Budget-Friendly Vegan Grocery Haul - ONLY $10.50 a Week?!

[@Sassycat757]

My mother always told us to keep rice, beans and potatoes in our house, because you can do so much with it.

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

so true! I wish I could have gotten potatoes too haha

[@sarahrae9587]

some dollar stores have a fresh foods section. the local 99 cent store i go to has one and i sometimes get my potatoes there and they sometimes even have organic lettuce boxes! sometimes the bigger bags of potatoes are 1.99 but i get the dollar bag

[@adamaj74]

My local Aldi's has 10 pound bags of potatoes for $1.99 often.

[@HNGuthrie]

Another thing to consider: Often people who have to rely on public assistance to eat get their food money once a month and have limited transportation. In rural areas especially, this means that they often only shop once a month, which leads to very limited access to fresh foods. It also means eating much more processed food, which is often both more expensive and less helpful. Being poor is expensive in terms of both money and health.

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

Very true!

[@HeidiSue60]

H. N. Guthrie beans, rice and other grains, potatoes, and most root veggies such as carrots, keep long term. You might not get as much fresh green as you want, but potatoes are a complete food and very storage friendly. No need for lots of processed, if people know how to do tasters.

[@Lienna-]

@@kalesaladwithbeans246 i live in middle of nowhere in russia and we buy potatoes, carrots, beets or other veggies once in october for whole winter (it's about 5 months in my area). Proper storage is a key, just google how to

[@HeidiSue60]

Jessie K I lived for 10 years in the middle of nowhere, Idaho and bought potatoes by the 20 lb bag (or 50# during potato harvest...fresh taters! Yum!) and they kept just fine. I had one instance where a potato went bad in the bottom of the pantry which meant getting rid of quite a few of them, but not all of them. One time. In ten years of rural living. I haven't ever tried storing carrots outside of the fridge, but I have friends in that same region of Idaho who had a root cellar and yes, their carrots kept all winter long. Potatoes, too. Onions. Turnips probably, if they wanted to. I never wanted turnips though LOL but thinking about it, I have kept carrots in the fridge for AGES. Not peeled baby carrots, but whole carrots...weeks and still usable. I mean, fresh are better, but carrot soup is a thing, and the older carrots work okay for that.

[@alanap9096]

Damn, this is $546 a year. I know people who spend that much in a month.

[@geneology9864]

alana P i know people who spend that much on 5 dinners eating out 😢😥😧

[@camilledownes1571]

dang.... that really puts it into perspective; nice add!

[@VibrantKawaii17]

I feel attacked because I spend that much a year

[@damla5665]

i know people who spend that shit IN A DAY...

[@MelissaHurley1994]

I have to spend that much right now untill I can get a job

[@caroklee6606]

Some recipe tips for this challenge if needed: -add salt to your porrige if you'd get bored with eating it sweetened -boil some rice with twice as much water with a lid on for 15 min, let it soak up the rest of the water for another 15 min. Put the rice into a bowl and add salt to taste and form onigiri (leave some rice at the bottom of the pan and put it back on the stove for another 15 min or so, you'll have a crispy rice disc) -mash one banana and add some peanutbutter if wanted. Add oats until it forms a paste, let it sit until the oats are soft. Form some discs and bake them at 360°F until they are dry and brown(15-25 min)(Those are supposed to be cookies :D) I really hope those recipes will help you somehow. I make them a lot, mainly because they are quick to make and pretty tasty(in my opinion). Have a wonderful week Caitlyn, good luck! :3

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

Thank you! I was planning on making those oat cookies, but may have to try that onigiri as well!

[@ghislainr5127]

Those oat cookies sound awesome!

[@foreverwantingpie]

Anyone who does this challenge should consider donating the money they saved doing it to hunger relief programs. Great video

[@ghislainr5127]

foreverwantingpie exactly what I was thinking !

[@HashBandicoot356]

I will donate the money saved to my bank account.

[@LizAkyxl]

That’s what I’ll be doing. 👍🏼🙏🏼

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

Me too.

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

If you save money, put it into a savings account or do whatever you want with the money.

[@charlieeverything3025]

I'm kinda getting obsessed with the idea of becoming vegan tbh

[@Maddsization]

Charlie everything DO IT

[@molly104]

omg it's definitely worth it. I transitioned a year ago and so happy I did it

[@charlieeverything3025]

Molly I'm just nervous about it cause I still live with my parents in the Midwest where every restaurant is a bbq place but I feel better without meat ya know?

[@molly104]

Well here's the thing: I lived in France when I did it (I'm from the UK). It's not always possible at the beginning to resist every temptation or social pressure to eat meat/animal products. My best advice is to eat vegan absolutely every opportunity you have, and it will become second nature before you know it. Don't put pressure on yourself to "be vegan" overnight, it's all about educating both your mind and body. Good luck!

[@jordynheartsk8]

Charlie everything vegan Midwest high school student here, you can do it! :)

[@SakamotoSyd]

Thank you for raising awareness...I hardly ever see a vegan that cares about their fellow humans as much as they do for animals. Keep up the great content.

[@meganparrish622]

LUVVV this comment😍

[@lilymayer5444]

So true. So many vegans care more about cows and pigs than they do people...

[@BethGrantDeRoos]

First let me say I appreciate your empathy for those who live in poverty and don't have the luxury that so many vegans have when it comes to buying any and all vegan foods they want. Am on Social Security and have never had the luxury of eating processed vegan foods, or vegan restaurant foods. My weekly food budget is $10. Once someone has herbs, spices, vegan mayo it makes it much easier to eat healthy nutrient rich vegan meals. I buy in season fruits and vegetables in bulk which also saves me money. Am blessed with local farmers markets where an hour before closing I can get a case of tomatoes for $2, peaches $3, strawberries $3.

[@lilat9309]

Beth Grant-DeRoos $10 a week? I dont know how it is possible , i spend more than that one day

[@lilymayer5444]

It’s hard on the farmers though. If everybody did that, waited till they were about to close and bought the food for cheap, they wouldn’t make any money. I try to always support local farmers and pay full price and then some, but then again I have the luxury to do so.

[@emilywild21]

Farmers Markets are amazing! Usually if you make contacts you can find great deals and sometimes even trade if you have a lot of one item and need others.

[@ashleyjoyner6430]

At one point, about 70% of my food for the week came from Dollar Tree. It wasn't ideal, but you can make it work. Of course, I was single and didn't eat much at a meal, but it is NOT EASY AT ALL. The people that live like this are SUPERSTARS and deserve ALL THE RESPECT.

[@MikesVegas]

I shop at Dollar Tree all the time, and sometimes I can find some great stuff even Organic items sometimes 👍👍👍

[@lilymayer5444]

Once I bought nice Pink Himalayan Salt from there!

[@ChonniEmanon]

this is like my grocery haul every week hahaha, broke uni student life. try making fried rice w/ veges and mix in some peanut butter and pepper- it's actually rlly good

[@lindsaysimplyliving803]

Hey Caitlin, are you going to show us what you made each day with the food you have for the 5 days? Even a retrospective would be very interesting.

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

Yes that is the plan! :)

[@hectorabcdefg9076]

please do! im fat sick n almost dead. i need your help

[@aysimaberil]

lindsaysimplyliving I was just gonna ask this, Yay!

[@lindsaysimplyliving803]

You need Joe Cross' help!

[@mattlogan6892]

i've started bulk making the same meal for 3 days a week!

[@Kattmandu19]

Glad you're doing this! I've been in a food insecure household before and although i'm not faced with that reality anymore I still live on a budget to make sure my kids have everything they need in life. It's also great to show how much cheaper it is to eat whole foods that are plantbased vs processed foods with meat & dairy. Wish i'd known how much more money I could've saved in my 20's if i'd tossed the meat & dairy outta my cart! 😁

[@mackenziebell2782]

What you are doing is incredibly admirable, Caitlin. You are setting a wonderful example in the vegan and KZbin community. Sending you positive thoughts and vibes 💗🙏

[@AuroraLaurialis]

Thank you for making this video series. When I was in college myself and my two brothers lived with my mom and her boyfriend, my mom got 200$/mo in food stamps for all of us and that’s all we had for food. My mother was in a car accident in 2008 that left her unable to walk or work, her boyfriend is a retired military veteran and they got 1400$ between them for bills and rent. My mother didn’t want us working so we could focus on our education and we only ate 1 meal a day. We mostly ate potato soup and similar meals to what you made in the other videos.

[@angelicalopez1966]

You are killing it! Thank you for creating your channel. Not only have you pumped me up even more about becoming 100% plant based but for always showing how simple and cheap it can be. Thank you

[@Hehehihihe]

I love love loveeeee people acknowledging their privilege and using their platforms to talk about it!!!! Amazing Caitlin. Love it so much 😌

[@AshleyMaresca]

I really appreciate that you're doing this challenge. I have been spending the past year serving with Americorps and a lot of the students I work with are living below the poverty line. I have gone through waves of struggling with my privilege, but I have definitely learned to just be grateful for everything that I have. I think this is something that everybody should try, or at least seriously think about! We could all use a reality check! You're incredibly inspiring!

[@oohwha]

More people need to see this! Especially people that buy "value meals" at Burger King every day and spend almost your entire WEEK'S BUDGET on ONE MEAL! Fast food is *NOT* less expensive than healthy food from the grocery store!!!

[@yellow_blooms1993]

At my church we do bumper bag every week. And we donate fresh fruit and veggies to families in need it would surprise you how many people cannot afford to buy food for their family. So this is a really inspiring video ❤️

[@melissamartin9615]

You are such a kind-hearted, mature young person. How impressive that you step outside of your comfort zone, with such empathy and compassion to walk a mile in other folks shoes. I literally cried watching these videos. It is so special and touching to see there are young people who give NOT to receive and who want to go through an experience simply in order to know how to better HELP others who may be going through the same experiences. If you were my daughter, I would be so proud of the young lady you have become. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting this whole challenge. I have been through some of this; not being able to buy food and scared to death that my family couldn't eat. Even fixing as much for them as I could and pretending I already ate and when it was time to wash dishes eating the leftovers from their plates. It is absolutely, unbearably a heartbreaking situation to go through. And those were times when I was even working! Life is hard enough on its own; if we love one another we can rise above these circumstances instead of being torn down even more. God bless you and every viewer.

[@shamst8935]

really appreciate your honest intent on taking up this challenge & creating awareness about poverty & hunger. it is imp for us to realise how blessed v are & that v should complain less.

[@molly8905]

This is really good- my husband and I are doing War On Debt and a health food coach gave me a meal plan that cost close to $40-50 per day. I told her I don't feel right spending that much. She was really not understanding. Great video to highlight food spending!

[@thisisthewrongone]

Molly that's over $1k per month wtf

[@mosesart.47]

This is going to be a truly eye opening experience. Thank you for taking us along with you on the journey! Hopefully oneday, I'll be brave enough to take the challenge myself!

[@ninaperry2873]

Wow that's really interesting to try that! Your haircut is so pretty. I want to try that challenge once too bc it could save me a lot of money in college

[@maiarodriguez6635]

I love this idea, love that you're doing it, and love you even more for doing it! I grew up in a poor family in the midwest that ate terribly because buying healthy food just wasn't feasible on our budget. I am now a graduate student on stipend, four years vegan, and consume a bunch of organic lacinato kale in two days without flinching, so I am in a much more privileged position with my grocery habits. However, I always wished that people in my past situation had more information on how to eat the best possible on a small sum. I'm going to share the update video with recipes but maybe on your next video you might encourage others to share the video to (hopefully) reach people who want to eat healthier and (extra hopefully) go vegan but don't have the money. Thank you again for doing this!

[@morganusher168]

Good for you for trying this! I just got back from the store and spent $25 for about a week of food and I thought that was really low! Can't wait to see how it goes for you :)

[@thek7455]

Caitlin you inspire me. Thank you for being such a genuine human being

[@AKMArt-vj2vi]

I struggled for a whole winter! I was only working part time job and it took a long time to find another one after I graduated from college! It was miserable! I was a full-time college student and working full time! But then the job I had worked for only could put me on part time. It was so hard! I was barely getting by! I still persisted with my vegan diet and could easily eat what was required for my body. This lesson has taught me how to budget and save those meager earnings. It can be done! I am doing much better I now work two jobs and can easily pay for things now! But the experience has definitely put things into perspective for me.

[@briellegray1236]

This is a great challenge. We all have a lot to be grateful for. Always remember when you think you have it rough someone has it worse.

[@emmaruth4748]

Loved this video, it's really thoughtful and aware that nobody's life is the same and a lot of people are struggling on what some might see as basic things, and I think that's difficult to comprehend and accept sometimes.

[@angelicawegman7395]

You are a hundred percent real. Empathy is lost, and I think this is wonderful idea to do for yourself to be more reflective and build more gratitude. THANK YOU FOR USING YOUR PLATFORMMMM

[@InnerBeauty]

I grew up never having snacks we only got the essentials but we never went hungry thanks to God and my hard working father.

[@CrystleDragon]

Thank you for doing this challenge. I am not in extreme poverty right now, but I have found out that in the past, there have been times my mom didn't eat so her kids could. This sort of situation breaks my heart, so thank you for reminding us that it is still a very real problem.

[@Tee_Dawg1]

I love this video/concept. No matter who you are, it pays to learn to be frugal. Situations and circumstances change, and it's good to be able to adapt. We're now having food shortages, and everyone can benefit from this video.

[@Sweetsimplevegan]

THAT INTRO EDIT THO

[@PluviophileTraveller]

Yes!

[@vernloves2560]

Sweet Simple Vegan...Lawd so Much Talking.. Just get right to it! Pleaseeee, sigh!

[@Taran532]

That played out idiot phrase tho.

[@michellesunshinestar]

I go to Taco Bell and steal the "mild sauce", I love that stuff, and it's good on quesadillas!! Yum. I'll take like 15 packets at a time. (But I always buy something when I go).

[@amiegamble1678]

Whenever I buy someone I ask for sauce. I swear they put a handful or 2 every time. I keep packets for future use. Including sauces from other restaurants.

[@SuperUgnele]

yesss!! this is amazing challenge! do what I eat in a day while doing this!!

[@legoqueen2445]

People I know who have done this in Australia combine their efforts with fundraising for different causes. There's one where you get a box of the same ammount of food refugees are given to survive off a week and people can sponsor the participants so all money raised goes to refugee causes. We also have the 40 hour famine where people fast for 40 hours and raise money for developing countries. It's great there's a dollar store where you can get things cheap, not everyone has that option. I moved out of home young and used to only have $20 to buy 2 weeks worth of food. Used to use a calculator to do my shopping and had to figure out what to buy that was cheap and that I could make the most meals from. So glad those days are over!

[@MrsTeenagewiccan]

I know this video is an older one of yours . But I wanted to say thank you. Due to years of my medical bills as well as my Ill grandmother living with my family for 12 years before she passed , our family is drowning in debt. Most weeks we don’t get to go grocery shopping and rely on a food shelf. I can’t really afford to be picky and it’s very very hard to strictly eat vegan. Even getting healthy food is sometimes a struggle because generally it is so expensive . This video series has given me a bit of hope that if I get creative I can try my very best to make recipes for my family that are healthy and even as much as possible vegan.

[@hmgibb]

you're such an amazing person. you make me strive to better person and think outside the box. when ive had a rough day i watch your videos and it just makes me appreciate what i have and all those things ive stressed about really don't matter. so thank you for your videos :)

[@pamelarueda6045]

We love to hear out your recipes that you came up with. In my country, eating healthy is very expensive that's why I'm having hard time budgeting my money. I appreciate your effort in doing this movement! I hope you can do more this kind of videos because it's exactly my alloted food allowance. Thank you and Godbless! From Philippines.

[@faith9196]

This was honestly eye opening and I reallyy want to do this for a week... I mean today me and my dad managed to rack up a good 50 bucks at the store, and now that I think about it on mainly fresh fruit and flavored water... damn...

[@lucyjames1525]

Very interesting video, thank you. Since about a month ago I try to watch how much money I spend on food and try to reduce it because you tend to forget the things you buy inbetween and end up buying a lot more than you actually want to. So this is really helpful for me, thanks for the inspo

[@BroccoliRocks]

If anyone finds themselves in this position I can't recommend Asian supermarkets like H-Mart enough. Aside from dirt cheap soy products they also offer a superior variety of produce and at CHEAP prices. Yesterday I bought a pound of turnip greens for $1.69. That amount of turnip greens would have provided a lot of the nutrients missing on the austerity diet described in the video above.

[@togepee]

Do you know any videos that have done this challenge (or a similar one) with Asian groceries? I've been trying to look for one but I can't find any.

[@nicinathalie8273]

I think what you're doing is awesome Caitlin! I hope this does raise awareness for those living under the poverty line.

[@TaylorSwiftGleek]

You are so inspiring Caitin! I'm going to go grocery shopping today and cut down on the amount of food I buy. I spend over €50 a week on just me !! Its crazy! So thank you so much for bringing this awareness to me, and many others!

[@alexcao4184]

Can you make a cooking without oil video?

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

It's on my list of videos to film!

[@dontreadmyprofilepicture3768]

Caitlin Shoemaker and you did do it!

[@seraconroy4231]

i think you did a great job explaining the challenge and situation. Its really amazing that you are doing this and raising awareness, despite your lifestyle!

[@becadiaz8]

You're amazing Caitlin! Always so wholistic, KIND hearted, thoughtful, and inspiring in all you do. :)

[@lilianabenitezdeluna8990]

What an absolutely fantastic reason to do this challenge... being self aware of our privileges is extremely important. Putting ourselves in other people’s shoes is extremely important 👏🏽

[@SzahProductions]

I really wish you did more breakfast chats. I think it's really cool to know you on a deeper level, especially because you seem to be a very consistent and honest person, and you also seem to manage your time really well as a vegan student :)

[@txdave]

THIS SERIES WAS SO GOOD OMG!! I think honestly every food KZbinr should do this so amazing ugh

[@meghanneill4277]

i think this is such an awesome video! i know that i definitely take advantage of going to the grocery store and splurging or going out to dinner etc. i'm eager to try this challenge to remind myself of the true importances of life. thank you for that very necessary reminder!

[@swyeee]

You're such a positive human being!

[@paulamarie2056]

I guess you could try to make burgers with beans, oats, salt, and black pepper... (and steal the ketchup and mustard because why not😂) and eat it with a side of rice

[@JayJay-gg3gu]

I only search for weekly budget Vegan videos. This is much needed. Weekly recipes for a very tight budget. I want to meal prep but not make the same food and eat the same thing. I also get tired of beans and rice. So the help is appreciated.

[@maylilies2961]

A few pointers: Frozen spinach cubes cost less then other frozen vegetables and offer a lot more nutrition Peanuts, sunflower seeds, flax seeds and tofu are some cheap healthy sources of fat and protein If you are looking to add more flavor to foods consider buying spices from a bulk store When they come on sale nab those big bags of potatoes, carrots, onions and beets! Of course depending on where you live pricing can vary, so it's important to know you local stores and staples.

[@theveganhippie2730]

I admire you for doing this Caitlin. Look forward to seeing what you come up with.

[@serrakartalloglu8782]

You have a golden little heart💖

[@CassieTranthesuperfitbabe]

Love this challenge so much! I've always wanted to try this, but I'm incredibly scared about it! Oatmeal, beans, rice, and frozen vegetables would always be a staple!

[@caelyncaivano4294]

I highly recommend adding peanut butter to your oatmeal with the banana -- I eat it for breakfast on weekends and it is so yummy!

[@geenicah]

I think it's cool that you're trying to bring attention to such an important cause and that you're encouraging people to donate money if they can. Just a suggestion, but if you know of any documentaries or interviews with people actually living below the poverty line sharing their stories, those would also be cool to link to and bring attention to. Because a lot of people who are watching this video series are coming from a relatively privileged life, I think it's also important to not only get people to think about being in someone else's shoes, but to also amplify the voices of people who actually experience this day to day.

[@abiraminaren4916]

Thank you so much Caitlin! I am vegan, and I go to college a very very far away from home in my beautiful country: India! I have learnt so much about healthy lifestyles on KZbin and Instagram and I always felt I couldn't afford really fancy things like superfoods and certain powders and vegetables that are considered 'exotic' here! Thank you for reassuring me that I should be grateful for what I have because it is true, whatever we have, we are really lucky to have it. I was quite low because I wanted to try out so much and I still want to save so much because I know that I shouldn't put all my money in it just for those 'instagram pictures'. This really helped :) Lots of love from India!

[@albeni120]

so happy to see you doing this. we had to do this for my food environments class last semester. it led me to doing a semester long research paper on the relationship between veganism and social justice, which i would be happy to share with you if you're interested in reading it!

[@jaclynwood]

This is awesome!! I've been doing a series of being vegan on a budget, but I'm just doing the thrifty and low-cost plan of what most Americans can spend on food ($5-$8 a day). $1.50 a day would definitely be a challenge! I'm excited to see your experience with this. I may try this challenge too!

[@lauren2642]

I think it's really cool to show people that you can be vegan on such a low budget! I will however mention that if someone is planning to do this on a more long term basis, be sure to get your B12 💖

[@codenamehoneytattoos]

So excited to see your next upload about your experience doing this! You rock

[@ruthhanckel8191]

you were brilliant. I'm 59 and on the pension due to illness and I really need to find a way to cut down on food cost. This was fantastic. Although a jar of penut butter like that in Australia is $6. Have to say I feel a bit strange taking advice from a teenager - but you have made a fabulous video.

[@hannahprine8084]

huge props to you for doing this! i go sooo overboard grocery shopping and this is really making me think!! ☺

[@annalam6626]

love you so much Caitlin, I'm truly inspired. I will do this challenge in the near future. we could all be reminded of how incredibly lucky we are

[@lulredd7327]

You are such a sweet human being! It's so important to realize what we have in this life. Keep up the great work ❤

[@MintyBones42o]

I love watching your videos. Youve inspired me to cook more. Some weeks my fiance and I dont have enough money to buy groceries. We regularly go to the dollar store for food. ❤ life will get better. Somehow it always does, and your videos help :)

[@debrabrickus8467]

I love your budget challenge.I just discovered blueberries,strawberries and veggies at the $ tree I had never noticed tat before.

[@robinwiergacz9974]

I'm impressed with you and your cause, you are a very aware young lady! We as Americans probably do not realize what an issue this is in our own country.

[@msxeneyxo]

I love these videos. I currently haven’t had an income for a month, so I’m not able to buy anything from medicine to a meal. So these videos help a ton considering I have these items in the cupboard. xx

[@janettackett7659]

Wow what an awesome thing! I'm excited to see your results! Thanks for the encouragement to be humble and real! I really enjoy your videos!

[@maczobam]

Really interested to hear your reflections on this challenge- I hadn't thought of this for myself, but I think I will try it now!

[@dianneroy3208]

yes we all should be grateful for what we have. I am going to try this also. our dollar tree is no longer $1.00, $1.25. We also don't have huge freezer sections or fruit sections in Canada.

[@MarcieJ2000]

This is so eye-opening and awesome that you did this. I know I take things like affording veggies for granted. Thanks for sharing :)

[@alwayslearning9272]

Thank you for doing this, it was very inspiring and interesting, and I appreciate it being vegan also. I was wondering if you have any plans to do this challenge again? This year marks the 10th year of Live Below The Line so I thought it would be great if some vegan KZbinr's took up the challenge again this year and got involved. I'd love to see a new version of this, see if you'd do anything differently etc?

[@yesjj12]

Rather than restricting budget to daily, weekly basis it could be better to stretch it to monthly- even bi-monthly. Because if you buy things in bulk almost always it is cheaper by volume. So, multiply 1.5$per day×30- that would be 45$ per month. With that buy non perishable goods(beans, rice, oat, canned goods) and long lasting veggies(like carrot, potato, celery etc.) in larger bulk and store them properly(blanch and freeze some veggies that don't last long) Plus this way you save on gas too.

[@risuhana]

That's an amazing idea! Wow, I'm really looking forward to the video about how it went!

[@joyce1343]

Hey just a suggestion to go with your lunch and dinner nake some oats on the side to mix with your rive and beans. It makes a wonderful creamy, gravy,rich, dressing almost

[@gaiaformentin7394]

i live in London and i am a uni student and i do this every week to try and save money ( its 7£ for seven days for me) and i get so much more food its sad that food is so expensive in the usa

[@bryanacamillebraxton4770]

Really interesting and brave experiment! When you're really in a crunch you can eat on budget!

[@annalisahamlett1334]

Love this! i just watched Living on One on Netflix and it definitely makes you appreciate what you have. I am inspired to try this as well. Thanks for having such a great KZbin channel.

[@iheartmac2010]

Thank-you for making this video. I'm on disability and food assistance.. it does help. I do cook for one, but I do try and share.. or I freeze.. I set my self a budget of 50 - 60 dollars a month.. and make meals that are 4 dollars .. I try to get fresh veggies when I go to the store. I am great full for what I have and lucky that I have help.. where I live rent is expensive,, but I get help with that to and I pay the difference.. i'm not ashamed. If someone need's help, people should not shame other's for the difficult times.. my parents are comfortable.. there retired, but they still pinch pennies.. thanks for making this video once again..

[@catherine2268]

I would love to try this, I struggle with having meals under AUD $2, I am coeliac so oats are out and I'm sensitive to beans so I would have to be very creative

[@haleyelizabeth271]

Just a thought, if there were a can of peanuts/nuts at the dollar tree you could of created your own nut butter. I have recently done this and LOVED it! Good luck Caitlin, love this idea!!

[@tracyzook857]

I was going to mention this too. Just made some pb in my food processor. Then you could just use some of the nuts for the butter and use the others for snack...

[@SerenaBoBinas]

I grew up very poor and I’ve been fortunate enough to get out of that level, thank you for this video. I am very enthusiastic to try this challenge.

[@ufosvsmonkeys2556]

Goin to try and live of this amount for a whole year as I travel across my native homeland of wales/uk doing RSPB conservation work showing kids nature. 15pound a week at time, I love my pricy vegan food at times.

[@patriciarhemphill8817]

You have a good heart!!! This is a good idea, being vegan for over a month, I have notice that it can get very expensive. Keep up the good work!!!!👏👏👍

[@TheConscientiousEater]

I absolutely love that you're doing this. I actually want to find out what the average person in China lives on and do this same challenge. Thanks for the inspiration and for raising awareness!

[@pippin.jardine]

can you do a what i eat in a day with this?

[@lilitincher4973]

Add a small bag of flour and you can make your own flour tortillas for bean burritos. :)

[@ninalina3142]

Well shit your dollar tree is awesome. Ours is literally "nick nacks" (however it's spelt)

[@sarahelizabeth1183]

I love your videos and social media so much!!! Thank you for being an inspiration :)

[@michellesunshinestar]

Sometimes I go to the food pantry. You can get a better amount of food at the food pantry than what you got from Dollar Tree. They will usually give you 2 bags of food, and a bunch of produce. I'm vegetarian, so I don't accept the meat. (I'm low income). Sometimes you can go to the pantry twice a month. The other thing you can do, is sometimes churches give out free lunches. (I know this is a challenge). I budget $60 a week, I actually went over that today.

[@tisgrlgotdabluz5071]

Super impressed with how your heart for this cause just shines through... you're a beautiful person and thank you for doing this! (-: