*Feed Your Family $10 A Day Challenge*(AT HOME)

[GreatLakes5]

I try to keep our $ down but I don't know about $10/day here and we are far from England

For example, tomorrow's dinner will be mashed potatoes, fresh tomatoes, and corn on the cob. We'll eat plenty of it, but that's it Yet to do this, the meal will still cost about $6! And that's assuming we're drinking water and not milk.

 

[limace]

I do think the most challenging thing about keeping costs down is making sure to get enough produce. We are growing a lot in our garden this year-and almost everything we are growing is coming from friends and family giving us extra starts. Not much is ready yet, but we've had fresh spinach for salads or sauteed spinach and beet leaves multiple times the last week. I suggest cultivating friends to give you starts-serious gardeners always have extras. Find the friend who gardens and let them know you're open to extra zucchini or whatever-you can shred and freeze what you don't use now for zucchini bread later. My babysitter gives us free eggs as her chickens produce way too many. My grandma is always sending us home with a box of apples or walnuts or whatever. Grow your own herbs-I'm a horrible gardener but these are easy, and buying fresh herbs is crazily expensive.

Tonight, I'm going to try and make this avocado and carrot salad, increasing the recipe to make more. I figure it will be $1.00 for the large avocado from Costco, $2.50 for the rest of the Costco roast chicken (one of the few convenience foods we buy anymore), maybe $.50 for the carrots and say another $.50 for the seeds and vinegar, etc. So, $4.50 for a one dish meal with two or three veggie servings for DH and I and the baby. I'll add the rest of a whole wheat baguette from Trader Joe's, say another buck. We're really trying to eat better-more veggies and less saturated fat. We'd eat expensive cheese three meals a day if we could, but our waistlines show it

I have to say that I am astonished by the "cook your own dinner" places, like Dream Dinners. It's very rare that we would spend $3 a person for a main course, even when we do something like salmon.

 

[mommiepoppins]

today for my family 0f 6= 2.00
half a box of life cereal with milk

l=0 we are goingt to a church party
d=0 we are going to a b day party
total for today 2.00

that is very rare but this Sunday we are party people

 

[Misty89]

Remember, too, that for about $3 you can get a very large tomato plant and grow your own....I'm not talking commitment to a garden, but tomatoes grow well in pots! They happen to be the veggie we really go through in the summer so even in years that I don't have the time to garden we at least grow our own tomatoes and herbs. (The cost per plant will get smaller the smaller the plant you're willing to start with....)

And blueberries are easy to freeze - I freeze them by the 2 cup quantity so I can pull out for various recipes pre-measured. AND we pick our own each year so it's a bit cheaper, exercise and fun for the kids.

We average about $100/week for five of us which includes cleaning products and paper products. We "do" Costco, a local grocer, farmer's market, grow our own, & the health food store. Our meat is limited to chicken breast, fresh fish, & low fat beef. We did ground turkey for a while but then read the label and unless you splurge on the low fat/white meat only variety it was not better than low fat beef.

We also all take fish oil supplements - it alone has created a big change in my cholesterol levels

Of course we get to WDW and blow our healthy eating.....

first i wanted to say.only joining up because i wanted to imput, not be flamed
I shop at a major grocery store, and "save a lot" store for meat. I refuse farmers markets because around my area, the prices are insanely high. If for some reason we are traveling i will stop at a roadside stand for melon OR corn in August.I buy a tomato from the grocery store ONLY if i have to, I cant stand the bland taste, and the $$.


I keep a small garden, i know that my family eats better in summer vrs winter, because of growing our own veggies. this year we have 3 kinds of tomatoes, Zuchinni. green peppers, onions and radishes, raspberries will be ready in about 2 weeks. we will also have melons if the bugs do not get them first. I have a small but well tended garden - just enough plants for a "few extras" for whomever would like some.
coming up very soon is STRAWBERRY season! there is a strawberry farm 10 miles away we go every june and pick ( i thinks it's $1.00 /lb or something cheap) PLUS still warm from the sun anyways.....we buy a ton and freeze them and even go back at the end of season to buy a few more thats an idea for someone if you have a strawberry farm near you

I run a tight food budget, I work partime i cringe if i spent more than $100.00 at the store. ( i shop about every 2 weeks)

i am home weekdays at dinner time and then i have time to cook. ( a real meal that takes 1-2 hours to prepare and bake, etc) The weekends i work until 5pm, i work 20 miles from home so dinners then ( and a few nights during the week) are quickies.......ground beef entries like tacos, spagetti etc.
In effort to save $$, we very rarely buy "canned" or pre-made foods.....alot of $$ to toss out. not saying they are back or anything negitive, just that when you don't have it alot it does not taste that good anymore.
I am a HUGE baker.....we always have something sweet, so that saves on "junk food" except the occasional ding dong ( we have a hotess outlet store ) and of course i forgot to mention I work at DAIRY QUEEN lol ( i am safe i decorate the cakes, not in the kitchen) seriously, we have dilly bars in out freezer 24/7, but i guess it beats some other junk food.

 

[Misty89]

i wanted to add but forgot, that my list of veggies and fruits i grow.......were a total investment of $ 50.00, thats for the mulch, hummis, plants. the raspberries have been here a few years so there is no $$ in startup there.

 

[njcarita]

We'll I'm up for the challange--
I'm going to sit down today and write up a months eating plan for my family--


I'll share my ideas when I get it done.
But in the meantime here is a link to one of my favorite sites

The Hillbilly Website
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/

Great frugal meal ideas

 

[lillygator]

I like the hillbilly housewife site as well....

I am not sure about $10 a day for us. My DH has a huge appetite! I am sitting down now and making our list for the week. I have chili on the stove for today which I made from stuff we already had!

 

[TNKBELL]

first i wanted to say.only joining up because i wanted to imput, not be flamed
I shop at a major grocery store, and "save a lot" store for meat. I refuse farmers markets because around my area, the prices are insanely high. If for some reason we are traveling i will stop at a roadside stand for melon OR corn in August.I buy a tomato from the grocery store ONLY if i have to, I cant stand the bland taste, and the $$.


I keep a small garden, i know that my family eats better in summer vrs winter, because of growing our own veggies. this year we have 3 kinds of tomatoes, Zuchinni. green peppers, onions and radishes, raspberries will be ready in about 2 weeks. we will also have melons if the bugs do not get them first. I have a small but well tended garden - just enough plants for a "few extras" for whomever would like some.
coming up very soon is STRAWBERRY season! there is a strawberry farm 10 miles away we go every june and pick ( i thinks it's $1.00 /lb or something cheap) PLUS still warm from the sun anyways.....we buy a ton and freeze them and even go back at the end of season to buy a few more thats an idea for someone if you have a strawberry farm near you

I run a tight food budget, I work partime i cringe if i spent more than $100.00 at the store. ( i shop about every 2 weeks)

i am home weekdays at dinner time and then i have time to cook. ( a real meal that takes 1-2 hours to prepare and bake, etc) The weekends i work until 5pm, i work 20 miles from home so dinners then ( and a few nights during the week) are quickies.......ground beef entries like tacos, spagetti etc.
In effort to save $$, we very rarely buy "canned" or pre-made foods.....alot of $$ to toss out. not saying they are back or anything negitive, just that when you don't have it alot it does not taste that good anymore.
I am a HUGE baker.....we always have something sweet, so that saves on "junk food" except the occasional ding dong ( we have a hotess outlet store ) and of course i forgot to mention I work at DAIRY QUEEN lol ( i am safe i decorate the cakes, not in the kitchen) seriously, we have dilly bars in out freezer 24/7, but i guess it beats some other junk food.

This sounds like me as far as having a sweet tooth, I must have something sweet daily!! When I was in school, I worked at TCBY and I have been an addict ever since, unfortunately there is only 1 left in our city and of course it's on the other side of town.
BTW... I love the ice cream cakes at DQ...they are the best!!

 

[GreatLakes5]

Well, plans changed (as they are often prone to do....)

breakfast = approx. $2.50 (two frozen waffles, syrup, H2O, hot tea, bread & P.B.).....I usually use a waffle maker but when the frozen are on sale that's what I keep around - syrup we buy in big bottle either at Costco or on sale...same for Peanut Butter - fussy must have Jif, but buy the double huge jars...now I'm rambling

lunch = approx. $6 (I had to make a cold salad to share at a church lunch...family ate well though and for $6 for the food they got it was worth it!)

dinner = leftovers from lunch

I guess that hits us below $10 for the day!
...............................................
LUNCH recipe....this one is a healthier favorite:

2 boxes Uncle Ben's wild rice
2 cups Wishbone dressing (or other "oily" Italian dressing)
1/2 cup green onion
1/2-1 cup cashews..less if trying to be thrify..more if you're feeling crazy

IF it's a main meal I often add one cooked & chopped bonelss, skinless chicken breast. It should be chilled in the fridge - great as a leftover!

 

[Married2theYeti]

We also all take fish oil supplements - it alone has created a big change in my cholesterol levels

How much of a difference are you talking about, if you don't mind me asking. I need to lower mine some more in the next 5 months or my doctor is going to put me on medication.

 

[GreatLakes5]

We also all take fish oil supplements - it alone has created a big change in my cholesterol levels

How much of a difference are you talking about, if you don't mind me asking. I need to lower mine some more in the next 5 months or my doctor is going to put me on medication.

10 points down on the bad cholesterol (mine was actually "okay" but this was still an improvement)

5 points up on the good cholesterol (this is my thorn in the flesh)

I'm told that I will continue to see a difference - this was after 40 days, 1000 mg a day. (& before anyone says something I"m not advocating eating whatever you want and just taking fish oil ) I do not eat a high cholesterol diet anyway, but this certainly helped things.

 

[twinklebug]

I don't break down what I spend per day or per meal. I do watch the grocery totals, and for the three of us I'm coming in around $45 for the week if I take out the paper goods and other non-edibles.

What kills the budget are the school lunches. The kids pay $2 for lunch, pretty reasonable, but that's $20 for the week. They don't like bringing food from home as even with cool packs tuna etc is just "nasty". Now I find that DD is giving her lunch money away to a boy she likes every day <- my reaction to her giving $ away AND to liking a boy (what I need here is a smily icon with a key locking DD in her room 'til she's 29)

 

[mommiepoppins]

This sounds like me as far as having a sweet tooth, I must have something sweet daily!! When I was in school, I worked at TCBY and I have been an addict ever since, unfortunately there is only 1 left in our city and of course it's on the other side of town.
BTW... I love the ice cream cakes at DQ...they are the best!!

are we realted I also need something sweet daily. (I think that I am crazy). I am glad to no that there are others

 

[50 years Too!]

Just a note for those of you who like raspberries...
I had volunteers from across a neighbors fence 20 years ago.
They are still going strong! I do not fertilize or spray for bugs and don't even water unless it is insanely hot for several days in a row. I probably get the equivalent of $400 worth of berries! (In my area a tiny tiny amount is around $3).
So, if any of you like them, they are really easy to grow. Also, your friends will love you in June!

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

Just wanted to shoot in a low cost, very healthy meal:

Tonight we had Chicken Fajitas for dinner.

Chicken: $5.xx
Soft tortillas: $1.50
Green peppers: .75
Salsa: $1.50
sour cream: .99
shredded cheese: 1.00

I know this came to like over $10, but there were so many leftovers that I will be able to bring this for lunch tomorrown and my DH will also be able to have it for lunch. This meal makes a lot!! I mean, you don't have to make a huge meal out of it, but the left overs are greaT!!!

 

[Kat77]

Just wanted to shoot in a low cost, very healthy meal:

Tonight we had Chicken Fajitas for dinner.

Chicken: $5.xx
Soft tortillas: $1.50
Green peppers: .75
Salsa: $1.50
sour cream: .99
shredded cheese: 1.00

I know this came to like over $10, but there were so many leftovers that I will be able to bring this for lunch tomorrown and my DH will also be able to have it for lunch. This meal makes a lot!! I mean, you don't have to make a huge meal out of it, but the left overs are greaT!!!

YUMMY! But you forget the spanish rice and frijoles. Use the leftovers and make chicken quesadillas.

 

[disneymom3]

You're right-it can be done. But this kind of menu just would never work for us. So I say 'kudos' to those who can pull it off, but for this household it wouldn't happen. Just eggs for breakfast wouldn't cut it, nor would the beans and veggies for lunch and dinner. Since we eat fresh fruit and veggies at every meal, that's the killer. You are exactly right when you say that all of those are insanely expensive right now. I swear sometimes it would be cheaper to buy an apple at Disneyland than at the grocery store now. What is wrong with that picture?

Well, sounds like a great excuse to go to Disney if you ask me!!

I think the point though is to be conscious of how much we do spend each day and I think that is a great idea. I am going to put down some of my days this last week and see what I come up with. I have not had a $ per day goal, but I do keep an eye on sales and shop at Aldi for all I can. (I don't like their produce or meat.)

We go through a gallon of milk every two and a half days and a half gallon of juice every week (as long as Daddy is not serviing the juice.) So, we are counting $1.25 for drinks daily. Once in awhile we have Koolaid, but that is a treat. My kids drink a LOT of water.

This is based on 5 people. One of whom is a 7 yo boy who eats more than his dad. I am overweight, everyone else is very healthy. DD is under weight actually but we don't know why

Day 1
Breakfast
Bananas 1.35
Cereal .70c (less than $1.50 per box at Aldi. Kinds vary but we like honey nut o's, frosted mini wheats, raisin bran and rice crispy.)
Coffee for me and DH with cream and a bit of sugar .65
Total $2.70

Lunch
baby carrots probably 30c worth
Yogurt (4 containers) 1.48
2 apples 60c
turkey sandwiches on whole wheat hoagie type bread 1.25
3.60

Dinner
Lachoy chow mein (probably not the healthiest but eveyrone likes it) $2.50
Brown rice .30
Crispy noodle things .30
Fortune cookies .30
Total $3.40

Day's total 10.25. Well, almost made it. And that doesn't count DHs lunch. He may take a yogurt, pb&j and an apple. Oh, and I forgot snacks. Uhh, let's say strawberries from the garden and popcorn so, 25c.

Day 2
Breakfast
Oatmeal 45c
toast w/peanut butter .50
coffee for me and DH .65
Total 1.60

Lunch
soup 1.20
crackers .25
string cheese .50
cucumber sticks .40
Total 2.35

Dinner
Pork loin $3 marinated from store
Salad/half bag from Aldi .50
Dressing (99c per bottle, so.....20?)
half loaf of garlic parmesan bread (.40 for french bread clearanced at Walmart, 50 for butter and a pittance for 1 Tbsp Garlic Garlic and parmesan cheese shakey stuff. .95
Total 4.65

Snacks
Rice crispy bars 1.50 for the pan and we eat half of it.
Drumsticks from Aldi 1.00

Total 11.55 (Hey look, I almost did it! I just have to stop letting DH have lunch! )

Day 3
Breakfast
Cereal .70
strawberries
toast w/peanut butter .50
DH coffee .35
Total 1.55

Lunch
tortilla roll ups with lettuce and turkey .75
pretzels .50
oranges .40
Total 1.65

Dinner
Spaghetti with meat sauce (half jar of Aldi sauce, some of my seasoning, 3/4 lb of hamburger and half box of whole wheat pasta)3.50
Other half bag of salad and some dressing .70
Total 4.20 (I admit this dinner was a little sparse. Probably should have added another bread or veggie.)

Snacks
Animal crackers and milk with applesauce .80
Yogurt and carrots 1.45

Total 9.65 whoa, I made it--I must be forgetting something!! (Edited: Oh, no I didn't. I forgot our daily beverage total so that is 10.85. Dang!)

I am going to plan out my meals for the week with this in mind though. This will be a fun challenge!

 

[disneymom3]

Oh also wanted to add on to the person who talked about raspberries--I bought 12 strawberry plants three years ago. Got a few strawberries that summer. Now they are out of control! I gave 12 plants to my neighbor and still have tons. I will have to give strawberries away. She is going to split some raspberry plants she is getting from a friend and give some to me. FREE fruit. Gotta love that. Now I just need some blueberry bushes!

 

[crazelion]

I love that recipe. It's Simple and idiot proof.

Dh has come up with Nachos and all the dks love them!!

1 slice american cheese
1 T. Milk
1 T. Salsa

Put into microwaveable bowl and heat on high 30 seconds, stir, reheat @ 20 seconds, stir until the right consistancy.
Drizzle over tortilla chips or pretzels or veggies....YUM

Depending on what you serve it on, it can be as little as .20.

I love my family and we have a clean bill of health from the Family Dr.

 

[Disneyforus]

I love this thread! We are a family of 6, and I am constantly trying to find ways to trim our food budget, without comprimising the value of nutritious food. First, I have to say..I am a SAHM and do spend "time" meal planning all our meals every 2wks. I try to buy only what is on my list and needed for a specific meal. But, we have gotten bad at our house with "snack" issues...I think I am going to try the unlimited carrotts, apples, bananas idea that someone suggested and get rid of all the other snack options. The other budget breaker for us is milk....We pay 2.99/gallon right now, and go through about 2-3 per week. I also heard that milk is supposed to go up by 50% this summer across the US. Great. Someone mentioned using dry milk in their cooking, I may give this a try. I figure that I spend between $17-21/day for food.

My most recent find that I hope will help out with our food budget is:
Angel Food Ministries
angelfoodministries.com

It is a way to preorder frozen meats/foods and some non perishable itmes at a discount price. The "units" cost $25 each and have between $50-60 worth of food. They offer other packages in addition for $18. We have gotten ther grill box the last two months and it has had some very yummy steaks!! Check out there website, and you can put in your zip to see if there is a location near you! By the way, this is not a need based program...though the ministry part is that for every unit they sell they are able to give away units to needy families.....so by saving yourself some money you are helping someone else.
I have only ordered this month and last so I am still evaluating but...so far I have been very pleased with the food. There have been a few ready made items that I normally wouldn't spend the money to buy but, I have just meal planned it in for nights we need a quicker meal.

Keep all the ideas coming, I love 'em!!!