It’s wrap-up week. Here are the things that I learned during this project.
- Planning matters! I do usually plan meals, but Project Food Budget required consistency in my meal planning. If I am going to stick to my budget, I MUST have a plan. This project has proven what I already knew.
- Accountability is everything! I love this project because someone is watching my menu! It pushes me to spend carefully and plan creatively. I like trying new things, but like everyone, I sometimes get into a rut with our family meals. Sharing my plans with others gives me the incentive to be more creative.
- We need planned snacks. I intentionally plan breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but I often forget snacks. By the end of the week, my kids are begging for spoons of peanut butter because I didn’t buy enough snacks. Except for cookies, we don’t buy junk food, so I really need to do some thinking and researching about easy and healthy snacks. I repeat: EASY. If you have some favorites, please post them in the comments.
- My budget is going to have to grow…maybe soon. If I’m really, really careful I can meet our $120 budget, but it doesn’t leave much room for fun or trying new things. And these kids of ours are growing, growing, growing! This week I will have a TEN year old. I can’t imagine now much food we’ll need in the future!
Goal: $120 Actual: $45 Aldi + $79 Shop ‘ n Save = $124 Not bad!
Monday: Chicken nuggets, sweet potatoes, and mixed veggies
Tuesday: Faculty Picnic at Cory’s university
Wednesday: Baked fish and broccoli
Thursday: Baked ziti and salad
Friday: Grilled cheese and homemade vegetable soup
Saturday: Sandwiches, pasta salad, and birthday cake!
Sunday: Leftover buffet 🙂
Blogging Budgeters: (Or is it Budgeting Bloggers?)
Warm as Pie 
You are doing a good job. Are you familiar with “master mix”? It is similar to bisquick. It works for breads, pancakes, and cookies. I was given it by Penn state extension office when our kids were young. If you get a chance to go to the farmers market, you can get some deals on fresh produce. Yes, teenagers have 2 hour feedings.
I’ve never heard of Master Mix. Thanks for the tip. I do like the farmers market!
I love everything you’ve learned! I am a huge fan of “breakfast cookies” that have healthier ingredients and are super easy to make. We do a lot of granola bars, truffles with sneaky ingredients like chickpeas and avocados, and smoothies. Buying fruit in bulk when it’s in season and then freezing for later is a great way to save a little $$.
Thanks, Emily! Thank you for hosting this project. I’ve really enjoyed it.
Number three is so true!! I’m a huge fan of keeping hummus/guac in the fridge with crackers, pita, veggies, tortilla chips, etc for easy dipping! I was also recently introduced to roll ups – a slice of your favorite cheese with a slice or two of your favorite deli meat – and found that to be a great option too!