I'm trying to have a better stocked pantry/fridge for healthier snack options. I've been shopping more at Sam's Club and filling in with an Aldi's run for things not purchased in bulk. My grocery budget has increased about 15%, but I'm OK with that.
In one week (tracked for past three), we (7) go through about 5# of apples, 5# of tangerines/oranges, 3# bananas, one dozen hard-boiled eggs, 20 ct. box of fiber bars, 36 Danimals, and 20 Oikos yogurt. That does include supplemental breakfast and lunch items, and after school/sports snacks, and sometimes bed time snacking.
The cost for this is $6 + $6 + $1.50 + $1.00 + $7.75 + $10.50 + $8 (just looked at Sam's receipt) = ~ $40.00.
Since this is a random observation, I'm not sure why I'm sharing. I am taking a closer and more honest look of spending in all areas. The "LIVING" category encompasses both gas and groceries (and groceries is the umbrella for food/cleaning/paper/personal care/pets).
I suppose the next area I will look at is lunches. My kids and husband bring their lunches from home. Both the high schools have a cafeteria, but the girls bring from home. The parochial school has an optional hot lunch program but it is ridiculously expensive ($5-$6) for each meal and when you've three eating that can blow the budget very fast.
Since it's a two-day week, I won't bother tracking the cost of lunch things until the first week in December.
Random Observation: The cost of healthy snacking ...
November 22nd, 2014 at 01:59 pm
November 22nd, 2014 at 02:37 pm 1416667063
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November 22nd, 2014 at 11:40 pm 1416699651
Home made mini bran muffins, no bake oatmeal cookies etc. All those chek cereal combinations + pretzels un a paper soda type cup. My favourite is popcorn dressed with a honey, ginger, cinnamon combo
November 22nd, 2014 at 11:53 pm 1416700380
November 23rd, 2014 at 10:49 pm 1416782950
November 24th, 2014 at 04:01 pm 1416844912
I bought the same 5# of apples at costco granny smith and honey crips for $14 each package for 10 lbs of apples. I just paid $6.99 for 2 dozen eggs from costco, and $1.50 for 3 lbs of bananas (same). 20 ct fiber bars which I've bought run me $12.99 and 36 danimals are $14.99. I don't buy either often because of price and added sugar. You should try making your own bars they are a lot cheaper but it does take time. And usually I make a ridiculous amount. But you have a large family so it might be worth it. Oikos yogurt runs where I live same 20 pack $12.99, I usually buy now fage large containers because of no added sugar.
So I cringe that I paid $7.99 for 18 oz of blueberries and $4.99 raspberries from costco. A honeydew cost me $4.49. Pears are running 2.49/lb and grapes are $2.99/lb. I try to buy heads of lettuce and leafy greens but they are so expensive.
This month without my meat eating I'm still over what I normally spend because I am eating fully 5 fruit and veggie servings a day and so are the kids and DH. I can't believe how expensive things are.