[Yo Sake]

<p>We have discussed this before here.  I feel our family spend way too much on food.....(monthly $800~1,000? for family of four including 12-yr old boy with bottom-less stomach and 14-yr old girl).  We eat out less these days and I cook more with fresh ingredients (instead of processed food).  I tend to spend liberally at Japanese grocery store too.  How much do you guys spend?  Another challenge is to keep track of, or at least have a good idea how much I am spending on food because I purchase food at Costco and Target in addion to the other stuff (household items, clothes, misc.) there, outside of the regular grocery stores. </p>
<p>I found an interesting statistics by the way, <a href="http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/USDAFoodCost-Home.htm" target="_blank">http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/USDAFoodCost-Home.htm</a>.  According to this, we fit somewhere between 'low-cost' and 'moderate-cost' plan, so our expenditures are not outrageous....</p>
<p>Just looking for ideas for cutting some cost.        </p>

 

[TriBob]

<p>We always come out at the very top. usually $1000 - $1200 (Family of 4 with two teens). This is a hot topic because DW chooses convenience over cost. I buy a lot of bulk items at BJs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The the cost of gas, groceries are directly affected and you have to maintain your focus on getting the most for you money.</p>

 

[SpartyGirl]

<p>We're at around 650/mo...and for us that is too much.  Shooting for closer to $500/mo when we make up meals/menus for the week.</p>

 

[AdCo]

<p>We have no idea.  we now spend a little more on meat and veggies, but we decided that we really wanted the better quality that we can get at wegmans and trader joes opposed to the crappy Worcester shopping markets. However, we are eating out a lot less and actually eating less food than before, so it seems to be working out.  my guess about 600-800 /month including other things we buy there, like cat food, etc.. </p>

 

[Alaska Mike]

<p>Last year I spend over $6600 dining out and $1400 on groceries (Love Quicken!).  In 2012 the split was $4500/$2400.  And I'm only feeding myself half the year.  Difficult with my schedule because food left in fridge for the 2 weeks I'm up north goes bad.  And I forget to go shopping and live within walking distance of the restaurant district, so its convenient to just go out and grab dinner out.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mike</p>

 

[Tri-Tammy]

<p>When both kids were at home and in highschool sports, our monthly food bill maxed at $1200 per month.  (I really never thought it was true that a teen boy could drink so much milk- boy was I wrong)  We did a lot of shopping at Costco and my mom bought us a food saver.  I have no clue what it'll be with just DH and I.  I suspect much, MUCH less and that food saver will come in even more handy! </p>

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>AdCo</strong> <a href="/t/76263/ot-food-expenditures#post_2027525"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br><p> we decided that we really wanted the better quality that we can get at wegmans and trader joes opposed to the crappy Worcester shopping markets.</p>
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<p><br>
We're in the opposite camp. I believe that if I can't find it at <a href="http://mydemoulas.com/" target="_blank">Market Basket</a>, I don't need it. MB is the low cost, high volume, no frills grocery store in our area. A gallon of milk is half the price of the "Upscale" stores and probably comes from the same cow. The produce, meat, and fish tend to be very fresh because of the high turnover. You gotta throw a few elbows in the crowded aisles but I kinda enjoy the sport of it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We're a family of four with two high school boys. We don't eat out much - except the boys usually buy the $3 lunches at school. We plan menus weekly in consultation with the MB weekly flyer. At least one night a week is typically a leftover night and mom and dad bring leftovers to work for lunch most days.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'd say we range $125 - $175 a week at the grocery store, $30 a week for  kids' lunches, maybe another $50 - $100 a week for coffees, purchased lunches, eating out. That's around $1,320 a month which puts us pretty much off the chart. Go figure.</p>

 

[AdCo]

<p>LRR: we loved marked basked, but they don't have them in worcester.  Given some dietary issues withnon grass fed beef, etc. we do spend more, but it's worth it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>One thing that is "nice" is that since it is just two of us, and extra $1/lb doesn't hurt as much since we aren't feedinng hungry teenagers, etc.. although the dog does do quite well. <br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>LeftRightRepeat</strong> <a href="/t/76263/ot-food-expenditures#post_2027566"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br><p><br>
We're in the opposite camp. I believe that if I can't find it at <a href="http://mydemoulas.com/" target="_blank">Market Basket</a>, I don't need it. MB is the low cost, high volume, no frills grocery store in our area. A gallon of milk is half the price of the "Upscale" stores and probably comes from the same cow. The produce, meat, and fish tend to be very fresh because of the high turnover. You gotta throw a few elbows in the crowded aisles but I kinda enjoy the sport of it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We're a family of four with two high school boys. We don't eat out much - except the boys usually buy the $3 lunches at school. We plan menus weekly in consultation with the MB weekly flyer. At least one night a week is typically a leftover night and mom and dad bring leftovers to work for lunch most days.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'd say we range $125 - $175 a week at the grocery store, $30 a week for  kids' lunches, maybe another $50 - $100 a week for coffees, purchased lunches, eating out. That's around $1,320 a month which puts us pretty much off the chart. Go figure.</p>
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<br><br><p> </p>

 

[hobey]

<p>We spend $700-$800/month as a family of three and that included going out and lovely beverages. We cook 95%+ of the time and brown bag lunches to work/school. I don't clip coupons since I think my time is worth more than that and I do the majority of my shopping at local grocery store because their produce is much, much better than the usual chains. We try to eat seasonally and buy local most of the time so that means farmer's markets/CSAs. I joined a CSA last year and our total weekly cost over the season was ~20.00 for a huge bag of fruits and veggies every week. Since it's winter, we're eating a lot of root veggies and brassicas to keep in season. Our typical diet these days is mostly skewed to grains, vegetables, tofu, and fish.</p>

 

[zojmn151]

<p>Hmmm...we're lower than most I guess...Maybe $300-$500/mo depending on the month...have a BJs membership, but don't go too often, I'd say a handful of times a year...have a 15 yo son and a 12 yo daughter.  DH and I tend to bring lunch most days and we'll get take out 1x week, so add in ~$30 for that, so we'd be at ~$600/mo max.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>love Love LOVE Market Basket!!   There is one in Oxford Adam...might be worth the trip?  Also love Trader Joe's and Wegman's but they are much farther away...</p>

 

[Yo Sake]

<p>Thank you guys for your input.  LRR's post opened my eyes, about menu planning <span style="text-decoration:underline;">in consultations with a grocery store flyer</span>.  That is one thing I have never done.  I have a few grocery store choices within 3-4miles in addition to TJ's and Costo.  Will do some comparison! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>hobey - what is CSA? </p>
<p> </p>

 

[em73]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Yo Sake</strong> <a href="/t/76263/ot-food-expenditures#post_2027619"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br><p>Thank you guys for your input.  LRR's post opened my eyes, about menu planning <span style="text-decoration:underline;">in consultations with a grocery store flyer</span>.  That is one thing I have never done.  I have a few grocery store choices within 3-4miles in addition to TJ's and Costo.  Will do some comparison! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>hobey - what is CSA? </p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
CSA - community supported agriculture.  basically, a farm share.  you pay up front for a "share" of the farm's produce.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>my issue with planning in consult with a flyer is that I eat certain "brands" of turkey, grass fed beef, and wild caught fish, no other proteins except some dairy.  those rarely go on sale.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>but trying to plan your menus around produce that is more in-season will result in a generally lower cost.</p>
<p> </p>

 

[ksurp]

<p>We are in the $1000 month range too with 10 and 13 year old boys.  I do try to prepare meals most nights of the week and stay away from too much processed stuff. I bring leftovers to work for lunch and pack lunches for both boys each day. DH rarely eats during the day and he is always on the road. Living in a more rural community means we have a 30 minute drive each way to any decent grocery store, farmer's market, or restaurant. During the summer months I buy most produce from local farm stands/markets and because I don't work during the summer I can put a lot more effort into meal planning and shopping. Going to the farmer's market here is a major social event. It is more expensive but it is all local. There is also a COOP food store that is like a upscale grocery store and I try to shop there as much as possible. The meat and fish selection is the best in the area, they make great prepared foods, and have a lot of organic and bulk options.  When I need to restock more mainstream food items I shop at a brand new Hannaford market which has decent prices and I try to stock up on whatever is on sale. Couponing doesn't work for me because I don't purchase that stuff. Cleaning products and such are generally purchased at Walmart.  We dine out or bring home takeout much more in the winter months because of traveling for hockey every Saturday and Sunday and with late dinners due to hockey and basketball practices/games.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Good topic!</p>

 

[regiolanthe]

<p>I'd say we spent anywhere from 85-125/week, depending on how many staples we buy. We shop at Market Basket for price ... even though the deli smells kind of funky, we haven't got sick yet. Occasional big box buys at BJs (mainly gum, occasionally cereal and granola bars, maple syrup, pine nuts, almonds, etc), but don't use it for typical food shopping.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As far as eating/ordering out, it's probably once every 3-4 weeks, unless we're on the road for a swim meet or something. We do buy dough from the local pizza place and make our own pizza. It's only about $2 a ball, and turns out much nicer and easier to work than refrigerated dough from store. The shop will flatten it out for us as well. Also, we use that Entertainment book and go cheap on the fine dining when possible.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Brown bagging saves a lot, though occasionally kids will buy school lunch. Don't buy coffee or other drinks on a regular basis.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>All told, I'd be surprised if we went over $600-700/mo on food, including eating out and bulk food purchases - this is with two teens in the family, and yes - gallons of milk.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We do clip/use coupons (easy enough to do while watching the tube or something), and definitely check flyers for sales and may make a side trip if there is a great buy on something, but in general we only shop Market Basket since it is usually the price leader on about everything.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We're not big into seafood as a menu item, so maybe that helps some. Also - I wouldn't call us brand loyal on most food items. I definitely prefer some brand items over store brands (breads, cereal), but am generally happy enough to pick up whatever ice cream, pretzel, cereal, whatever brand is on sale.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>geo</p>

 

[MBannon]

<p>We spent about $750/mo on food-stuffs last year, which would include everything you can buy at a grocery store and the local Saturday market.  Food, beer, wine, cleaning supplies, light bulbs, etc.  On top of that, we spent about $150/mo dining out (a loose term that includes all meals outside the home, from Taco Bell to Chez Snobesque...but mostly Taco Bell).  Two adults and two small children.  I keep telling my wife that we need to start a savings account for when our boy hits his teen years, but she doesn't believe me.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Edit - Oh...but that does NOT include money I spend at the actual wine store on tastings and occasional purchases...that gets its own category in QuickBooks.  :blush:</p>

 

[SpartyGirl]

<p>Yoshiko - I know that there are lots of CSA opportunities in your general area, something to think about for the summer.  <span><img alt="smile.gif" id="user_yui_3_4_1_2_1328112972773_161" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"></span></p>

 

[Yo Sake]

Great! Loves the fresh produces from the farmers market and DS's garden. The season is just way too short around here though....