How to Feed a Family of 4 for less than $200 Month

F.A.Q - Here are various questions that we've received via email . . .

Yes, this e-book was originally written nearly a decade ago. Today, my children are Teenagers (with apparently hollow legs!), and the Economy has changed drastically in the last 10 years.

With that said, We still feed our family of 4 for $230-250 per month. This amount covers the following:

• Cleaning Supplies
• Beauty/Personal Care Items
• Paper Products (namely TP)
• Groceries(obviously)
• Pet/Critter Chow - (chicken feed, dog food, cat food) Horse Not included.

The biggest difference in our family budget between then and now, is that now I often utilize coupons. I used to (mistakenly) think that coupons were difficult to clip & use and for products that I wouldn't purchase anyway.

I still feel that more often then not, the coupons we tend to clip are for products I wouldn't normally purchase, the difference is now, I don't have to purchase them. I often get the groceries for free by using the coupons properly and matching them with sales.
Another thing that has changed for us, is that we have moved across country (literally) twice since this e-book was written. One area was so rural (less than 150 people in the entire town), that we had to drive well over an hour to get groceries. Which meant we couldn't buy frozen foods unless we also bought ice and brought a cooler, or they'd be ruined by the time we got home.
It also meant that we were not able to purchase meats in bulk from a butcher. Instead we had to take advantage of seasonal deals to stock up. For example, in January we purchased 50 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts for $1.33 a pound.

So, yes, this e-book is still valid today.

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Let me ask you, how long does it take you to get in your vehicle, drive to the store, pick out a few convenience item groceries, stand in line, pay for them, drive home, unload your car, and then put away the groceries? I'm willing to bet it takes you more than 20 minutes, but I can make 10 mixes in 20 minutes, without a thought.


How do you do it?

First, make sure you've tried the recipe and enjoy it. While nearly all the recipes on our site are tried and true, everyone’s tastes are different and what some claim to be the best they've ever had, might equal the flavor of roasted skunk to you.

Once you've tried the recipe, simply line up 10 Ziploc bags (or vacuum seal bags if you are fortunate enough to have this delightful item in your kitchen!). Measure out the ingredients into each bag.

For example- if you're making cookies, measure your 2 c. of flour into each of the 10 bags, then your 1/2 c. sugar, into each, etc. Scribble the directions for mixing them up on the outside of the bag with a permanent marker, For ex. - add 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, mix well bake 350 10 min. It doesn't have to be labeled with tags worthy of Martha Stewart, you just have to know what else to add to make them.

Do you Phone family or friends?

If you do, this is a great time for making your mixes. While you're chatting away, catching up on all of Aunt Bertha's latest doctor appointment updates, or lending an ear to your best friends boyfriend blunder, sock away a few more mixes in your pantry. Even a 15 minute phone call can result in 5 or more mixes in the cupboard for another day.

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View our $50 Weekly Menus- these include Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and snacks

Please feel free to submit additional questions or suggestions below!



Statistics are based on Official USDA gov Food Plans, 2008