126 MEALS FOR $30! | Emergency Extreme Budget Grocery Haul 2020

[@davefitzpatrick1955]

I am a recently widowed 72 year old man on a horse farm. I love to cook and this video shows me I can survive without my wife''s social security and make healthy frugal meals. I was despairing how to live until inspired by frugal mom. Bread is a great idea. Just like my mother used to make when I was a boy. Thanks so much. You have brought a tear to my eye. Now to figure out how to feed my horses frugally.

[@cyechancawaiics4982]

Do you get your horse feed from your local feed mill? We get 14 percent sweet feed 50 lb bags and its around $10 or less I think. It will vary place to place but its so much cheaper

[@lbfeline2782]

I am shocked by the number of comments and people trying to make it on so little. We just need to pay people a living wage. This is insane.

[@jb6712]

Sir,you may already know this, but you can also go to dollar-type stores--for example, Dollar Tree (or any of them that charge no more than a dollar for each item)--and get quite a bit of canned food there, as well as other packaged foods. You do have to be aware that the off brand items are often not a good quality and/or taste, and simply are not worth the "savings." The ones I've shopped in, and do shop in now, carry brand names of such things as pasta sauces and vegetables, and you can get quite a few things from the fridge and freezer in each store. They're not gourmet, but even with my severe allergies and being unable to eat certain foods due to intolerances, I can get a lot of food there for under $40 and make it stretch for a long time. I only eat two meals a day by my preference, but a healthy-eating man can make good, decent meals from the foods purchased at Dollar Tree-type stores, as well as Dollar General and Aldi, and not have to spend huge amounts of money. I'm not saying you'd want to purchase every single thing that way--for instance, I absolutely have to have meat in my diet, and I don't mean chicken legs once in a while--but to fill out and round out the meals with the sauces and condiments, the dollar/budget stores really do help enormously. I'm 67, live alone on just Social Security and a small pension, and those stores are seriously big helps in stretching the food budget.

[@kikibanks]

And this brought a tear to mine 😥 I hope she got to see that comment, you never know how doing something could change someones life. This made my day. Its nice to see there's still good in the world. I wish I could help 😔🧡🌼

[@labradormom3656]

Bless you Mr. Fitzpatrick. There are many of us struggling financially in many different parts of the world and for many different reasons (myself included). I’m sorry that things aren’t a bit easier for you, especially as you have recently lost your wife. We lost my mum last year and my dad is a widower and he’s finding it very hard emotionally, so that coupled with your financial hardship and worrying about your horses, is a lot to deal with. Glad you’ve found some ideas to help you through channels like this though. My best wishes to you and your horses.

[@Inga4020]

In the mid 80's with a 5yr old and dirt poor I remember just wanting spices. They were soooo expensive in the store...couldn't afford them. My mom in law asked me what she could send me to help I told her herbs and spices. When I opened that package I cried at the bounty it brought to my life at that time.

[@Dragonridermom]

I have found that I can have spices if I go to the Organic market where they sell them in bulk. Still expensive, but I don't need to buy much. Just a few teaspoons, instead of an entire jar. And they are fresher and more flavorful.

[@brightideas26]

I hope that your life is bountiful now. Much love!

[@loko7914]

cantalot I think she was just talking about nowadays for people who still struggle with spice prices

[@TheKrazysinner]

If you still have trouble getting spices (this is for anyone reading this) dollar tree as well as walmart sells them for 1.00 a bottle for most spices.

[@melaniedrinkwater8310]

Dollar Tree has quite an assortment of spices for just $1.00 and sometimes you can find spices for $.88 cents at Walmart. Of course it depends what you're looking for. I also make my own Cajun seasoning using an assortment of typically $1.00 spices all mixed together in various quantities.

[@snoringcatP]

When we were young, I remember craving something sweet and my older brother took a slice of bread, spread butter on it and sprinkled a teaspoon of sugar over it and warmed it in the oven. That is such a great memory for me....my brother understood.

[@hdubby4533]

My siblings and I used to do the same thing as kids except we would sprinkle cinnamon on it too😊

[@isabellecolquhoun4933]

In Australia, we sprinkle hundreds and thousands onto buttered bread cut into triangles and call it "fairy bread". It's a staple at kids birthday parties 😁

[@snoringcatP]

@@hdubby4533 it is funny now that it is in writing it sounds like something from the 1930's but it was the 1980's.

[@snoringcatP]

@@isabellecolquhoun4933 I love how there is a name for it that makes it seem so magical.

[@hdubby4533]

@@snoringcatP I know what you mean haha,for me it was in the early 90's😃

[@TheStylistGina]

Good thing to note- you can keep the bones from all the eaten chicken and boil it with the onion skins and a few cloves of garlic to make broth for future meals.

[@jernigan007]

we know. thanks

[@itsjustme5594]

$30 a week for a family of 6, and I'm spending close to $100 a week for just two of us 🤦 time to re budget!

[@Hurt_mama]

100 a week for a family of 3! So I feel you. I'm going to sit down and plan for this week and try to keep it under 50

[@frankelijah1]

me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@terriz7791]

I spend about $100 a week for just my hubby and I. The kids pop by once in a while and I need a bit extra. I couldn't do this $30 budget. I don't make enough stuff from scratch.

[@briannahatcher9422]

same!

[@nekitamantovani8685]

Yeah girl me too 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@aimebita6410]

I love that you didn't turn this into "trying to be poor for a week". You have great intentions and it showed!! new subscriber

[@MichMosh]

Aime Bita exactly! So genuine and knowledgeable!

[@TheOneWhoMakesItAllWork]

Agreed!

[@Sorvato_de_milhor]

Yes!!

[@phyllisgriffith3782]

Local bakery's should have day old bread for real cheap

[@kaylahstarkey5426]

Aime Bita I was going to say something similar!! I really enjoyed the video and how well thought out and informative it was!

[@lindajohnston759]

Years ago, when I was very young, I found myself alone -very alone-with a 15 month old daughter. I would buy a TV dinner for 50 cents, let her eat all she wanted and then I would eat the remains - if there were any. I know what it is like to be hungry. To this day, when it comes to food, I am still frugal and careful about food costs. You learn a lot through life......

[@ulovechani7922]

The ultimate sacrifice❤❤

[@Michelle-ke9cx]

Years ago I too was on my own with my two kids. I would eat beans and rice for the weeks that they were with their dad and on the weeks they came back I'd have food in the house for them to snack and cooked wholesome meals for them. I remember sometimes crying because all I wanted to do was eat meat that I cooked for them, but I couldn't. I never wanted them to know we only had money for bills and mom was hungry. No family should have to live like this and though I am in a better place in my life and food is not an object of concern, and now can travel and have money, I also have never forgotten where I came from as a single mom, so I make it a priority to help struggling families as much as I can. So to those reading the post and this comment if you see a mom or a dad trying to buy diapers and food and crying because they have to put things back, and you have the means, discreetly help them. They'll never forget you and your charity.

[@Thisbrickwall]

Michelle S. Bless your heart for being so strong for your kids. I’m sorry you had to go through that . Stay strong ❤️👌🏼

[@kutieluvsmj7]

This made me cry! I am very grateful for the things i have. Bless your heart honey

[@cinema_chic]

At one point all we ate was ramen, rice, frozen veggie medley, and potatoes. Sometimes times get rough. Kudos to you for handling it like a great mom. *hugs*

[@emilywild21]

I just redid this grocery list at the Walmart closest to me in North Carolina. Cost today is $44.31. Food prices have definitely gone up!

[@brittanyjones8656]

Still better than $100 a week

[@Slowburn726]

Back in 2011 my ex-husband and I separated and he blocked my access to all credit cards and bank accounts leaving me without a dime, I had no car, no job, an empty pantry and 2 kids ( his own) to feed. What I did have was a good neighbor and a couple of great friends who helped me get through it. So grateful to God for those ladies.

[@LadyGreenEyes964]

Not a fun situation! Had an ex leave as well, ages back, and even gave me an eviction notice that shouldn't have been coming on the way out the door. Thankfully, I did have family close, or we'd have been in trouble. No car, no phone, small child.

[@MsGlamourcat]

Men do some really awful things to the women and children in their lives. This type of thing is really extreme abuse to be honest. I tell as many women as possible: do not get involved with men, do not get married, do not have children - just work and earn you money and save as much as possible and just live a good life fulfilling yourself. This may seem like a brutal approach to life, but the impact on children of this nonsense is just not worth it, they didn't sign-up for it, it's not living, so don't do it to them. People rarely stay together forever and the ones that do are usually miserable, there's no point bringing innocent children into it too that never signed-up for it.

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

Ananie O'Hawk my ex left me after 12 years with 3 kids when I got cancer he said he couldn’t cope omg no money for weeks I had to turn to a charity I coundnt even go to the food bank as I didn’t have the bus fare to get to the other side of town I don’t ‘now how the hell I got through that dreadful time now am happy still poorly but now me and my wonderful husband donate to the food bank never forget what we went through

[@Slowburn726]

@@LadyGreenEyes964 My ex forced me out of the house. He stopped paying the utilities, I had no choice but to go. I had no family, my mother had recently passed and my siblings didn't care. I'm eternally grateful to my friends and I am also happy to know you had family and made it through. Wishing you the best.

[@Slowburn726]

@@Michelle-qd9gm Sorry to hear it was that way for you. I will never understand why some men do what they do. I'm glad you've made it through and have a wonderful husband. I pray it only gets better and may you live a long healthy life.

[@laceygomez]

This is a great reminder to me that I REALLY overspend on groceries for my family of 4. Time to re-evaluate my meal planning!

[@sherilynalexnder897]

Same here. Crazy how much I spend at the grocery stores.

[@atdepaulis]

My thoughts exactly!! I want to do a pantry challenge now because at that rate I could feed my family for 2 months with what I have...

[@bcannon2008]

I had the exact same thought! Such a good reminder for me

[@laceygomez]

Amy Aydt yes! I need to do that too.

[@shabbyshopper]

Fourth & Olive - same!!

[@NenaKPlans]

*She actually only spent $30 on everything - the only thing she didn't buy was oil, salt and pepper* and I'm really impressed! Even though she was lamenting the lack of fresh food, this is honestly healthier than most people generally eat.

[@raisin4406]

Nabila Ayaba I’m not trying to undermine what she did because it really is amazing that she managed to cook all that with just $30, but some meals weren’t nutritious at all and really had only carbs and very little protein, like the pasta with bread couple of meals I saw. But most of the others ones were pretty good, and I love how she used a couple of ingredients for a lot of things.

[@ksstar9719]

@Nabila Ayaba As a person who has had to eat like this for the last 2 months, I agree with @Raisin. I'm constantly exhausted, gaining weight, feeling bloated, having heart burn, experiencing more mood swings and hormonal shifts, etc. I used to eat very healthy but, am between jobs. This diet is not sustainable for more than a week and I can tell you, by the end of that week, you'll want to vomit if you have to even look at a simple carb again. It is not nutritious and if a 22 year old's body can't run on this then, a child's definitely can't. I just pray that she gave her children real fruits and veggies when no one was looking.

[@deenanixon4103]

@@ksstar9719 , Look, it was one week for SIX people for $30. It won't be perfect obviously! If you have less people in your family than she does, you can very well spend more on vegetables and fruit! She said all this, and that it was a trial, and that she would do things differently in the long-run, like getting some stuff bulk which would be a larger expense off the top for one week, but then it'd last longer and she'd be able to buy more fresh. It was a learning experience for everyone, and she did the best she could for that week while learning how to budget that way. 2 or 3 eating on $30 would be much different than 6 of them! :) I thought she did a fabulous job for never doing that before, and with adjustments she'd probably have fabulous meals for that in the months to come!

[@g-ma_of_8]

Nabila's point is that these 3 meals-a-day are healthier than most people generally eat. I agree! Most people I know eat only twice a day and rely on fast-food more than twice per week (including ready-to-go pizza), not necessarily because they're on tight budgets but because of work and school schedules. One way to supplement a poor diet is to drink fruit-veg-combo juices. There are some decent ones at the market that go on sale (I look for lowest sugar content), or you can pick up fresh fruits and veggies at food pantries and juice your own; make a batch when you have time and keep it refrigerated in a recycled jug. Adding good-for-you herbs and spices helps balance flavors

[@beautiful0riot]

But she did so great with the fresh fruit so I feel like she was still good 👌🏻

[@gratituderanch9406]

Do you know how much of a blessing you have been to us this year??? Gosh we are thankful for you!

[@lindahebb4832]

Amen

[@kwpp7]

Seriously, these videos are so incredible, especially with worsening inflation on the horizon.

[@GS-rw9og]

AMEN

[@hello-vs4me]

Agree

[@amosiren]

This is what should be taught in high schools! Awesome job!

[@synthiapowe4937]

Yes yes yes!!!

[@salsberi]

amosiren ......And college!

[@FreeCanadian76]

they used to.. it was called HomeEc. We also had woodworking, metalshop, etc. Now, we have to tell kids not to spend all class on their phones and schools pass them just for showing up. We are doomed. lol

[@MrDeath9111]

lmao also taxes

[@dreyadumas438]

It was called Home Economic and Consumer Education

[@mabel5319]

I am hispanic and we make what we call sofrito. It's simple. 1 large spanish onion, 1 green bell pepper, 1 red pepper, 1 medium vine ripe tomato, 8 garlic cloves, 3 bunches of cilantro and some olive oil. Wash everything well. Cut the peppers, tomato and onion in large chunks, cut about 2 inches off of the ends of the cilantro and throw them away. Cut the rest in 2 inch lengths. Use a blender or food processor. Toss everything in a little at a time until everything is blended together. I add some some olive oil or a bit of water if it's not blending well. You can add a couple tablespoons to stews, beans, red rice etc for flavor. I keep some in the fridge and freeze the rest in ice cube trays. Once frozen put them in a freezer bag and add the cubes to what you are cooking. It adds so much flavor.

[@crystal4348]

Thank you for this! Sounds easier than buying the Goya version which is really salty

[@mabel5319]

@@crystal4348 it really is and the flavor is wonderful. I do not buy goya sofrito lol. Believe me you will taste the difference.

[@samanthasowell6350]

Oh my gosh that sounds so good! And I have a deep freezer now so I have room for some "extras". And it's blended so the kids who will pick out big chunks of veggies they see are still happy and getting some snuck in! Thank you!

[@mabel5319]

@@samanthasowell6350 🙌

[@starkheart4441]

Mabel That is great advice. We eat Sofrito in Texas on everything!

[@HOHGuncle1312]

I’m a household of one but struggle financially. So this is appreciated because it’s realistic

[@maryjflanagan1922]

I just wrote about the same thing! Happy cooking.

[@cutiepie6463]

Same here:(( it’s super hard especially getting paid every two weeks & barely making peanuts

[@talliebird1731]

Aldi!!! Less than Wally's and better quality! Dollar Tree has a few good items too.

[@HOHGuncle1312]

Tallie Bird but not everywhere has the same shopping centers and I also will look at what’s on sale too

[@talliebird1731]

@@HOHGuncle1312 I get it. I live 45 minutes from the closest Aldi. I get what I can afford when I get near one.

[@cherieayers8207]

Hint on your tomato paste: I buy the bigger can, use what you need on the meal, then, put the rest in a quart size freezer bag, flatten & score, lay flat in the freezer. You can break off what you need and put the rest back in the freezer.

[@reginaschellhaas1395]

I squish @2 tbsp between waxed paper squares, then place all in a freezer bag. Your idea is less messy, thanks.

[@elainediantonio1504]

Great idea!

[@mjkay8660]

i freeze in mini muffin pan w liners..but im single. my son uses reg muffin tins.

[@clusterbungle]

I do the same thing but I use an ice cube tray that I very lightly grease before I portion out the tomato paste. Once they're frozen you can click out all the cubes and put them in a freezer bag without sticking together. So many ways to avoid food waste and save those pennies :)

[@jamiemueller1881]

What a great idea! Am stealing this. Thanks!

[@thetinysideoftiny7625]

This hits a painful nerve with so many people. Thank you for addressing it head-on. This was me 25 years ago...planning out my weekly groceries literally to the penny. I've never really been able to get past that. It's frightening to know that you may not be able to feed yourself or your family...that stays with you. I make decent money these days and still eat ultra-frugal...that's why I clicked on your video. Again, thank you for tackling such a difficult subject. Side note - there will alway be negative, unhappy people who will watch your videos and tear them apart. I noticed a lot of apologizing and justification on your part...there's no need. Video's like yours are a blessing. Help the ones you can and never accept or own the negativity. I love your channel. Thank you so much for what you do.

[@thebidendotwin2926]

You’re so right! I remember back in the day when I was legit poor, a homeless person would ask me for a dollar and I was like “I WISH I had a dollar cuz I could buy a whole loaf of bread with that!” 😂🤣 So lucky to be out of that situation now.

[@liltary1989]

Thanks for saying the things i wanted to say but couldn't come up with the right words. She is awesome. God bless.

[@Just-Nikki]

My husband is a wonderful provider but we both grew up poor and that does stay with you. We grow our food and live well below our means because I never wanna know that struggle again. I wish you an abundant year. Namaste 🙏🏼

[@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer]

AMEN! I so agree. Thank you for your video. And to the haters out there...well bless your hearts...I pray that you will learn, in a loving manner, how you can actually be a blessing...or however God decides to teach you. I'll stay over here away from the lightening bolts.

[@jennifershaw8409]

I grew up dirt poor! Some weeks we ate nothing but soup beans for every meal. It does stick with you. As an adult I have OCD about food. I have way too much in my house and sometimes we don't eat it all before it goes bad. I am working on this but I saw this video on KZbin and decided to watch. I think I am going to try a budget and meal plan like this! I could use all of the things I already have! Wonderful video!!!

[@mariannepa4583]

I can't believe folks have complaints, when you clearly are trying to help with feeding their family. Keep up the awesome work!

[@listentoomeeh]

Marianne Billman right it only makes sense for her to buy things to compliment what she already had in the house that’s smart buying

[@SparkleP8nter]

Marianne Billman ❤️

[@andrearoyston1830]

I’m a single mom with 2 kids. Most weeks I literally only have $30-$50 a week for groceries. I struggle to grocery shop so this video is perfect for me!!!

[@andrearoyston1830]

Amanda R I will do that! Thanks!!

[@tessalynne6778]

If your kids will eat Indian spices, if you have an Indian store in your area, pick up one of the curries for a few bucks. The chicken rice casserole inspired me to make a lentil and rice casserole. I took 1-1/2 cups each of lentils and rice, added onion and a bell pepper. 2 cans of coconut milk (available at the dollar store for me) with enough water to make 6 cups, salt and curry powder. It took about 1-1/2 hrs to bake at 350. I ate some out of the oven and stashed 6 containers for later. I will pick up s bag of "kale for smoothies " at Target and use that as the base for salads for s week.

[@joyce9857]

Try a bit of couponing...You will be shocked...so much you could get for free...go on Facebook or KZbin and Google couponing where you grocery shop and there is a page for it

[@andrearoyston1830]

Tessa Lynne that sounds delicious! I’ll definitely be trying that. Thanks!

[@andrearoyston1830]

melanie Fisher I’m not the greatest at couponing but I always look out for them. 😊 thank you all for the tips!

[@Leezaist]

Just found your channel and I just lost my job and I'm scared but you made it possible for me to feed my family of 4 and please keep doing what you do

[@GS-rw9og]

YOU CAN DO ANYTHING AND JESUS WILL HELP YOU

[@Michelle-by9fp]

This is such a reality check, because our family of 5 picks up fast food for the same price as what you fed your family on for that week. It's a reminder that if we cook at home we can save so much money

[@lmcquillar]

The leftover soy sauce packets from chinese restaurants saves lives lol

[@Bonafried]

Lanelle Willis yessss!

[@lucretiz]

Any left over packet and left over napkins lol and I love reusing plastic take out containers for meal prep

[@deborahcazalas297]

Yes , they come in handy if you can afford to eat out.

[@CarolPyles0612]

Oh yeah, any leftover packets never get tossed LOL. You never know when you might run out of something and those packets will save a meal and a trip to the store at that moment LOL.

[@pattin5411]

How about just buying a bottle of soy sauce instead of spending the money eating out at the Chinese restaurant??!!

[@rebekahnicholas598]

When I was younger and my mom didn't have money to feed me and my sister, I remember her crying and pulling out the only 3 things we had in the house. A can of corn, a pound of beef, and a box of macaroni. Brown the beef, cook the macaroni, and heat the corn. Then mix everything. We aren't rich now, but we aren't as poor. But this is still one of my favorite meals.

[@SpiffyTiffy84]

Omg, we ate that soooo often in my house too! Also cream of chicken spooned over a piece of toast.

[@sarahdirienzoi]

I used to love eating that, except with white rice. I still like to make taco bowls with just seasoned beef, skillet corn, lettuce, rice.

[@Darlzz1]

@Christine Robinette 7

[@Darlzz1]

@Christine Robinette seems like I pocket replied 😄

[@ashleyhumphries9941]

omg add some cheese and broccoli with a side of biscuits. And babbbbyyy omg can you say DELICIOUS!? Lol we called this meal ghetto casserole growing up and loved it. I want to make some now. I haven't had it in forever.

[@DHRodriguez86]

With the apples for breakfast, if you bake them with cinnamon, they’re amazing on your oatmeal. And any left over blend up and it’s like an apple butter. Delicious

[@Rasyr]

Rather than spaghetti noodles for the chicken noodle soup, you could have done homemade egg noodles (you had the ingredients within your $30 budget) 2 eggs 2 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1/3 cup water 1) mix salt & flour 2) mix oil water & eggs 3) make well in flour, pour liquids in and mix well, keep kneading until dough is smooth and elastic 4) roll out to desired thickness, cover and let sit 20 minutes (I do this part after cutting) and cut into noodles 5) drop into soup about 15-20 minutes before you are ready to serve You can add pepper, or things like poultry seasoning, etc for extra flavor. I make these noodles several times a year, usually when making homemade turkey noodle soup

[@MegaTrinity45]

good catch!

[@Vercippu]

I usually make homemade dumpling for my soups too :)

[@LoriSF124]

Tim Dugger I love homemade egg noodles.

[@mikochild2]

Thanks!

[@tiffanycovell-harris5773]

Yyyeeess Tim come on now..love it

[@busanbaepsaetm2226]

During quarantine, our mum was stuck overseas and we were just living off of my savings from working at McDonald's last year in college, and your chicken rice recipe really was cheap and filling for all of us 💜 thank you for sharing

[@UnorthodoxlyEsthetic]

thats amazing and you're a young hero to your family. fellow ARMY here

[@abigaildevaprasath9818]

hey I know that it might be tough but you are stronger than you think and you will pull through. much love for you and your family army, take care and best wishes.

[@JacindaH]

You are such an inspiration!

[@no_peace]

Gosh, that sounds so scary. I'm so glad you were able to take care of yourselves

[@riskinhos]

didn't mcdonalds gave you food?!?

[@lonewolfy5330]

I'm a single old guy. I precook every thing for the week on Sunday. Beans, taters are my main things I cook. I hate rice. I grow my own carrots, onions, greens. I hunt small game for meat. I spend about 15 bucks a week at the grocery store on milk, juice, odds and ends, spices etc. I have well water so that's free.

[@julioruelasorozco]

Lone Wolfy it’d be so cool to live like that ):

[@susie7336]

Lone Wolfy I would watch your KZbin channel!

[@yeevita]

A lot of people do not realize how many plant starts and seeds they get from regular grocery shopping. Green onions and chives are super easy to grow and can be grown all year. Lettuce, celery, etc.

[@aliadawn]

@Makeup Minion everyone has a space that has a place.

[@julietcook7333]

That's is awesome! Can't wait till my family & i can live where i can grow a small garden of veggies! So much better! I would even hunt!

[@dimplestoomany]

I'm not sure you know but the chicken bouillon is cheaper in the Hispanic section. They are just $0.78 for the same amount.

[@morganellabean]

My mom taught me that. It blows my mind!! In my grocery store, it's the difference of SEVERAL DOLLARS!

[@brittanymcgee7576]

Same with pasta! Much cheaper in the Hispanic section!

[@trix5253]

That's where I been getting my chicken bouillon, what's the difference in taste though? I have had both and nothing I can really tell🤷🏼‍♀️ plus the tomato chicken is super yummy

[@vernareed5534]

@@trix5253 didn't know that about the cheaper prices in Mexican section!!!

[@michaelearlgrey]

Supermarket segregation. Not OK.

[@Little_Bird_Chihuahuas]

I just LOVE when people say “man, I wish I could feed my family of 6 for just $100 a week, How do you do it?” Ummm...I don’t have a choice...if you only have that much money then you do what ya gotta do.

[@angiesmith2877]

True! I think people are probably asking for your specific meals/strategies because they literally don't know how they could do it.

[@morticiaaddams1003]

True 💚

[@JoyCh155]

Prices vary depending on your location. These groceries would likely cost closer to $60 for my location.

[@pamelaamyotte9940]

Wow I spend that on 1 person per week. I'm in Canada though, so our prices are more expensive.

[@vonlipi]

Pamela Amyotte I am from Canada as well and whenever I go to Maine I find everything is expensive except bologna and white stretchy bread!

[@AndreaWilliams-qv4pm]

I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved by comments on a KZbin video before , thank you so much for doing this and thank you to all the people who opened and shared their stories. I hope those of us who have a secure source for food on our table , even if it’s minimal , never take that for granted. I for one will always be grateful for what I have and not dwell on what I don’t. Thanks again

[@rileycalcutt05]

This was in my recommended. Along with Great Depression Cooking I think KZbin is trying to tell me something…

[@DanielleFitGirl]

Lol, I got the same exact recommendations... with the daily unemployment rate going up/lack of hours going up due to the Coronavirus maybe this is KZbin's way of trying to help people out...or show people you don't have to buy up the whole grocery store to make ends meet. 🤷‍♀️

[@stoverboo]

Check out Struggle Meals, with Frankie Celenza. He makes great food for no more than $2.00 per serving.

[@jus_lauryn_lolz6086]

@@stoverboo I love that guy

[@rae8961]

It was good decision 4 months later, it was a good decision

[@gutterchic66]

Lol same

[@lesliebooth2833]

Seriously?! 1.4k thumbs down!? What's wrong with people!? These vids are awesome!! Super great ideas, you spell it out step by step, even to the point of taking us to the grocery store, step by step in the kitchen, give us your recipes, and make extra suggestion! I am shocked and dismayed at the critical spirit in these people. Sheesh-come on people!

[@ohioredbird825]

Agreed Leslie! I can only imagine that thumbs down people didnt like the food that was made, or maybe just too picky. Well, if they were hungry with nothing else to eat Im pretty sure they would gobble it all up pretty quick and not have a negative reaction! God bless, Shirley

[@DHRodriguez86]

I agree completely. Some people will never understand that some people really need this video. She’s Really a blessing.

[@kwpp7]

These videos are so incredibly helpful

[@jeannehunter5344]

People from the US like to think they are too affluent to be frugal. I wish they would keep in mind the country's debt and realise that each one of them is the 'owner' of a nasty portion of that debt.

[@GS-rw9og]

ROGER THAT

[@gaudiumrome]

Potatoes also go a long way for cheap.

[@craftyconnie6678]

Yes! You’re right potatoes are probably one of the most versatile foods.

[@daveinca2]

Sweet potatoes too! Healthier than regular potatoes and also very filling. Good tip.

[@selflove428]

Rice and beans

[@d1jezek]

baking chicken over cubed potatoes works great, too.

[@jaminwaite3867]

Potatoes are also the most satiating food so it will keep you full for longer

[@naturallyjoy9418]

I applaud you for showing people how to survive on a budget...but im ashamed of our system for making fresh whole foods so expensive and unattainable to some.

[@SarahLizDoan]

Yes

[@kimeverhart6253]

I know 🥺

[@hpyrkh3]

I don't know where you live, but where I live we have an affordable fresh market in the poorest neighborhood. We also have fresh produce in the pantry and these days fresh produce is distributed to everyone through the public school system, they also include recepies. There is also a community garden available, where you can get fresh produce for free. I am an immigrat from former Soviet Union and I will tell you that in most places on earth, people have to grow their own gardens to have fresh produce and then pickle and ferment and can for the winter. Even in western Europe, people on average have to be more frugal. (possibly, except Norway) than in the USA. So, I don't understand people who complain about American system. If you think it's better somewhere else, you are mistaken. BTW, I don't live in a rich city.

[@ifoundmyavalon]

JW?

[@bjornegan6421]

that's big government and lobbyists for you.

[@jenniferhesler8038]

This is actually really great for ppl struggling through this coronavirus . Ppl rush to the store and grab everything they can even as much as 15 gallons of milk/person. Don't take the last bit of something if you have enough already. Be considerate and love each other ❤️

[@cqccqc1728]

😉Thank You! Your Thoughtfulness Is Appreciated✌️

[@SparkleP8nter]

Jennifer Hesler I started using these tips a few months before the coronavirus went crazy! Lets just say we're actually still doing pretty well!! My only difference is I am making my own broth with the frozen chicken instead of billion. This shopping saved my life because we still had food left when the stores were Empty!

[@AlphineWolf]

There's tons of milk. They just need to ship it

[@maryfancil9158]

AlphineWolf has

[@nightstringers]

Jennifer Hesler you are SO right . Hoarding is selfish as hell

[@chrystalcr3510]

Not one bowl of ramen noodles 🍜 Take a bow. You have outdone most of us. I am guilty of reaching for the ramen when the going gets tough 😅

[@selmavega7136]

Nothing wrong with that! I add on frozen veg, an egg and diced chicken if I have on hand!

[@merciart3090]

Ramen is full of plastics

[@j7ndominica051]

A bag of normal pasta with butter and a tiny bit of tomato paste, or egg&pepper should give more energy per money spent. Instant meals are all tiny, filled with air or false taste of glutamate. Vermicelli are done after literally 2 minutes of boiling.

[@morganellabean]

@@merciart3090 Which ingredients are plastics?

[@morganellabean]

I'm fortunate enough to not struggle to afford food and I still often reach for ramen. Add some frozen veg, maybe a protein source if I have leftovers in the fridge.... still a pretty cheap meal, has some nutrients and protein in it... minimal effort, too!

[@brendapaiz4698]

This video makes me realize how wasteful, lazy and unorganized I can be when meal planning. Usually, I don’t plan meals at all and I have plenty of food I can be making at home. I spend a lot of money on convenience and there’s no reason for that. This video reminds me of how resourceful my parents and grandparents bc I totally grew up poor but always had food on the table.

[@leetlelightful]

Same!

[@anitaerickson1971]

It's sad when people take their time to share amazing saving ideas and get a thumbs down. I love save on groceries and I buy items that I can use to make different dishes and will last. Thank you so much for sharing. And yes the leg quarters is the main chicken I purchase for less then $6.00 a bag. I cut and separate the leg from the thigh put them in large freezer bags with the date.

[@anitaerickson1971]

Thank you. One great idea that you can also do with some of the thighs from the leg quarters is to trim the meat off the bone cut into bite size pieces and make chicken nuggets. My grandchildren always thought I brought the chicken nuggets. Lol

[@naomiemoore5725]

$6 a bag for chicken? Where do you live?

[@TinasArtPage]

LOVE this idea!!! We already buy chicken leg quarters anytime they go on sale for under $0.40/lb and we freeze them for chicken taco meat and we pressure cook them and then pull the meat off for tacos ❤️

[@TinasArtPage]

Naomie Moore just keep an eye on the sales!!! Download the FLIPP app and watch the sales to find the best prices on certain items just search the item and check the prices

[@anitaerickson1971]

@@naomiemoore5725 Thank you for the like, a bag of leg quarters I purchase all the time at Walmart every month and the price never go up. I don't now the brand but when I go back to Walmart i will make sure to take a picture shown the brand and price.

[@lindachristoffer8410]

I gotta say I couldn’t do your week’s meals without spices and a bit more veggies. But that being said, you did an excellent job for your size family! Kudos to you! Showing most Americans how to eat well on nearly nothing can be done. I raised 4 kids and they, too, were fed well on a single mom budget. TFS

[@lundylife3299]

I’m betting that if that was the only money you had, you would find a way.

[@heididavison816]

Use the spices, girl! Her intro def gave you permission!!

[@renoveneuf6265]

If you don’t have a Dutch oven to bake bread, put the bread on a cookie sheet and that Pyrex dish over the top of it.

[@woodenkat8971]

I found foil was a decent substitute as well. Hard to handle but better than nothing!

[@kimm7903]

Oh wow ! Thanks !!!

[@TheMeganExperience]

Great tip!

[@jeaniejbutler4911]

awesome tip thanks

[@georgieburdon4828]

Can I use fast action yeast?

[@deborah5568]

Watching your video has brought back so many great memories. My mom was a genius back in the day. She could make a meal for the 7 of us on just a couple dollars. My parents were open and honest with my brothers and I, and it taught us to be very grateful for everything we did have which wasn't a whole lot. She would buy dented can goods at the Dings and Dent store and shop at the Bread store. We had a deep freezer that really came in handy, most times it was filled with bread. Us kids were so happy on bread store day cause mom would buy us day old cakes and koolaid. When things got tough, she would make gravy to put over bread, Fries or mashed potatoes, and a couple can goods and that was our supper. Toast, butter with cinnamon and sugar was a great snack and even breakfast, but we loved it. My uncle would give us potato buds and we would plant them in a small garden in the backyard. He told us the bud were left over from his fields. We later found out that we could get them at the local feed and seed store. She would get a huge bag for free at the season end. I'll never forget my mom I digging up potatoes in the rain! Lol we laughed so hard that both of us ended up on our butt in that muddy garden. Mud from head to toe, but we had lots of potatoes lol I think we ate taters at every meal. So many ways to fix them. On our birthdays mom would make what we called Koolaid cakes. She would buy the Jiffy cake mix and make frosting adding koolaid for color and flavor. We thought they were the best cakes ever! Only on birthdays tho, made us appreciate them even more. Just a few of my childhood memories. We were poor and didn't even know it. Lol but we were so rich in love and we respected our parents. Thank you so much for sharing. You not only taught a lesson, you've proven that it can be done. God bless you and your family.

[@spicyhobo3163]

There was a time in my life when I had only 3-6 dollars a week to feed myself and my daughter. It was rough and I believe no one should have to live like that.

[@amytolliver9714]

Spicy Hobo In the 90s my sister was married to a man who would give her $10 a week to feed the two of them and their 2 children. As soon as she could she got a divorce and an education. Thank God things are better for her now but videos like this would have been so helpful to her then!

[@reese1337]

That’s my life now divorced with kids and unemployed

[@lillygirl8436]

@@reese1337 awe sorry xx

[@faithrada]

@@amytolliver9714 Sometime when someone makes things REALLY bad for us... THAT's the gift. It forces us to change for the better.

[@oeff7744]

I was reluctant to go to food banks but they're very helpful even to get bread and eggs. It's a great help when one is struggling.

[@kimeverhart6253]

This was a good lesson. I have a well stocked pantry and can season my food anyway I want. It was hard to see bread with no butter, very little fresh fruit and very little fresh veggies available for this family on such a limited budget. I was glad to see it was possible and happy to know if a mama could be a little flexible and build a pantry, she would be able to pull from that pantry and save in the long run. Your video was very humbling and something I needed to watch. Thank you.

[@ytyt3922]

I honestly had no idea that making homemade bread could be so easy (and inexpensive).

[@JustTheJesters]

Same. Never buying bread again

[@annhorn1190]

I finally want to make your bread. Looks delicious. It is surprising how much you can spend on food in a week. I by the delivered meals that need to be cooked cause it easier on my husband. I have chronic fatigue. My 15 yo grand daughter lives here now and she loves to help cook. The meals are for 2 but actually feed 3 with some left overs. They are 299. A serving which i didn't think was bad. My skin is organic milk which i love milk. But i try to stay with organic because of all the crap in regular milk that affects my chronic fatigue. I mange to work 9 days in 2 weeks as a nurse at night. Thanks so much for your ideas. I love pinto beans so hot to try those also.

[@Courtneynhiltz]

Yt Yt so delicious too!!! I have made the bread multiple times now it’s so yummy

[@alwayslearning9272]

@1234 Each to their own perhaps? I think in this current crisis it's good to know how to make bread at home if that's what you want to do, saves you going to the shops which is probably sensible right now. And making bread at home is very therapeutic which is also helpful at the moment, relieves stress and all that. Can't beat the smell too of fresh bread baking, so I see a lot of positive reasons to make your own bread, and there are so many ways you can use bread too, very versatile. Just by adding something sweet to the dough like some cinnamon, mixed spice and sultanas you've got a fruit bread, very comforting and soothing! :)

[@ED80s]

If u bake bread without a lid just add a small bowl of water to the bottom oven rack. It'll make the bread crispy

[@carlajohnson9369]

I too remember a time when one week; I only had a lb. of margarine, a package of frozen spinach and a lb of macaroni. I was diapering my daughter in old tea towels and ripped up bath towels. I let go of my pride and asked Salvation Army for food. I scavenged fruits and vegetables literally out of our yard. I learned humility then. These days I still may be living on S.S. check to check, but my pantry has plenty of food for me and whomever needs a little help.

[@maumau6251]

😭😧😞

[@teamoptimistic9440]

God Bless You Carla. These memories move in from generation to generations.

[@Vickie894]

My husband was from a very poor family with nine children, he rarely to never got candy/sugar or Soda pop. I on the other hand ate tons of sugar as a child. I had a mouth full of fillings from cavities when we married at 18 and 19 years old. He had never been to a dentist in his life and had one small cavity.

[@gourmetgirl69]

@@ThingsAbove333 So true. When my kids were little during the height of the recession things were super tight. I'm thankful for those times because it proved how strong and creative we could be! Now that my kids are 17 and 18, they say they had no idea we were broke. We still had food, and laughter and love.

[@20believer10]

Mmmm....steamed spinach and buttered macaroni is very delicious meal.

[@athenablack3839]

When I met my husband I was a divorced mom struggling to make ends meet. He would come over and look in the cabinets and it was pretty bare. He'd ask if we want to go out to eat because there wasn't much food in the house. I'd whip up a good meal out of what we had and he was always amazed. I learned as a kid watching my mom that if you have basic stuff you can make all kinds of things. You have to cook, but you will have food.

[@julietcook7333]

My mom did the same. Now unfortunately that my husband & i are struggling & can make awesome meals for very little. He tells everyone that he would rather eat at hombre then in any restaurant.

[@SL-lz9jr]

My parents never taught me to cook. I have basic survival cooking skills (eggs, pasta, etc.) but one of my best friends did try to show me how all I need are simple ingredients in my kitchen and I'll always be able to make almost anything I need. Stuff like making my own salad dressings or vegetable soups. I wish I had her cooking skills and knowledge!

[@happymommy81]

Me too. My husband is always in shock at the stuff I whip up.

[@rosejones2932]

I wish he would have taken you out shopping!

[@athenablack3839]

@@rosejones2932 He did, but often I told him no, I could make something. Especially when we first started dating. He pays for almost everything now.

[@shelbybriden1955]

Made me think of when my mom would make simple, stretch meals and call them her “voila” recipes. Ground beef and spinach rice bowls became tomorrow’s meatball soup or meatloaf. Pan fried noodles were packets of ramen with frozen vegetables and leftover chicken from last nights chicken salad. Left over spaghetti became breakfast casserole thanks to eggs. I was always just so amazed at the weird dishes my mom created but now I realize it was just a few random things from the fridge. Even listing out the ideas now they seem so bland and boring but I remember being so excited for breakfast spaghetti! Moms really know how to make anything into a masterpiece. No matter what it is I think I’ll always prefer “the way my mom makes it” (even grilled cheese).

[@GS-rw9og]

AMEN TO THAT

[@erinnola-raised6543]

Especially the way She made grilled cheese

[@littlesquirrel5007]

This video hits home. I went to bed more times than I would like to remember hungry when I was a child. Probably why I am sort of a food hoarder, extended pantry Loving gal now. When my dad got sick my mom had to support all of us. It was difficult. I could probably feed my family for a year with my pantry and garden and freezers now. It breaks my heart people still have to worry about groceries.

[@eileenlennon-burns7020]

Little squirrel...It breaks my heart too

[@kantwinnada]

I did too and as an adult. Making sure my kids got fed. The sad fact of 40% of all food produced for grocery stores end up in land fills while 1 in 7 american families live with food insecurities is maddening. Everyone should grow something even if it's fresh herbs in a window.

[@katielizzy123]

@@kantwinnada im trying to find videos on how to grow produce any recommendation?

[@calciferdanna]

I am the same way. Fully stocked pantry and freezer, and I still get nervous when I'm down to my last dozen eggs or pound of rice.

[@sallyvandergraaff5622]

@@katielizzy123 MI Gardener is a good one. Or just do a search of KZbin. Lots of good ones out there!

[@momb4life]

I get foodstamps while I'm in school right now but I remember when I was working 60-80 hours a week and still only had $50 for groceries a week for a family of 5. After I graduate and take care of my family, I plan on buying food to make baskets for others trying to make it. No one should even go hungry with the amount of food we waste but that's life. Great video!

[@LivelyDays23]

Thank you for saying it’s hard and difficult because sometimes it feels like some of these channels make it sound super easy and a totally comfortable balanced way of eating when anyone who’s been in that situation knows it’s not

[@sarakroczyk321]

to be fair most channels that do budgeted meals do it for just themselves or maybe a spouse and 1 child. thats 3 people compared to 6 which means they only need half as much food to feed their family so I dont think they are lying when they say it wasn't difficult for them.

[@saramorris6104]

We haven't had grocery money in three weeks. I have been blessed that we live somewhere we can be almost completely self sufficient, but food and creativity is running low. So glad this came across my recommended. 👍

[@GS-rw9og]

AMEN

[@mistyskye4180]

I remember the days when we really did only have $30 a week. This advice really is solid. Even on such a tight budget, you can start to acquire some of those pantry items and build up supplies. I urge anyone in such a budget to explore gardening, it would increase fresh foods in your family's diet and enrich your soul as you become more self sufficient. Very thoughtful to create such a video. I hope it helps some families in need realize how much you can do with very little.

[@liah55]

I was thinking the same on gardening! Spices and salad greens (lettuce, rockets, spinach, etc) can be grown indoors all year long, and tomatoes and green beans are fairly easy to grow outside as well.

[@Emilia497]

Got to get that gardening going while living in an apartment.

[@justagirl340]

@@Emilia497 right? also alot of landlords in single dwellings dont allow it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@louisacapell]

@@justagirl340 go to fast food restaurants and ask for their pickle buckets . Still give them to you for free. You can grow anything in those buckets and it won't tear the yard up.

[@justagirl340]

@@louisacapell thats a great idea. if u have the room. i once had a landlord that wouldnt even allow outdoor furniture on the porch. trust me when i say, growing ur own food is not applicable for everyone. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@329crys]

Christine I just want to say I really appreciate this video. I literally am making my Wal mart list right now, to make these dishes to help us through these times. I shop for 2 weeks due to bi weekly pay check. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ♥️

[@Music963]

loves to bake God bless you I miss bi weekly pay I get paid semi monthly which is depressing and only at 11 an hour but I’m grateful and have a roof over my head. God blessed me where someone will take me to work until I get paid at the end of the month as I ran out of money paying bills and rent and had only $7 left and no food. But I got blessed with a loaf of bread a package of sausage and some water. I’m grateful too that I was able pay on my cellphone as this is the only source of internet I have . I’m so grateful. I pray this year gets much better for me and you and your family as well.

[@sarabecker4695]

Another few options with what she posted would be bananas and eggs to make pancakes, or also omelettes as a different choice then the fried eggs with tomato and onion. We also like to buy cabbage as a cheap option for veggies. That and carrots go really well and really far meal wise. We do a cabbage, apples, onion, carrot, rice and chicken stirfry. We just fry with a little bit of butter spray!!

[@329crys]

@@Music963 ♥️ my heart, my thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family durring these tough times. I assure you I never meant to complain, I'm so thankful for everything we have. I am also thankful that we can pray for eachother, I just know 2020 is going to be the best year yet❤️Sending you blessings❤️ God bless you❤️

[@329crys]

@@sarabecker4695 these are all awesome ideas, thank you so much for helping me stretch meals out by adding more bulk not to mention vegetables and fruits add extra vitamins😊 so very helpful 😊

[@Lisawhatshersname]

@@Music963 bless you, I hope everything gets better for you. See if someone can give you a lift to the food pantry when you have time. Call 211 if you're in the states❤️

[@jessicaburks946]

One of my favorite budget foods is dahl, or really anything with lentils. It’s filling, delicious, and incredibly cheap. I get red lentils in the bulk section for dirt cheap, and make dahl by sautéing onions & carrot, spices if you have them (turmeric or curry powder, cumin, coriander are great) add water or veg bullion, add a cup of red lentils, and simmer for 20 min or so until the lentils are cooked and creamy. I usually add in more water to thin the soup out a bit so it will last longer. I add salt and lemon juice (i get a big bottle of the lemon juice from concentrate) at the end to season to taste. Green or brown lentils are also super cheap and can be found near the dry beans at most grocery stores. I substitute green or brown lentils for any recipe that you’d normally make with ground beef - so much cheaper and still really delicious! I make lentil sloppy joes by cooking the lentils, draining the water, adding sloppy joe sauce and serving on buns. Lentils with some spices and onion and canned diced tomato would also be delicious with some rice. I also add cooked brown lentils to spaghetti in place of ground beef for extra budget friendly protein.

[@jennifervandenberg2455]

Jessica Burks yes I make lentils with taco seasoning, so good

[@kittyrosefaerie7464]

Thank you

[@karenshaffer7803]

Jessica Burks Thanks for sharing

[@ashleythebest.]

Jessica Burks lovely advice ☺️

[@LCD_scream_0217]

Thank you so much! I've been eating far less meat lately and this sounds delicious! I will definitely be trying these out 😋

[@elizabethbednarcik3311]

This is a fantastic video. It makes me think of single moms living on very little money, and how you can teach them how to prepare great meals. And to that point, I wish all high schools would teach students how to feed their families.

[@darciemerriweather1206]

You could have done French toast with the egg and homemade bread for variation

[@ksstar9719]

Oooh that would taste positively gourmet. She could make an apple syrup to go over them too.

[@douglasvilledarling2935]

I thought you needed cinnamon (or cinnamon sugar.) syrup or milk. She did not purchase those items. She even said she could have had apple cinnamon oatmeal, but no cinnamon. She could have had baked or fried apples too, but she was working with what she bought. Heck she could have had garlic bread with the spaghetti...if she had garlic and oil left

[@ksstar9719]

You don't technically need cinnamon. I've made it without in a pinch. It just makes it taste better.

[@Romans828girl]

I grew up on French toast made only with milk and egg. I was an adult before I knew that people add cinnamon or flavored creamer or whatever to it. I've tried that, but my standard go-to is still just milk and egg.

[@vitookok]

Yes & I was thinking my mom use to put eggs in our spaghetti when we couldn’t afford meat growing up just like eggs in fried rice.

[@Quannie26]

What you can also do is buy a little staples at a time. You bought flour this week it will be there next week. So next week buy shortening and you can make pie crust and stay in budget. This was an amazing and helpful video. Thank you for posting it.

[@Justjenn14373]

I’m not going to lie this made me feel so wasteful. I feel so convicted. I need to be more mindful and resourceful. I subscribed and need to get organized and plan.

[@francineinsogna2103]

Jenn is focused and blessed omg right!!! we cook at home 99% of the time, but we splurge on food and have become so picky at my house...this is excellent and you took the words right out of my mouth

[@dawnbugXXX]

Same here. I can spend $30 on a meal for just myself...easily. This video definitely made me more thoughtful.

[@monicanlamppost]

Don't feel too bad. This is not sustainable. Even she mentions the difficulties, but also (in my barely knowledgeable estimation) this doesn't look to be quite enough calories for the long run.

[@kimsmith819]

Im sure that all of us do. You arent alone

[@rcusick2465]

You've got great heart, and something tells me you've raised wonderful, grateful children. Thank you for showing this budget is feasible (barely!) but not necessarily sustainable or desirable. I've lived through some very lean years myself (Hamburger Helper with no hamburger, anyone? Potatoes and cabbage for a week?) and I'm blown away by your creativity and compassion.

[@jamescharros1299]

I love how committed she was. Eventhough she had the species, she stuck with only salt and pepper. I would of been pissed this entire week if I was her kid. 🤣

[@FrugalFitMom]

LOL!

[@julietcook7333]

Yeah but it gave them a great lesson.

[@kellymcfalls1458]

Why would you be ? They were fed sometimes people struggle and they would call them good meals

[@iloveprivacy8167]

Probably spiced afterwards.

[@hollyfield1303]

My family are like this and maybe even worse. It would have been even better if we had this menu. We had 9 people in our family. These meals are delicious and great!!!!!

[@lisacowan7378]

I remember in my early years of marriage and with a new family feeding 2 children having to count every single penny I spent. I remember yearning for a day that I would not have to worry about how much something cost at the grocery store and I could just pick up whatever I wanted an put it in my shopping cart. I finally made it to that day and have been there for years now (42 years married) I remember the relief I felt and the feeling that I accomplished something. HOWEVER, this video stopped me in my tracks. When I saw $30 a week for groceries...I thought...NO WAY! So I watched in it's entirety. I am ashamed! Ashamed how I take for granted the way I shop. Ashamed that I am not more mindful that others struggle every day and feel the way I felt all those years ago. I am always grateful for everything I have and do my best to thank God for things most take for granted. I believe I have forgotten this one. So Thank You Frugal Fit Mom for reminding me. From this day forward I will surely be more frugal and continue to pray for those struggling.

[@JustTheJesters]

Thank you

[@JustTheJesters]

Just as someone whos just beginning the biggest struggle yet...3 kids under 7....26yrs old. Just had a 9yr relationship end in hurt. Scared to tears and so lost.

[@Crissy-ws7lg]

Amen this will make you think twice about the simple things we often take for granted. I pray for all of the people struggling like this, it honestly breaks my heart!

[@francineinsogna2103]

Lisa Cowan i cant even tell you how much of me feels the same...

[@deeb8733]

Lisa, you're a gem. I am with you on this. ☺

[@kmlambart]

You can make chicken broth with the bones from the leg quarters, carrot scraps and onion scraps.

[@milomilo55]

Yes. I always add onion peels to poultry broth, even when I'm not on a tight budget, because I love the golden color that it adds to the broth...as well as the additional flavor

[@tdwyer75]

She said that's what she did when she made the soup.

[@silverswan354565]

kmlambart add a couple of potatoes it fills up beautifully

[@stepfunny226]

I keep a freezer bag and add lots of veggies scraps and bits and pieces of herbs that don’t get used. When it’s full, I make veggie broth. I also have a bag for chicken bones for broth and one for the bones from things like pork butts (these I use when I cook beans).

[@missysunshine2660]

@@milomilo55I added the onion peels today that I discovered on line for my broth. Always something to learn!

[@jesswhite336]

We volunteer at the food bank in Utah and they have so much food! There is no shame in utilizing those services at all I love that you mentioned that in this video

[@30lindam]

Yes, I love that she often mentions getting help in her videos. Unfortunately many senior citizens who are retired don't like to ask for help or may not even know they are qualified to receive help.

[@gapface_2552]

Loving mothers work really hard, so much respect for you women, truly.

[@tracymclaughlinholmes677]

When I make bread in a dish that doesn't have a lid I make 2 loafs in matching dishes put a cookie sheet on top to act as the lid and it works great.

[@tammydepew5236]

jubjub247 how would you adapt this to make in the bread machine since I own one?

[@francineinsogna2103]

Tracy McLaughlin Holmes that is brilliant!!

[@terriatca1]

When I had little money I actually saved fats, got them free from grocery stores too. Melt them down and remove the grisly bits (I give that to the birds ). I started making homestead soap and cooking with the tallow I made. All it cost me was a bottle of lye and time. I was able to sell some of the soap I made, that few extra dollars really helped. I was lucky that I was able to work, raise my daughter while going to nursing school. Now that I have a great career I still haven't forgotten what it was like to live on little money.

[@missysunshine2660]

My mom and grandmother always made soap that way for washing dishes. It was good stuff!

[@katemc6836]

|"_

[@SundayCookingRemix]

Mattigot lye is not good for you

[@annwilliams6438]

Wow. Well done.

[@terriatca1]

@@SundayCookingRemix I did not ingest it, I made soap.

[@destinypointer7599]

I love these videos because it’s just me and my sister and we are struggling a bit and this budget could last us more than a week, possible two or three because we only eat two meals a day. I love the helpful tips you give because I didn’t have much guidance growing up and I’m learning how to do a lot of cooking by myself. Learning how to budget on a low income is important, and this helps a lot! God bless you and your family! 💙

[@darthvadershoney2592]

This was one of the best extreme budget grocery challenges I've seen. Much more realistic than what some people post. Thank you so much for this. I'm going to make some of these recipes!

[@MrsTediCole]

A mice tip before shopping (if going to Walmart) is to open your browser to Walmart grocery as if you’ll order from their drive up - add everything you your online cart and check what your total will be estimated around (weighted items will differ slightly in price for obvious reasons) It’s what I do every time I go grocery shopping so I know I’m under my goal

[@Angie_978]

I do this too, and then compare the prices to the grocery store sale flier from the grocery store across the street. That way I know where a particular item will be cheaper. I'm willing to shop around if it will save a bit of money, but not if it's just a nickel. Often the sale prices are better on just a few things but if I can save even $4-5 it's worth my time because at this point I have more time than money. 😀

[@CryStealHeart]

Same. I do this at all the stores. Then some if them offer free grocery pick up on top of it through instacart. Yes please. Thank you lol

[@Talutushihna94]

This is what I do. I add everything to my Wal-Mart list, then I price check with aldi and switch items to that list if it's cheaper, and I cross check with my Winn dixie sales because I can sometimes get better prices or if it's on sale and costs what It would cost at Wal-Mart, it just adds to my points for dollars off my grocery on a tough week later on. 💜

[@donnafassano163]

You did a great job. Every meal was something me and my kids would actually eat. Sometimes these videos show meals that are on the weird side and don’t really look appealing. There wasn’t anything in your week of food that was off putting. Thanks for sharing these ideas :)

[@marianacaro9546]

Thank you, I'm going to try the chicken pot pie, casserole and making my own bread🙂

[@kendycer.4072]

I love love love that you mention the need for food pantry and church resources for families that need it. Some don't know where to go or what is available, thank you so much! You're the sweetest

[@brentshirley477]

This woman is an angel. Smart, non judgmental, quick witted, clever pretty angel.

[@alisonhudson972]

Thank you for making this. I've lived in such "extreme budgeting" (read: poverty) conditions before, and it's nice to see someone acknowledge that, while it can be done, it is *hard* and requires cutting corners. Also important to note, though, is the other things this takes: extra time (to do things like home-bake bread) and access to budget grocery shopping. Both are something of a privileged thing to have access to in real poverty conditions. Regardless, thank you for taking this on!

[@JenniferJiang2013]

@jubjub247 that takes the privilege of money that those who are living with $30/week or less probably don't have.

[@LadyGreenEyes964]

I remember my mother sharing stories of them eating beans and cornbread several days a week, because that was all they had. No discount stores in those days, either. Yes, it can be very tough!

[@hazuk.isonohara2039]

Kinda scary how this was in my recommended. I literally have $30 until pay day.

[@jenniferchapman5173]

Not scary at all. That's God. ❤

[@n017kingg7]

@@jenniferchapman5173 Or googles listening?? lol

[@staringanime]

@@n017kingg7 definitely Google 👂

[@douglasvilledarling2935]

Me too

[@ilovepink21bk]

Me tooooooooo! Your comment is scary to me because I also have 30 dollars until payday. I'm sure your payday has came by now though.

[@Homesteadhow]

Your videos inspired us. Just did a $10 aldi run after my wife left me in charge of cooking for 3 days! Its a fun chsllenge!

[@KittKattBarr222]

Ah, the good old days (two months ago) when food was cheap, abundant and everyone had toilet paper.

[@conzentidaamor]

😂😂😂😂 im saying

[@marleangreene6117]

Lmao love it

[@cricket1019]

Oh stoo

[@Ms.Byrd68]

You got me 'cracking up', lol!!!

[@BeverlyBanks]

So true!

[@TheMeganExperience]

For anyone watching I would HIGHLY recommend grabbing fresh green onions and a bunch of cilantro for flavor and freshness! My local Walmart sells the green onions for .50c per bunch and it will continue to grow if you put the roots in water! The cilantro only costs .78c for a big fluffy bunch too! :)

[@yummy.crayon]

The Megan Experience ty ma

[@kristinatidwell6563]

@@yummy.crayon plant the green onions and put on the window sill. I've put several herbs together in a single pot.

[@Cathijudd21]

This was a good reminder to stay on budget, meal plan, and generally appreciate what you have. One thing I love to do is buy onions and green peppers in bulk. I chop them all up and portion them out into ziplock bags and then freeze them. This saves me chopping time when I'm cooking and plans ahead for future meals. Of course you can also bulk buy ground beef, Brown it with onions and/or peppers and freeze that too. Then pull it out for tacos, soups, spaghetti sauce etc.

[@soogaboogabdjsnxg]

I've never frozen fresh veggies. Do they stay crunchy when thawed??

[@joannajamerson35]

What a great idea

[@sashkad9246]

@@soogaboogabdjsnxg yup, peppers at least are great after defrosting. I wouldn't freeze cooked meat though.

[@piaschaelicke3543]

@@soogaboogabdjsnxg often times freshly freezed veggies have more vitamins and are overall healthier than "fresh" ones (because they are stored mostly until they are shortly to the date they go bad.) You have to be careful when defrosting tho 🙃

[@MagicallyMusical]

Oh my goodness thank you so much for this tip! I wish I saw it earlier, I didn't think you could freeze the veggies like that! Definitely will come in handy with my family. ❤

[@shadomane]

That was very impressive. I'm a 64 year old man and have been cooking since I was 6 years old. I'm learning some nice ideas from your videos. Thanks for the video and for sharing.

[@happybudgeter]

I absolutely love the comments section of this video! So many stories of encouragement and how people made it through tough times.

[@SparkleP8nter]

Happy Budgeter and now making it through Tougher times, and it's still Helping!!

[@Jennascheder]

Some weeks it is hard for my mom to feed me and all my family. Most of the time though, we are fed and we are happy. This video made me so thankful for everything I have and the little things like spices in the pantry. Thank you!

[@aksez2u]

I'd like to counter "Glamorous Taee"s snarky comment by saying that you sound like a very nice young person who appreciates your mom and the little things in life. Best wishes to you.

[@kalpagovekar7973]

@Glamorous Taee Exactly !

[@aksez2u]

@Glamorous Taee Happy you and your family are so perfect.

[@joyce9857]

Please try couponing...I've been there it has changed my life

[@angi46131]

@Glamorous Taee Why are you even here? Just to tear people apart in the comments? I truly hope that nothing ever comes in and sweeps you off of your high horse because I believe that people like you have a more difficult time coping. Your life can change drastically in a single minute, for better or for worse. You just have to put your big girl panties on, stop whining, and do what needs to be done.

[@josiebrown2278]

I really like that you actually showed all the meals you came up with made and prepared for each day.

[@sarahalferty1992]

So I've watched several of these now, and my family growing up rarely cooked beans, or if a recipe used them we got the canned kind. I never knew how to properly cook/soak bagged beans when I was younger even though they are cheaper. A video which explains that is really helpful! Also never seen homemade bread made!

[@JANDK2004]

I just want to say that I think what you’re doing here is amazing. I’m certain that many families will benefit from this video. You’re making a difference.

[@jernigan007]

I MISS THESE PRICES !!! 2023 is not the same

[@christineguerrero5678]

When I was growing up my parents spent about $60 every two weeks to feed a family of 10. And the funny thing is I actually look back at that time very fondly cause it was full of delicious home cooked meals. I remember we didn't eat meat much, maybe once or twice a week, and my parents substituted the protein with beans. Homemade bread is amazing and I miss it!

[@LegatoTrio]

We're in that situation now, and I really hope my family can one day say the same 💓

[@GS-rw9og]

AWESOME

[@dawnschaffner8895]

I was a single mom, and even to this day, like I did then, I never wasted anything. No matter how small a piece of meat, or leftover veggies, I would add them to a container in the freezer. I would get a bag of 15 bean soup beans, and with some spices and my saved meat and veggies made delicious soup☺ The great thing about the soup was you could keep adding your bits of leftovers to it and the soup lasts for a long time. And its a little different each time as well.

[@avibonn5724]

Dawn, that is what used to be called "peace porridge", as from the nursery rhyme. Things kept getting added to the stew pot and eaten on a continuous basis.

[@dawnschaffner8895]

@@avibonn5724 Thats interesting to know! I was making that the whole time and didnt know😊 It gets more delicious the more you add to it!

[@Katherine-zp4bq]

Thanks for the idea, I am going to try doing this.

[@richardchicago]

I buy celery and when I cut off the "butt" end, I freeze it whole in a bag for my monthly chicken stock. Same for onions.

[@dawnschaffner8895]

@@richardchicago Great idea!

[@juliasmet6052]

I love how realistic you are. I did 40$ a week for just a few months. It was hard but I am so thankful it s behind us now. Hang in there people. Hopefully this will be over for you too very soon. Just 80$ a week gets you so much more healthy food!

[@donnafreeman5435]

You are amazing! I love ur vids. Don't burnout! Ty for this. God sent you at the right time!

[@kevinjoseph517]

for how many peeps

[@susanwilliams-sewell6485]

Always having been a frugal mom, the ability came in handy when life took an extreme turn and I had to rely on my extreme creativity. Your experiment is crucial for those who have come from abundance and are now hungry. I am grateful for your reminder.

[@unrzldtrama954]

I'm glad she was legitimate and just being a good person to share knowledgeable

[@erinsullivan9728]

This makes me appreciate that I just go buy groceries without thinking about it. I am not good at eating the same thing over and over again so I am very grateful that I currently am not living at a point where that is not an option. My heart breaks for those who cannot afford groceries. Truly, I wish I could have a dinner group every night of the week with people who can't afford groceries or are just lonely and don't cook because they don't want to eat alone (if that makes any sense). I would gladly cook in exchange for someone to watch my kids so I can make a decent meal and also good company. Thank you for this video.

[@mirandac3878]

Do it! This could be an event you set up in your community facebook group, or maybe even your local Buy Nothing group

[@Sarahnotsayruh]

Where do you live??? I love kids and hate to cook! 😄

[@KittyQualtagh]

set something up in your area!! meet away from your house first, of course, and then do it!!! it’s a great way to meet friends too! edited to say: i was a part of homeschooling communities when i was younger and people did open house invitations all the time. we never had anything ‘bad’ happen besides the time when a little kid found our paints and decided to decorate our walls 😂

[@tacocatseven]

I know you mean well with your comment, but a lot of people are working 2-3 jobs if they the had time to watch kids they’d probably prefer being paid for it, or use that time to take care of their own familial duties... rather than doing it for a meal that maybe cost you like a couple dollars for the portion they’d be eating. Not a fair trade in my opinion!

[@ashleyburbank3129]

You can definitely revamp some of the recipes and use the leftovers to make a completely different dish, by adding to the left overs. Having a stocked spice rack makes this very easy once you get used to it. we don't necessarily need to do this but I'm currently pregnant and every penny I save will probably go to paying off my hospital bill!!! We do have insurance but its meh insurance lol

[@rnmom65]

WOW! I am absolutely blown away at the meals you created for $30! Okay...$30.98. LOL. This is truly eye opening...I know I am spending WAY TOO MUCH on food. I am actually in the process of taking an inventory and am already disgusted with myself! I have LOTS of choices for meals...I think I will do a challenge to only shop my pantry/freezers/refrigerator. Thank you so much for the inspiration...

[@nyearastaggers1362]

God I just want to publicly thank you for allowing me to watch this video out of curiosity n not nessciety

[@kamilasoto6804]

Nyeara Staggers yes my thoughts as well

[@christinaparra3565]

Thank you Lord

[@Sasshley]

Same

[@lareinyfernandez1967]

Nyeara Staggers amen thank you Lord

[@mspurl6266]

Nyeara Staggers amen🙏🏽

[@blonderoast3032]

When I was 13 my parents lost everything. During that process we had a freezer with one elk my dad shot, and a deer I shot, and milk/ketchup. The butcher that processed our game found out we were struggling and started to donate meat at the end of the week that he couldn't sell. We had two ranch hands that would chip in and we'd eat together every night (mom, me, them). Taught me a lot about coming together to make something happen. Also taught me how to make elk meatloaf with ... ketchup. Lots, and lots, of ketchup. I think it was lieu of the eggs lol. Army MREs don't bug me like they do others. Go figure.

[@marcialloyd7002]

Very good concise video.

[@redvorchannel]

I'm a 40 yr old mother of an 18 yr old and 16 yr old and if not for the elk, deer and bear my husband and children harvest every year our freezer would not be full and grocery shopping would be much more difficult. It is so nice not having to ever shop for meat and not have to buy meat wondering if it was tortured before being killed.

[@maxinesmith3508]

If only there was a love button on here. Coming together got uthrough. Xx

[@carolbrown152]

Absolutely love this!! I would love to see a version of this video where you budget $120 for the entire month. It would be interesting to see how being able to take advantage of spending a few extra dollars one week to stretch into the next by making your own pie crust, as you mentioned.....would end up either costing less or allowing for more food variety.

[@alesiaspears198]

I’ve recently found your channel and love it! This video made me cry - I grew up very poor and we didn’t always have enough. I am blessed to have more than enough now. The teachings you are giving people is extremely valuable. Thank you for your work!!

[@rhijulbec1]

Myself and my husband are 64 & 71 years old respectively, both diabetic and on pensions (less than $15,000CAD/year. We are most certainly poor.) I spend an average of $40/week for food. We eat fairly well. We don't scrimp on fresh veg or fruit~but I buy all of our meat at a discount (usually "best by" date is the next day) or what's on sale. We eat at least two vegetarian meals a week, rarely have red meat (the cost is ridiculous in Canada for beef~ex. stew beef $7-$9/lb!!), but do eat fish, pork and chicken IF it's discounted or on sale. Soup is a regular thing, breakfast for dinner too. We aren't under-fed or anything BUT we do depend on two things~#1 the local food bank every month and #2. A co-op vegetable basket. For about $17 we get probably $25 in vegetables. And the food bank provides canned tomato goods, pasta, canned veg, beans, soups and bread, so I can spend my money to uptick the nutritional value of what I call "the food bank diet". Anyone depending on that alone would not be at all healthy. Too many processed foods and non nutritionally complete foods~plus zero fresh veg/fruit/meat/dairy are included. And forget about whole grains or fibre. It's possible for us to eat well, because we have given up restaurants, take away and frozen meals. I'd LOVE to just throw a frozen pizza in the oven but for the cost of one frozen pizza, I can make three from scratch. We rarely go out. Haven't seen a movie at a theatre in at least 10 yrs or more. So, to eat well, we literally had to stop doing a lot of the activities we love~like a long drive in the fall or what we used to call "explores" when our kids were young where we'd just drive~anywhere the wind took us. Sometimes we'd not get home til 11pm! I miss that most of all tbh. Just driving. Anyway, sorry this is long. Jenn 🇨🇦

[@35caliber.]

This was such a great read, Jenn! Abundance and wealth to you and your husband from a loving 16 year old, and fellow Canadian. 💘

[@genesiskravitz8621]

rhijulbec1 best of luck to you and yours ❤️

[@rhijulbec1]

@@35caliber. Thank you @jester🎱 you sweet person you! That's so kind. 💖 We Canucks really are a great bunch aren't we (when we want to be)? ☺ 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@rhijulbec1]

@@genesiskravitz8621 And to you as well. 💖 TY! So kind of you.

[@rhijulbec1]

It was so nice to see the comments above. Kindness costs nothing and can brighten a dark, cold, snowy day for an old(ish) woman! Thank you. Jenn 🇨🇦

[@angiesmith2877]

Yes! The flour and the chicken leg quarters are two things that are often overlooked when people are doing these super low budget challenges. Good job! I also like what you said about going to a food bank, local church, etc. if you are struggling so much. This grocery haul comes out to just over 1,000 calories per person per day if every bit of it gets eaten in a week, so it's still starvation level, but it's way better than what I think most people would be able to do on this budget. FYI, potatoes have a ton more potassium than bananas, especially if you eat the potato skins as well.

[@roundtreecumberbatch2012]

Yep, taters are mandatory

[@RTCPhotoWork]

Also, if it's a family with school-aged kids most states offer free and reduced lunches. In Texas if you qualify for either, students can get the free or reduced meals at breakfast AND lunch (provided they are there in time for school breakfast). Those 2 meals can add significantly to that 1,000 calories a day during the week as well as leave more food for weekends and after school snacks/dinner. That obviously doesn't help long breaks from school or for those not in the public school system, but it's something to consider when calculating how much those growing bodies and minds can consume in a week.

[@margaret-marywhite299]

My budget for a single person is $25 and you gave me some really great ideas on how to stretch those dollars. New to home cooking, used to take out and lots of salty snacks that took so much of my money. THIS will help me make more AND stock up my freezer for future meals.

[@emmalayla8373]

You wrote your budget for a single person is 25 dollars, is it for a week or?

[@margaret-marywhite299]

@@emmalayla8373 Definitely a weekly amount. Depending on the sales, that can last for up to two weeks. Sometimes I get a bit lazy and don't go out to buy staples for my pantry.

[@amandar3994]

Love that you spoke about helping food pantries. Definitely an area where ppl who are time strapped can still bless others by donating.