Guest guest Posted November 13, 2009 Report Share Posted November 13, 2009 Hi, I am trying to come up with a household budget and I was wondering what everyone else spends on food per week. My husband thinks $250 per week for a family of four (2 adults, a 13 year old, and a 5 year old) is way too much, he expects me to spend no more than $100 a week for everyone even though I homeschool so three of us are eating all our meals at home. thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2009 Report Share Posted November 13, 2009 I'm guessing here, but I'd say that we spend about $150 per week on groceries. But we also go out to eat sometimes twice per week (lunch at Chipotle, Panera Bread, or once in a while a more expensive place like Ethos Vegan Kitchen). I also get the bulk of our produce at the farmer's market each week, so that saves quite a bit over getting it at the grocery store. So all in all we probably spend about $200 total to eat each week between groceries and eating out. We have a family of four, but my kids are still young, so not real big eaters yet. I'm curious to see what others post as well... Jacqueline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2009 Report Share Posted November 13, 2009 Hi Sarah, We are a family of five, 3 boys, ages 18,13 and 8. We also homeschool and are home for most meals. Although my oldest is away at college now, my grocery bills are about the same as I buy him some of his groceries so that I can make sure that he eats as much healthy food as possible. We spend about $700-$800 a month, not including detergents, shampoo/soap and cleaning supplies. My husband also thinks that is too much! I buy almost all organic food from Whole Foods and I bulk order from my local co-op a couple of times a month. To help bring the cost down from a previous $900-$1000 a month, I buy very little packaged/prepared food and we bake our own bread from home-ground flour. Hope this helps! Peace, Shawn --- On Fri, 11/13/09, Sarah <sarah.moore1 wrote: Sarah <sarah.moore1 OT grocery cost Friday, November 13, 2009, 3:53 PM  Hi, I am trying to come up with a household budget and I was wondering what everyone else spends on food per week. My husband thinks $250 per week for a family of four (2 adults, a 13 year old, and a 5 year old) is way too much, he expects me to spend no more than $100 a week for everyone even though I homeschool so three of us are eating all our meals at home. thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2009 Report Share Posted November 13, 2009 We are a family of four.... single mom, boys 13, 9 and 5. We spend on average $140 - $150 per week. On Fri, Nov 13, 2009 at 4:13 PM, Jacqueline Bodnar <jbwrote: > > > I'm guessing here, but I'd say that we spend about $150 per week on > groceries. But we also go out to eat sometimes twice per week (lunch at > Chipotle, Panera Bread, or once in a while a more expensive place like > Ethos Vegan Kitchen). I also get the bulk of our produce at the farmer's > market each week, so that saves quite a bit over getting it at the > grocery store. So all in all we probably spend about $200 total to eat > each week between groceries and eating out. We have a family of four, > but my kids are still young, so not real big eaters yet. I'm curious to > see what others post as well... > > Jacqueline > > > -- Regards, Vibeke Eat food, not food products. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2009 Report Share Posted November 13, 2009 Hi Sarah, We probably spend $250 a week on food for our family of 3 (two adults, one 5-year-old) - including groceries, our CSA box, my partner's lunches out during the week, and the whole family eats dinner out at least 2 times a week, sometimes 3 - but sometimes cheap places like sandwiches or burritos. We could spend much less, but we really like to buy organic as much as possible, and we see food as our splurge in our budget - good food makes for good health and fun mealtimes and we just enjoy food. We're also in Southern California, so the cost of living is a bit higher than in other areas. Still, I'd think $250 a week would be totally reasonable for your family size. Maybe you could propose some other budget cuts - I think you could find some suggestions online - maybe even green websites. :-) Good luck! Lorraine On Behalf Of Sarah Friday, November 13, 2009 12:53 PM OT grocery cost Hi, I am trying to come up with a household budget and I was wondering what everyone else spends on food per week. My husband thinks $250 per week for a family of four (2 adults, a 13 year old, and a 5 year old) is way too much, he expects me to spend no more than $100 a week for everyone even though I homeschool so three of us are eating all our meals at home. thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2009 Report Share Posted November 13, 2009 If your husband thinks you can feed everyone on $100 a week, he should try doing the grocery shopping! We spend $600 a month to feed the five of us, with about 2 dinners out each month in addition. We do buy a fair amount of organics, and some fake meats and such, so you could definitely do it for less. We have an 8,6, and 4 year old, with a very varied diet. Lots of different fruits, vegetables, grains etc etc. And I do all my baking and most cooking from scratch with nothing pre-prepared, but it still comes to that much for us. Leena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2009 Report Share Posted November 13, 2009 I budget $150.00 a week for groceries (family of 3) and we eat pretty much exclusively at home, maybe Indian takeout one night a week but I have only one child and we are home all day so that includes three meals plus snacks. I buy all my produce at the farmers market every week and spend about $40.00 on that and then the rest is from the supermarket. Good question! I'm curious if it's more expensive to grocery shop for quality stuff (organic produce etc..) in other parts of the country. I'm in Southern California so we have access to great stuff and a farmers market year round at a reasonable price. Natalie On Nov 13, 2009, at 12:53 PM, Sarah wrote: > Hi, I am trying to come up with a household budget and I was > wondering what > everyone else spends on food per week. My husband thinks $250 per > week for > a family of four (2 adults, a 13 year old, and a 5 year old) is way > too > much, he expects me to spend no more than $100 a week for everyone > even > though I homeschool so three of us are eating all our meals at home. > > thanks > > Sarah > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2009 Report Share Posted November 13, 2009 Hi Sarah, There are three of us, plus the occasional extra teen. We spend $60-80 most weeks. Robin ________________________________ Sarah <sarah.moore1 Fri, November 13, 2009 2:53:00 PM OT grocery cost  Hi, I am trying to come up with a household budget and I was wondering what everyone else spends on food per week. My husband thinks $250 per week for a family of four (2 adults, a 13 year old, and a 5 year old) is way too much, he expects me to spend no more than $100 a week for everyone even though I homeschool so three of us are eating all our meals at home. thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2009 Report Share Posted November 13, 2009 I don't really keep up with my spending... I tend to run to the store here and there and pick things up as I need them. But I don't think $100 is realistic for a family of 4. Unless you are living off canned stuff, sandwiches and pasta. Which is what my meal planning moves toward as I try to save money. When I try to eat healthier - fresh fruits and vegetables - I spend a ton of money. What you can do is come up with a list of things that are cheaper beans, rice, pastas, etc. And then figure out meals that you can plan around those things that are little more healthier. For example mixing in some fresh vegetables with your pasta. Renee ________________________________ Sarah <sarah.moore1 Fri, November 13, 2009 3:53:00 PM OT grocery cost Hi, I am trying to come up with a household budget and I was wondering what everyone else spends on food per week. My husband thinks $250 per week for a family of four (2 adults, a 13 year old, and a 5 year old) is way too much, he expects me to spend no more than $100 a week for everyone even though I homeschool so three of us are eating all our meals at home. thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2009 Report Share Posted November 13, 2009 Hi- We live in CA (I'm assuming food is more/less expensive depending on where you live), family of 6 (2 adults, 4 kids, 1 of whom is not eating food yet), 1 child at school, my budget is $150 a week. We also spend $150-$175 per month at Costco, of which maybe 30% is food.  Sometimes I go a bit over and have to buy on sale etc. to stay on budget. Personally I'd say $100 a week, thinking back to when we had 2 kids, is still totally unreasonable...Even when there were NO kids we spent probably about the same, back in the 'good old days' when I was working and we bought whatever, willy nilly. On the other hand, $250 seems like alot, unless you guys are buying all organic, etc. I DO buy organic as often as possible, but it's not a hard and fast rule. Good luck with your budget- I'm interested to find out what others say! j. ________________________________ Sarah <sarah.moore1 Fri, November 13, 2009 12:53:00 PM OT grocery cost  Hi, I am trying to come up with a household budget and I was wondering what everyone else spends on food per week. My husband thinks $250 per week for a family of four (2 adults, a 13 year old, and a 5 year old) is way too much, he expects me to spend no more than $100 a week for everyone even though I homeschool so three of us are eating all our meals at home. thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2009 Report Share Posted November 13, 2009 We spend about 100-125/week for family of 4 (although mostly just 3 of us eating as husband travels) that homeschools and is home all the time too. When my hubby is home it is closer to $150. I make pretty much all baked goods (breads, muffins, sweets, tortillas) and follow a weekly menu very closely. Kids are not allowed to rummage in the fridge - I have meals and snacks planned for each day and that is what we eat! I plan ahead for times we will be caught out and pretty much take a meal to go with us (much cheaper that way). I think it is possible but only if you are very strict. Janelle Sarah wrote: > > > Hi, I am trying to come up with a household budget and I was wondering > what > everyone else spends on food per week. My husband thinks $250 per week for > a family of four (2 adults, a 13 year old, and a 5 year old) is way too > much, he expects me to spend no more than $100 a week for everyone even > though I homeschool so three of us are eating all our meals at home. > > thanks > > Sarah > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 There is NO way you can keep under $100 unless you have a garden that produces weekly. I have tried my hardest to reduce our food bill but will not compromise on buying certain things organic. We also have a family of four and $250 is the lowest I can do, so don't feel bad --- On Fri, 11/13/09, Sarah <sarah.moore1 wrote: Sarah <sarah.moore1 OT grocery cost Friday, November 13, 2009, 3:53 PM  Hi, I am trying to come up with a household budget and I was wondering what everyone else spends on food per week. My husband thinks $250 per week for a family of four (2 adults, a 13 year old, and a 5 year old) is way too much, he expects me to spend no more than $100 a week for everyone even though I homeschool so three of us are eating all our meals at home. thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 Hi Jacqueline,  What farmer's market are you shopping at? I've shopped the Winter Park Farmer's Market and find that Publix is sometimes less expensive...plus most of the stuff at that farmer's market is not organic and not local.  Gretchen --- On Fri, 11/13/09, Jacqueline Bodnar <jb wrote: Jacqueline Bodnar <jb RE: OT grocery cost Friday, November 13, 2009, 4:13 PM  I'm guessing here, but I'd say that we spend about $150 per week on groceries. But we also go out to eat sometimes twice per week (lunch at Chipotle, Panera Bread, or once in a while a more expensive place like Ethos Vegan Kitchen). I also get the bulk of our produce at the farmer's market each week, so that saves quite a bit over getting it at the grocery store. So all in all we probably spend about $200 total to eat each week between groceries and eating out. We have a family of four, but my kids are still young, so not real big eaters yet. I'm curious to see what others post as well... Jacqueline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 We spend about $200/week for two adults and two toddlers. This is buying nearly 100% organic and all natural foods. I shop at a local health food store. (North Florida) You could probably get away with $150 if you shop very sensibly, stick with store brands, use coupons, no extra treats, etc. To me healthy foods are worth it! --- On Fri, 11/13/09, Renee Carroll <renecarol25 wrote: Renee Carroll <renecarol25 Re: OT grocery cost Friday, November 13, 2009, 6:33 PM  I don't really keep up with my spending... I tend to run to the store here and there and pick things up as I need them. But I don't think $100 is realistic for a family of 4. Unless you are living off canned stuff, sandwiches and pasta. Which is what my meal planning moves toward as I try to save money. When I try to eat healthier - fresh fruits and vegetables - I spend a ton of money. What you can do is come up with a list of things that are cheaper beans, rice, pastas, etc. And then figure out meals that you can plan around those things that are little more healthier. For example mixing in some fresh vegetables with your pasta. Renee ____________ _________ _________ __ Sarah <sarah.moore1@ verizon.net> @gro ups.com Fri, November 13, 2009 3:53:00 PM OT grocery cost Hi, I am trying to come up with a household budget and I was wondering what everyone else spends on food per week. My husband thinks $250 per week for a family of four (2 adults, a 13 year old, and a 5 year old) is way too much, he expects me to spend no more than $100 a week for everyone even though I homeschool so three of us are eating all our meals at home. thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 Gretchen, I go to the DeLand farmer's market. It is held at the Volusia County Fair Grounds every Wednesday morning. Very good prices on most things. I don't buy everything there, some things that I want organic (like apples, carrots, etc.) I buy at Publix. Other things that don't need to be organic I get at the market. I wish it were all organic there, it would be great. It would also be nice if it were all local. Some of it is, but others are trucked in from other places, making it no different than the grocery store. But it has the advantage of being cheaper. I end up spending probably $20 per week at the farmer's market. Publix is sometimes less expensive if things are on sale, and that's when I get it there. Jacqueline ------- RE: OT grocery cost " Gretchen Goel, Wellness Coach " <gretchen Fri, November 13, 2009 7:31 pm Hi Jacqueline, What farmer's market are you shopping at? I've shopped the Winter Park Farmer's Market and find that Publix is sometimes less expensive...plus most of the stuff at that farmer's market is not organic and not local. Gretchen --- On Fri, 11/13/09, Jacqueline Bodnar <jb wrote: Jacqueline Bodnar <jb RE: OT grocery cost Friday, November 13, 2009, 4:13 PM I'm guessing here, but I'd say that we spend about $150 per week on groceries. But we also go out to eat sometimes twice per week (lunch at Chipotle, Panera Bread, or once in a while a more expensive place like Ethos Vegan Kitchen). I also get the bulk of our produce at the farmer's market each week, so that saves quite a bit over getting it at the grocery store. So all in all we probably spend about $200 total to eat each week between groceries and eating out. We have a family of four, but my kids are still young, so not real big eaters yet. I'm curious to see what others post as well... Jacqueline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 Thanks for all your input on the groceries - I am feeling very much under attack here for the amount I spend at the supermarket. I do buy pretty much everything organic and artificial additive free. My $250 a week covers not just the food but all cleaning/personal care items, vitamins, paper products and food for the dog. Oh and meat for my husband because he is a meat and potatoes and says he'll never change kind of a guy even when news articles come out linking meat consumption with increased risk of type 2 diabetes etc. I did find a potential way to cut $30 to $40 from the monthly budget from a homeschool group I belong to; someone there posted instructions for making your own laundry detergent which I will try. I already use many of the recipes posted here for household cleaning products so I am saving money there. I'll try the laundry detergent and, if it works, I'll post the instructions here. Thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 We spend about $500 every 3 or 4 months at our buying club (bulk beans, nuts, dried fruit, flour, etc.). $100-$150/week at the coop/ health food store. $30 - $50 at the farmer's market per week (our market is all local food and much is organic, but often more expensive than buying organic at a chain grocery store). This year we did a half share with our CSA...about $200 I think for the season. We buy 99 percent organic and buy fair trade when available. We homeschool 9, 5, and 2 year olds who eat A LOT of food. My husband takes his lunch most days. We go through fresh produce like crazy (this week we ate over 40 apples and ten bunches if kale). We garden and buy in bulk when food is in season and freeze it. We also have great neighbors who share food from their garden or give us produce they won't be able to use in time. Anyone has veggies around, they give them to " the vegans " .. LOL! We don't own a car so we save around $5/day on that and I find that not owning a TV helps us save as well. We made the decision as a couple that food is not a place we are willing to compromise. It is an investment in our health and future. We are happy to cut back on other things to pay for quality food. Although, I am constantly looking for ways to not cut quality, but spend less (baking our own bread, etc.). Good luck finding what works for your family!!! Linda http://veganlinda.blogspot.com/ http://fftradio.blogspot.com/ http://cucarfree.blogspot.com/ http://triballife.net/ On Nov 13, 2009, at 3:22 PM, Shawn Hamilton <loveandpeacemom wrote: Hi Sarah, We are a family of five, 3 boys, ages 18,13 and 8. We also homeschool and are home for most meals. Although my oldest is away at college now, my grocery bills are about the same as I buy him some of his groceries so that I can make sure that he eats as much healthy food as possible. We spend about $700-$800 a month, not including detergents, shampoo/soap and cleaning supplies. My husband also thinks that is too much! I buy almost all organic food from Whole Foods and I bulk order from my local co-op a couple of times a month. To help bring the cost down from a previous $900-$1000 a month, I buy very little packaged/prepared food and we bake our own bread from home-ground flour. Hope this helps! Peace, Shawn --- On Fri, 11/13/09, Sarah <sarah.moore1 wrote: Sarah <sarah.moore1 OT grocery cost Friday, November 13, 2009, 3:53 PM Hi, I am trying to come up with a household budget and I was wondering what everyone else spends on food per week. My husband thinks $250 per week for a family of four (2 adults, a 13 year old, and a 5 year old) is way too much, he expects me to spend no more than $100 a week for everyone even though I homeschool so three of us are eating all our meals at home. thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 I should add that when my husband and I lived in the DC area we spent $1000 a month on just the two of us!!! It has been a journey to balance out what feels comfortable to us. We also buy clothes second-hand or get hand-me-downs from friends because food (to us) is more important. I would talk to your husband about what you can save on health care and other things by eating healthy. :-) Linda A Marketplace for a Better World (Cruelty-free, Environmentally-Conscious, and Fair Labor Products) http://triballife.net/ http://triballifeinc.blogspot.com/ My personal blogs: http://veganlinda.blogspot.com/ http://cucarfree.blogspot.com/ ________________________________ Vegan Linda <veganlinda " " Sat, November 14, 2009 6:58:17 AM Re: OT grocery cost We spend about $500 every 3 or 4 months at our buying club (bulk beans, nuts, dried fruit, flour, etc.). $100-$150/week at the coop/ health food store. $30 - $50 at the farmer's market per week (our market is all local food and much is organic, but often more expensive than buying organic at a chain grocery store). This year we did a half share with our CSA....about $200 I think for the season. We buy 99 percent organic and buy fair trade when available. We homeschool 9, 5, and 2 year olds who eat A LOT of food. My husband takes his lunch most days. We go through fresh produce like crazy (this week we ate over 40 apples and ten bunches if kale). We garden and buy in bulk when food is in season and freeze it. We also have great neighbors who share food from their garden or give us produce they won't be able to use in time. Anyone has veggies around, they give them to " the vegans " .. LOL! We don't own a car so we save around $5/day on that and I find that not owning a TV helps us save as well. We made the decision as a couple that food is not a place we are willing to compromise. It is an investment in our health and future. We are happy to cut back on other things to pay for quality food. Although, I am constantly looking for ways to not cut quality, but spend less (baking our own bread, etc.). Good luck finding what works for your family!!! Linda http://veganlinda. blogspot. com/ http://fftradio. blogspot. com/ http://cucarfree. blogspot. com/ http://triballife. net/ On Nov 13, 2009, at 3:22 PM, Shawn Hamilton <loveandpeacemom@ > wrote: Hi Sarah, We are a family of five, 3 boys, ages 18,13 and 8. We also homeschool and are home for most meals. Although my oldest is away at college now, my grocery bills are about the same as I buy him some of his groceries so that I can make sure that he eats as much healthy food as possible. We spend about $700-$800 a month, not including detergents, shampoo/soap and cleaning supplies.. My husband also thinks that is too much! I buy almost all organic food from Whole Foods and I bulk order from my local co-op a couple of times a month. To help bring the cost down from a previous $900-$1000 a month, I buy very little packaged/prepared food and we bake our own bread from home-ground flour. Hope this helps! Peace, Shawn --- On Fri, 11/13/09, Sarah <sarah.moore1@ verizon.net> wrote: Sarah <sarah.moore1@ verizon.net> OT grocery cost @gro ups..com Friday, November 13, 2009, 3:53 PM Hi, I am trying to come up with a household budget and I was wondering what everyone else spends on food per week. My husband thinks $250 per week for a family of four (2 adults, a 13 year old, and a 5 year old) is way too much, he expects me to spend no more than $100 a week for everyone even though I homeschool so three of us are eating all our meals at home.. thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 Use cloth towels and napkins instead of paper. Use dried beans and lentils instead of meat (don't tell him, just do it). Let us know if you would like us to post some recipes. This Is what we use for most cleaning (initially used as part of my daughter's 6th grade science fair project). It is cheap (my favorite) and non-toxic. 1/4 cup white vinegar 3/4 cup warm tap water 1 tablespoon baking soda 10 drops of tea tree oil (antibacterial, antifungal, etc.) 2 drops oil of lavender essential oil (optional) (antiseptic and smells nice) For extra scrubbing, I make a paste with salt, baking soda and vinegar. ________________________________ Sarah <sarah.moore1 Sat, November 14, 2009 6:33:42 AM Re: OT grocery cost  Thanks for all your input on the groceries - I am feeling very much under attack here for the amount I spend at the supermarket. I do buy pretty much everything organic and artificial additive free. My $250 a week covers not just the food but all cleaning/personal care items, vitamins, paper products and food for the dog. Oh and meat for my husband because he is a meat and potatoes and says he'll never change kind of a guy even when news articles come out linking meat consumption with increased risk of type 2 diabetes etc. I did find a potential way to cut $30 to $40 from the monthly budget from a homeschool group I belong to; someone there posted instructions for making your own laundry detergent which I will try. I already use many of the recipes posted here for household cleaning products so I am saving money there. I'll try the laundry detergent and, if it works, I'll post the instructions here. Thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 Sarah- Yes, let us know how the laundry detergent thing goes. I bought the stuff to make it, but haven't gotten around to actually doing it, yet. I have tried the hand soap recipes and wasn't very pleased... but I think laundry detergent would be different because you're not actually rubbing it between your hands, seeing how it feels, etc. I posted our budget before, but want to add that if you're getting all the household stuff there, food for the dog, etc., PLUS buying organic, you're doing fine! Part of my household budget includes $50 a week at Target, etc., for all that stuff you mentioned, minus the dog. And I have a tough time staying in THAT budget, too, at times. j. ________________________________ Sarah <sarah.moore1 Sat, November 14, 2009 4:33:42 AM Re: OT grocery cost  Thanks for all your input on the groceries - I am feeling very much under attack here for the amount I spend at the supermarket. I do buy pretty much everything organic and artificial additive free. My $250 a week covers not just the food but all cleaning/personal care items, vitamins, paper products and food for the dog. Oh and meat for my husband because he is a meat and potatoes and says he'll never change kind of a guy even when news articles come out linking meat consumption with increased risk of type 2 diabetes etc. I did find a potential way to cut $30 to $40 from the monthly budget from a homeschool group I belong to; someone there posted instructions for making your own laundry detergent which I will try. I already use many of the recipes posted here for household cleaning products so I am saving money there. I'll try the laundry detergent and, if it works, I'll post the instructions here. Thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 Hi, Here is an article from the Vegetarian Journal (Vegetarian Resource Group) that lays out nutritionally adequate vegan meal plans at very low cost. http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2006issue2/vj2006issue2mealplans.htm For a family of four in Massachusetts in 2005 the cost was $16.67/day or $116.69/week, but there were no fresh fruits and vegetables, only canned and frozen. Perhaps this article may help convince your husband that $100/week for a family of four in 2009 is unrealistic. Also unless I absolutely had no other choices, I would not want to forego all fresh fruits and veggies. Hope that helps Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2009 Report Share Posted November 15, 2009 What a great idea! I will start using this too! On Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 9:35 AM, robin koloms <rkoloms wrote: > > > Use cloth towels and napkins instead of paper. > > Use dried beans and lentils instead of meat (don't tell him, just do it). > Let us know if you would like us to post some recipes. > > This Is what we use for most cleaning (initially used as part of my > daughter's 6th grade science fair project). It is cheap (my favorite) and > non-toxic. > 1/4 cup white vinegar > 3/4 cup warm tap water > 1 tablespoon baking soda > 10 drops of tea tree oil (antibacterial, antifungal, etc.) > 2 drops oil of lavender essential oil (optional) (antiseptic and smells > nice) > For extra scrubbing, I make a paste with salt, baking soda and vinegar. > > ________________________________ > Sarah <sarah.moore1 <sarah.moore1%40verizon.net>> > <%40> > Sat, November 14, 2009 6:33:42 AM > Re: OT grocery cost > > > Thanks for all your input on the groceries - I am feeling very much under > attack here for the amount I spend at the supermarket. I do buy pretty much > everything organic and artificial additive free. My $250 a week covers not > just the food but all cleaning/personal care items, vitamins, paper > products > and food for the dog. Oh and meat for my husband because he is a meat and > potatoes and says he'll never change kind of a guy even when news articles > come out linking meat consumption with increased risk of type 2 diabetes > etc. > > I did find a potential way to cut $30 to $40 from the monthly budget from a > homeschool group I belong to; someone there posted instructions for making > your own laundry detergent which I will try. I already use many of the > recipes posted here for household cleaning products so I am saving money > there. I'll try the laundry detergent and, if it works, I'll post the > instructions here. > > Thanks > > Sarah > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2009 Report Share Posted November 15, 2009 I have to agree with Linda. We currently spend more on food (two adults and one 9 yo) than on our mortgage-our house is very small though. Still, we are happy to compromise on some things and not others. We eat well, we eat out at healthy places, we buy organic, etc. On the other hand we buy everything from clothes to skates to living room furniture second hand. I think it comes down to priorities. Another thing to consider is how much of your grocery bill is actually other stuff now that supermarkets sell everything from underwear to windshield washer. I usually shop at a big grocery chain and hfs once a week and Costco from time to time. But I never go to the drugstore as I buy all out cleaners and toiletries at the grocery/hfs. From time to time we are shocked at what we spend but we never feel it is wasted. I remember reading somewhere that North Americans spend less money on food than any other country in the world (income etc taken into consideration). Perhaps what we expect to pay reflects what the average SAD consumer buys. veganlinda Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:25:08 -0800 Re: OT grocery cost I should add that when my husband and I lived in the DC area we spent $1000 a month on just the two of us!!! It has been a journey to balance out what feels comfortable to us. We also buy clothes second-hand or get hand-me-downs from friends because food (to us) is more important. I would talk to your husband about what you can save on health care and other things by eating healthy. :-) Linda A Marketplace for a Better World (Cruelty-free, Environmentally-Conscious, and Fair Labor Products) http://triballife.net/ http://triballifeinc.blogspot.com/ My personal blogs: http://veganlinda.blogspot.com/ http://cucarfree.blogspot.com/ ________________________________ Vegan Linda <veganlinda " " Sat, November 14, 2009 6:58:17 AM Re: OT grocery cost We spend about $500 every 3 or 4 months at our buying club (bulk beans, nuts, dried fruit, flour, etc.). $100-$150/week at the coop/ health food store. $30 - $50 at the farmer's market per week (our market is all local food and much is organic, but often more expensive than buying organic at a chain grocery store). This year we did a half share with our CSA....about $200 I think for the season. We buy 99 percent organic and buy fair trade when available. We homeschool 9, 5, and 2 year olds who eat A LOT of food. My husband takes his lunch most days. We go through fresh produce like crazy (this week we ate over 40 apples and ten bunches if kale). We garden and buy in bulk when food is in season and freeze it. We also have great neighbors who share food from their garden or give us produce they won't be able to use in time. Anyone has veggies around, they give them to " the vegans " .. LOL! We don't own a car so we save around $5/day on that and I find that not owning a TV helps us save as well. We made the decision as a couple that food is not a place we are willing to compromise. It is an investment in our health and future. We are happy to cut back on other things to pay for quality food. Although, I am constantly looking for ways to not cut quality, but spend less (baking our own bread, etc.). Good luck finding what works for your family!!! Linda http://veganlinda. blogspot. com/ http://fftradio. blogspot. com/ http://cucarfree. blogspot. com/ http://triballife. net/ On Nov 13, 2009, at 3:22 PM, Shawn Hamilton <loveandpeacemom@ > wrote: Hi Sarah, We are a family of five, 3 boys, ages 18,13 and 8. We also homeschool and are home for most meals. Although my oldest is away at college now, my grocery bills are about the same as I buy him some of his groceries so that I can make sure that he eats as much healthy food as possible. We spend about $700-$800 a month, not including detergents, shampoo/soap and cleaning supplies.. My husband also thinks that is too much! I buy almost all organic food from Whole Foods and I bulk order from my local co-op a couple of times a month. To help bring the cost down from a previous $900-$1000 a month, I buy very little packaged/prepared food and we bake our own bread from home-ground flour. Hope this helps! Peace, Shawn --- On Fri, 11/13/09, Sarah <sarah.moore1@ verizon.net> wrote: Sarah <sarah.moore1@ verizon.net> OT grocery cost @gro ups..com Friday, November 13, 2009, 3:53 PM Hi, I am trying to come up with a household budget and I was wondering what everyone else spends on food per week. My husband thinks $250 per week for a family of four (2 adults, a 13 year old, and a 5 year old) is way too much, he expects me to spend no more than $100 a week for everyone even though I homeschool so three of us are eating all our meals at home.. thanks Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2009 Report Share Posted November 15, 2009 But how much fresh produce are you buying on that budget?   Gretchen --- On Fri, 11/13/09, Janelle Stewart <morningacademy wrote: Janelle Stewart <morningacademy Re: OT grocery cost Friday, November 13, 2009, 6:49 PM  We spend about 100-125/week for family of 4 (although mostly just 3 of us eating as husband travels) that homeschools and is home all the time too. When my hubby is home it is closer to $150. I make pretty much all baked goods (breads, muffins, sweets, tortillas) and follow a weekly menu very closely. Kids are not allowed to rummage in the fridge - I have meals and snacks planned for each day and that is what we eat! I plan ahead for times we will be caught out and pretty much take a meal to go with us (much cheaper that way). I think it is possible but only if you are very strict. Janelle Sarah wrote: > > > Hi, I am trying to come up with a household budget and I was wondering > what > everyone else spends on food per week. My husband thinks $250 per week for > a family of four (2 adults, a 13 year old, and a 5 year old) is way too > much, he expects me to spend no more than $100 a week for everyone even > though I homeschool so three of us are eating all our meals at home. > > thanks > > Sarah > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2009 Report Share Posted November 15, 2009 Hi, Have you seen these photos: http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1626519_1373664,00.html It's amazing to consider the cultural component of food. Our family of 3 spends $535/ month, primarily on food from our CSA, a traditional grocery store, and Whole Foods. We like to make things from scratch when we can, but I've been thinking about ways to get our budget down even further (maybe $50-100 per month). The things I'm considering are: making more homemade soymilk for cooking and baking (as opposed to buying); stocking up on foods on sale; cooking beans in a crockpot while I'm at work (instead of canned); and being sure to freeze surplus fruits and veggies before they go bad. Good luck! Jessica vegbooks.wordpress.com , " Sarah " <sarah.moore1 wrote: > > Hi, I am trying to come up with a household budget and I was wondering what > everyone else spends on food per week. My husband thinks $250 per week for > a family of four (2 adults, a 13 year old, and a 5 year old) is way too > much, he expects me to spend no more than $100 a week for everyone even > though I homeschool so three of us are eating all our meals at home. > > > > thanks > > > > Sarah > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.