, cheese (For Allison)
French toast* (Bread in freezer)
Chia seed pudding (Chia seeds*, almond milk*, PBFit powder*, maple syrup*, sliced banana)
Oatmeal (Oats*, almond milk*/water, PBFit powder*, chocolate protein powder*, sliced banana, walnuts*)
Miscellaneous
Greek yogurt banana muffins for Allison’s lunch
Peanut butter oat muffins for a women’s group at church
What’s on your menu this week? Share in the comments below!
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.
CRISTINA
Tuesday 6th of March 2018
Thanks for the vegan cornbread recipe link! Definitely cheaper than a recipe I've been using : )
Jaime
Tuesday 6th of March 2018
It's really good! My father-in-law made it one time and gave us the recipe, and I keep coming back to it. We make ours in muffin tins. =)