Kroger $10 Weekly Food Budget Challenge: Extreme Budgeting Grocery Haul Shopping With Menu & Recipes

[@athomemamma]

I love how you dont just focus on how cheap you can make a meal, you take nutrition into account with your challenges.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks for noticing :)

[@tyshine33]

I am a single mom of one on a small income. While I budget shop every month, there are some months where I have to work with a "very" small amount. When I do, I love getting inspiration from your videos. It motivates me, gives me hope that I can do it and ideas on what to do to stretch either my dollar or an ingredient. Love your channel!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Tyshine, I know what you mean, when you're really needing for those dollars to spread as far as they can. Your message means a lot to me. I am glad the information helps you out. God bless you and your little one!

[@effytraveler6155]

I wish I had these videos growing up. My mother worked very hard, didn't have time or energy to cook, and we would be rather tight on food. If I had seen this content as a kid, I might have been able to give us more variety and healthy food options planned out for when we did food shopping. It was mainly convenience packaged foods on the list or the same basic meals over and over. I'm an adult, who needs these videos so much because I have never learned how to cook outside what I grew up with and need my money to stretch.

[@nin4913]

Rice, cream of chicken soup, salt, pepper, and a veggie. Very cheap tasty meal

[@myrthasmascary4086]

Beans brown rice salsa spinach eggs oatmeal peanut butter rice and veggies and bananas

[@donnaleveron5711]

@@effytraveler6155 something you may not know is how far you can stretch one whole chicken. I recommend baking/roasting it, have your meal with your favorite piece or pieces, reserve the bones, do not throw away, you will put these in a pot of water, covered, and simmer for at least an hour. With the remaining chicken, divide into some for sandwiches, some for salad topping or fried rice and add the bones to the pot, bits of chicken left on bones is ok, will come off easily after simmering. The broth or stock is great for soup or boosting flavor to rice or veggies. I often do a simple root veg soup, potatoes, carrots, celery and onions, sometimes add small pieces of squash or pumpkin with some of the stock or just add noodles, I make my own with 2/3 cup flour and 1 egg, salt to taste, 1/2 tsp or so, knead for several minutes. The longer you simmer, the more intense the flavor, you may need to add water as it evaporates. You want a very gentle simmer to keep it clear.

[@alexiabrown7405]

These videos are fantastic. It amazes me that you can feed yourself hearty, nutritious meals for $10 a week.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Alexia!

[@gloriat8427]

Love the video and great ideas. Also that you speak quietly and not hyped up like some other's videos. Just very calming and relaxing while watching. Thank you. I'm subscribing. ❤

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Much appreciated, gloria t!

[@tristaleigh367]

Your selection of ingredients was solid, but I would have combined them a little differently,. using some mushrooms in some of the eggs some days or making a hash with the potatoes. Also, would do a baked stuffed potato for dinner a couple times. I would have spread out that banana over at least a couple meals or used it more sparingly to flavor things. Also could use the red onion & mango to make a salsa or combine with some kale into a slaw. Fun challenge!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I like your ideas, Trista. Very good techniques!

[@tericandeloro4082]

I absolutely loved your menu, but also would’ve used some of those wonderful mushrooms with the eggs. I just found your channel today, and find you so inspirational! What’s so wonderful about your meals is they’re packed with nutrition. Thank you for taking the time to encourage me! 😊

[@francois3116]

@@TheQuaintHousewife Following you from France, love your smart ideas ! You can also buy tube of concentrated organic tomatoes, just a small tip of it can change a dish and so do chili spices :)

[@eileenmc1128]

You can peel and slice the banana 🍌 and mango 🥭 and then freeze them to be pulled out for a sweet treat throughout the week. Nice job on such a small budget.

[@LadyTee751]

Great idea Trista!

[@WholeHeartily]

eggs+cheese+mushrooms= omelette mushrooms+onion+pork+rice= stir fry kale+onion+mushroom (over rice) rice+egg+onion= stir fry potato (baked)+cheese potato+onion= homefries medium fried egg+rice+hot sauce= heaven kale+mango+banana= green smoothie

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Yes+Yes+Yes to all these great possibilities!

[@melisaclark3110]

I enjoy seeing how others would combine the same ingredients. These videos get our creative juices flowing.

[@kalevalley]

I really look forward to these $10 menu videos! I couldn’t click fast enough :)

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I appreciate you watching, Kalevalley!

[@lisac9522]

Kalevalley Me too! You just know it’s going to be good!

[@BeeinTX]

Same! I love these videos!

[@belindaadkins7619]

@@TheQuaintHousewife try Kroger crazy couponers on Facebook. It gives you coupon to print and add to weekly ad for even more savings

[@WholeHeartily]

Is ramen considered a pantry staple? I almost always have ramen hanging around, and a pack of like, 6 is only $1 at Dollar Tree. My favorite way to make ramen is by putting a couple slices of onion in a bowl, 2 mushrooms sliced up, and a handful of kale (and/or cilantro), then put the ramen on top, fill with water, and microwave for 4min! Its delicious and super easy. eggs and pork would make great additions to this meal, and It would work well with leftover rice too!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Yes, I think for many folks ramen is a staple, considering the cheapest ramen noodles are the most frequently sold in the major stores. I was thinking about a dish just like yours with a boiled egg on the side.

[@rebaseymour1810]

I LOVE this series. Everything looks delicious and you ate for almost nothing.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks, they are fun to do too!

[@lubamartushoff1019]

Another idea could have been a potato soup with pork, onion, kale, egg, mushroom and cheese. Two easy lunches or dinners. Cheese quiche, potato, onion, kale.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Great ideas, Luba!

[@laurak3035]

What I love about Kroger is how often they put produce and dairy product on clearance. So if you’re on a budget, grab clearance items. Most of the produce and dairy, can freeze and put in smoothies if nothing else. And if you can buy a container of protein powder (usually the larger, the more $ you save per serving), you can add a scoop to bulk up your smoothies, pancakes, muffins, etc!

[@cynthiamaldonado8051]

The dinner gave me an idea to use all those leftover packets of soy sauce from the Chinese place and make a stir-fry! Yummy 😋

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Cynthia, yes. A bottle of soy sauce around me is usually $3 and gets used up fast, so those little packets can be like gold sometimes. Enjoy your meal!

[@Lisawhatshersname]

Struggle meals used to do that too. Good idea!

[@cinderwhite]

Well done! Working with such a limited budget without resorting to overly processed and high sodium food is amazing. I save all vegetable scraps to make broth for beans and soup.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Smart!

[@blackjag121]

Beans are a cheap protein and oatmeal is cheap too

[@staceykersting705]

Most of my 'meat' is beans. Lentils are the new burger!

[@staceykersting705]

@َ َ I did that for 35 yrs, but now I'm avo-vore/keto-vore.

[@AmandaLovesOldFords]

A trick to get the water out of homemade hashbrowns is to sprinkle a little salt on them and let them sit for a few minutes. Then put them in a tea towel and squeeze the excess water out.

[@Suzkells]

This series is great, very informative, you do a great job. I can't believe how much you can get with $10, where we are the food prices are insane. A head of cauliflower runs $3.99-4.99, eggs are typically over $2 for a dozen. Amazing how prices differ depending on where you are in the US.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Yes, the price differences can greatly vary. Hopefully the prices are not hard on you! Thank you!

[@natalieeubank4533]

Sometimes I can find and get more bang for my buck if i get frozen instead of fresh if i can

[@JLC48]

Agree. I live in the PNW and I can't remember when I've seen 18 eggs for .88. We don't have the marked down veggies either.

[@PETRIN604]

Where I live in North Vancouver , Canada, one dozen eggs is 6 dollars. Mind you I buy free range brown eggs but still 6 dollars.

[@imlkrsfn]

You have to shop around and shop the weekly ads. There are deals and cheap grocery everywhere. Ethnic markets, farmers markets, grocery outlet, and so on.

[@lauracarpenter5283]

love this! you are a very inventive young woman. This shows me that we can all learn to be more frugal and live healthier as well.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Aww thanks!

[@WholeHeartily]

This list is BOMB. I mean, we all eat differently, so there's so many tweaks and recipe possibilities... but overall, I think this was the most food I've seen in a discount grocery haul. Personally, I love sweets, but it's easier to ignore junk food if I put sweet potatoes, bananas, and peanut butter in my grocery list. I also make coffee a priority, so I'm not running around looking for it, or spending too much money at Starbucks. I typically take it black, but occasionally, I find great deals on flavored syrups in the clearance section of TJ Maxx, Big Lots, Lot Less, etc. They last forever, and its easy to stock up on them and have a great coffee bar for people to help themselves to when they come over. This is also why I keep sugar, even if I don't use it daily. Sometimes we need to bake or make tea and such. I always leave wiggle room for splurge items and collect them in the pantry- balsamic glaze, fancy jams/preserves, high quality EVOO/coconut oil, exotic/vegan/organic dark chocolate bars.. but I never pay full price. That's the fun part. Honestly, $20-$30/wk on groceries can include a bottle of wine lol. It's enough to eat well AND live well!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I am like you with the EVOO & Coco oil. They are an investment but last a while. Good budgeting trick with those syrups!

[@ilovemine744]

I'm impressed!! Trying to help people on limited budgets eat well, this is so helpful.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Kristy!

[@GlammyBee]

I really like the variety you come up with for each of these types of videos. They're not just the same things over and over.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Glammy!

[@orlymayron5236]

I hit like even before I finished watching. This is the best Chanel. You give great information and it’s everything I can afford and enjoy. Thank you!!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

That's so nice of you, Orly. Thanks!

[@brexvii5737]

These are some great, HEALTHY dishes with such simple to follow recipes. Thank you!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Brexvii, the goal is healthy when possible. Thank you :)

[@ashtarmelendez8003]

Idk what is it about your video or maybe its your voice but it makes me feel like im watching a show form the very late 90’s. Im so addicted to it. Such nostalgia

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Ashtar, enjoy and thanks!

[@bettybrandi5348]

Best I've seen yet. So many different meals you could have made with your items. Very impressed...

[@leticiafuentes6490]

I love Krogers it's easy to coupon and always has alot of clearance sales, and the $1 clearance produce bags are great. Instead of fresh greens on a budget, I usually buy the frozen stir fry veggie bags for $1 and add the pork to it with soy sauce. I have also grounded the pork and bought spaghetti to make it together with a can of tomato sauce.

[@angeliiis2419]

If you don't have a food processor you can use a blender to grind your pork cubes so that will stretch like ground beef.

[@carmenwheatley7316]

I love it when the have the free item coupons. I will have to look for the last chance produce bags in my store.

[@carmenwheatley7316]

You have to sign up to be a rewards member. Scan it every time you shop, I think every two months the will send coupons in the mail. Occasionally I get one for the store brand peanut butter, I think once it was mushrooms I think I had one for a free kombucha. The coupons are mostly money off but you can stack them with digital coupons from the Kroger app for that item. Plus you earn money off gas from their pumps.

[@alanbirkner1958]

Many years ago, I showed my kids how much food you could get if you shopped by the pound. A big box of oatmeal, a bag of rice, a dozen eggs, some large carrots, a bag of beans and milk is always a good start. Tina

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

So true!

[@WholeHeartily]

kale and rice is delicious

[@samanthajo1593]

That sounds good, I will have to try this!

[@Mitford679]

I would like to see a Safeway $10 Weekly Food budget Challenge. Safeway is the only grocery store in my area.

[@donnaleveron5711]

I shop at Kroger, because it's so close. Their coupons and rewards are great! I get them in the mail and digitally. I think you did great on $10.00. I always check out the flyer they send me, it really helps in deciding what to buy and plan menus and I always check their clearance shelf, and the mark downs in meat and produce. I have stocked my pantry and freezer doing this. Hash browns and eggs are a favorite! I would've saved a mushroom or 2 for an omelette, but that's just me. Well done!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Yes, your notes about Kroger are great for maximizing value there. I love mushrooms in omelettes too!

[@marlengarcia3650]

My Kroger has the digital coupons plus the mail ones. The mail ones come in for the things buy. I’ve gotten free carrots, hummus, mushrooms. I’ve gotten great deals on organic meat, fruits, and vegetables. I enjoyed trying new things when I find them in the discount sections. With the points for gas discounts ( I have filled up my crossover SUV that was totally empty for $26) its pretty budge friendly for me.

[@donnaleveron5711]

@April R if you look at the price tags at first, yes. However if you get a shopper card, you will get special discounts, coupons and even free items. Also, Kroger moves meats and produce quickly, which means they mark down those items to move them. If you shop in the mornings, you will find these great bargains, and I do mean great. Another thing is Kroger is picky about the origin of beef, not from China, Walmart, not so much. I live in north Texas, northwest of Dallas.

[@donnaleveron5711]

@@marlengarcia3650 I do the same thing with the discount section, you can try new items at really reduced prices or stock up on items you know you like. I've shopped all the stores in my area over the years, so have a good idea of what they offer.

[@annaf4617]

Omg I love these!!! I get so excited when you post these videos haha. Good job!!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

It's nice to read your message of enthusiasm. I appreciate it!

[@gillianmay5817]

Started watching a bunch of your videos after watching this one. Your mind is amazing. Love the way you talk about your dollar voting for your nutrition too. I’ve subscribed. Can’t wait to watch more. Thank you!

[@TwentyThree-23]

This video was recommended to me on my newsfeed out of the blue and I've binged your channel for two hours now. My favorite are the recipes and what you do with leftovers. I subscribed immediately and hope to see more recipes because they are so unique and inspiring. Thank you for sharing!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

23, thanks so much for watching my videos. People such as yourself inspire me to do more!

[@patriciahaskins1956]

Great job!! The coupons were a nice help and your instructions were right on! Thanks for sharing! 😍😍😍

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks!

[@banonymous6790]

Wow every recipe looks very yummy and the budget looks very achievable. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks for watching, Bethany!

[@celestelopez4333]

Another side challenge of this budget is cooking creativity. One things for sure you can not have a picky 😝pallet on this kind of budget!😆

[@janesmith5871]

This is my favorite grocery haul so far. I have shopped at Kroger (Fred's here) for many years, and have bought the super sale meats before, but we don't have such a big selection at our store as you ran across. I love that you bought meat and cheese this time. The whole time you were cooking I was running menu ideas through my little brain --there is a LOT to be done with these foods. Kale, the gold standard of high density green stuff; good raw, blanched or cooked to death--I love it and it IS cheap. :)

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Jane -- I remember bein excited during that haul because I found so many markdowns I didn't expect. I hear chicken might be going up in price now, and be less available. XOXO

[@barbarabartelme5809]

I so enjoy your videos. I am an elderly widow and am trying to use a budget and cook smaller quantities. Your food budget challenges have been very good. I have really learned a few things. I want to commend you because I think that you have shown not just to fill up on carbs, but to be frugal and still manage a balanced meal with a plate that looks attractive. While you have managed the challenge on $10, it shows that with just a few more dollars the meals can be that much more satisfying. I like your approach and your comments, and your openness to what is available. Thank you for doing these challenges and sharing them.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Barbara, thank you for this very sweet comment!

[@richardchicago]

I love your videos. Your common sense and helpful ideas are very much appreciated. I splurged at my market this week and spent $38. But I know i'm good for almost two weeks. :) Thank you again.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Richard, it sounds like you are great at budgeting. Two weeks is excellent for what you paid. Thanks!

[@richardchicago]

@@TheQuaintHousewife The 49cent / lb chicken thighs helped my budget alot this time. Those will be in soup, salads and broiled.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Great buy!

[@alwayswantedababy4563]

so sad that fresh produce is so expensive compared to processed food.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Agreed!

[@staceykersting705]

Since I try to stay low carb, I use veggies to bulk up my meals. I try to always have celery, carrots, onions and apples in the house. I by bagged salad when it's marked down, and, yes, kale is usually very affordable. I always have frozen peas, too...they're a great add in, same with frozen green beans. I love the beans in soups.

[@cheatahmame6663]

I actually find it cheaper buying Fresh food. It’s all depending on what you buy, how well you use it, and what you like eating. Fresh foods will make more hearty meals and in more ways than processed. That bag of potatoes can be mashed, baked, wedges, roasted, soup, hash. Such variety. Processed foods are an illusion. The chemicals make you like the taste and it’s easy. People buy processed because they don’t want to cook actually cook and they like the way processed food taste.

[@---nj7hl]

I find the produce to be cheaper at the very small grocery stores like Mexican, Asian, and Persian Mom & Pop grocery stores. Single mom.and always looking for a good deal! :)

[@staceykersting705]

@@---nj7hl Yes, great tip!

[@mariansmith7694]

This was a much better $10. haul for the week. Good job.

[@millennialanon8583]

I miss living in a tax free food state. Really messes you up when you are on a tight budget.

[@annebruecks7381]

MillennialAnon Do you know if you are taxed on food because food items run cheaper then other states? Outrageous if not, food should not be taxed! (Candy, soda I can understand, they are not really food anyway)

[@pjl2963]

Your videos are so thorough; from start to finish! Everything looked delicious and filling. If you happen to have any soy sauce in your pantry, you could also make pork fried rice with the same ingredients!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Soy sauce would have been great this week! Thanks for the compliments Pamela!

[@kmrmuray6668]

Yes good idea or even pork kebabs.

[@micheleking6914]

I love how all of your meals are nutritionally balanced! The meals were very appealing.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Glad you like them! Thanks!

[@MamanEconome]

Thank you so much for this video! I love it. I understand what you are saying because you speak slowly. Which is great. 😙

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks!

[@jesswatt5824]

Man I wish something like this video had been available when I was in college. I was BROKE. Thanks for this!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Jessica, no worries. I did not know much about budgeting back when I was in college either. XOXO

[@MerrilDiniz]

I think you're one of the few American cooks who focuses on nutrition on a budget. Absolutely lov that. Kudos to you!!!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Merril, genuine thank you for that note and for being a subscriber!

[@katherinekorenyi2805]

Wonderful job, very creative, maybe you could do a $20 food budget as well.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you!

[@momentsformoms9467]

Yes would like a family one for $70. There’s 3 of us here but my son & his dad won’t really eat beans or veggies much & I’m so tired of always having to eat just tacos,sloppy joes,& egg sandwiches. Whenever I try to make something different they complain and order out which we really can’t afford.

[@alohr3491]

Moments formoms pizza if they will eat it is cheap to make. Get a recipe for the dough and buy jarred sauce and some cheese. If they eat sloppy joes then instead use ground beef to top Pasta? Also cheap and easy

[@roguesirena]

a Lohr maybe she can also “hide” ingredients to make it stretch. Like adding cooked lentils, cooked chopped mushrooms to ground meat could make a 1/4lb of beef be closer to 1/2. Those fillers are usually cheaper and add fiber.

[@momentsformoms9467]

a Lohr thanks good ideas

[@theresad3931]

I love watching your food challenges, amazing what you can do with 10 bucks. 👏🌸👍

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Theresa D!

[@WholeHeartily]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this episode! It's similar to my own regular shopping! lol Every time you picked up an item, I was like, YES!!!!!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Haha. Love your reaction!

[@annebruecks7381]

The produce workers will usually cut a head of cabbage in half for you! Friendly tip 😃

[@simonalyneenderz3247]

I still love this $10 budget for a week! I concur kitchen shears are a must. I found a a set of three at the dollar store. They really work for those tedious moments in food prep. Have you tried using Kroger 's (Fry's & Smith's here) digital coupons as well? Sometimes you can find a few gems hiding.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Yes, I believe I used a Kroger digital coupon in this shopping trip. Great buy at the dollar store!

[@mrskhillman6042]

This video is VERY inspiring! I liked the rice, kale, cheese and tuna fish you created.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks MrsK!

[@kristenkerr7126]

It's amazing how far you can stretch that small grocery haul to making all of those meals that looked pretty darn good. I love fried potato!!!!

[@Vintagebeliever]

I am always amazed at how you do it. Do you do this as a challenge or because you are on a strict budget? Thank you for sharing!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

VB, I do these videos for challenges for KZbin, but they started from necessity. I still don't have the ability to throw away dollars, however. When I create the videos I eat for the week as shown. Thanks for being a subscriber :)

[@ambinthewild9687]

@@TheQuaintHousewife I always wonder how your husband likes these meals - would be interested in hearing his reviews too!

[@Vintagebeliever]

@@TheQuaintHousewife I understand. I cant waste money either :) These videos certainly get one thinking of how little of food we need to make a simple meal. :)

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Hi AM. Good question When I do the $10 challenges I just do them for me. My family is pickier than I am. My husband is camera-shy too.

[@carolevanlandingham8529]

You don't mention incorporating the pork or mushrooms in any of your recipes. Did I miss it? I love all the recipes and what you bought for $10.

[@scottbiz1127]

I love your video it's always great to see someone shop on a budget besides myself. Lol! I'm a family of 3 and I'm always shopping on a budget for $20 instead of $10. My $20 budget last me a week and sometimes I will have food saved for next week.

[@melisaclark3110]

This video was great! Fresh produce, quality protein, creative recipes and variety. I appreciate that you include the calorie count in the description box. I have recently lost my pandemic assistance funds from SNAP(EBT) benefits so I will be relying on everything I have learned from all of the amazing budget videos you have put out. Thanks.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Melissa! I wish you success in your food shopping, and sorry to hear you lost your PEBT! XOXO

[@rachelfrancis9253]

I would love to see a frugal challenge to feed your whole family for a week! I have a family of five and a pretty limited grocery budget

[@Lisawhatshersname]

Me too, six people and pretty low this month.

[@homesteadtotable2921]

Family of 5, most of the time breakfast is oatmeal or homemade bread sandwiches on weekday mornings, one pancake morning, and one "English breakfast" morning on weekends. Kids don't like scrambled eggs, but I can sneak eggs into them with French toast. ;) Husband usually eats at work in the cafeteria, me and the kids often do a stir fry, homemade cheese pizza (cheese stretches a long way), pasta dish, or grilled veggies and homemade hollandaise. I keep chickens, so vegetables and hollandaise are almost free, except for the butter and lemon. Weeknight dinners are often a soup or a stew, since they can last a couple of nights, and homemade bread (leftover loaf for the aforementioned breakfast). Roast chicken (I butcher my own) lasts for a roast, sandwiches, and a soup, if portioned off properly in the kitchen in stead of letting everyone take some for themselves (especially husbands or teenage boys will thoughtlessly take half the bird. I've seen it happen repeatedly!), roast piece of meat from the freezer, or fajitas or tacos (2/3 veggies, 1/3 meat and tortillas). Beans in some form for at least a couple of meals. A couple of finely cubed rashers of bacon, or a chunk of smoked ham hock from the bottom of the freezer lend a lot of flavor to a lot of beans... I used to think I can't feed us for under $25/week per person (my average weekly grocery total), but now that we're cooped up because of Corona, I was doing my grocery shopping online in stead, and my total added up to more like $8-10 per person per week, with EVERYTHING scratchmade. That's the difference between the spontaneous grabs of convenience stuff I don't really need, and homemade. I bake practically all my bread and pastry. I make pasta too. Gnocchi is my favorite. A couple of cooked russet potatoes, a couple of eggs, and a bit of all-purpose flour makes for pillowy dumplings that can be eaten as pasta, or thrown into soups. I have homemade croissant dough resting, and homemade meringue cookies in the oven while I'm typing this. The caveat being that I have a huge garden and orchard, chickens, and bees, and do try to buy stuff like a whole pig and 1/2 cow for the freezer, and shop religiously at Costco for certain bulk items, so those bring the total up a bit higher, realistic average per week is maybe $15 per person when all these are added up. It's doable to not have a garden, but you have to choose your battles. I have to contend with some dairy allergies, so our homozygous A2/A2 milk is like $10 a gallon, and I choose to buy pastured meat, even if I have to hunt down a farmer or use our little artisan butcher, because of ethical reasons. I hope to raise all my own meat eventually, too... If I needed to feed us on a much smaller budget, meat consumption would be cut first, and I wouldn't completely poopoo on the idea of buying super saver size flats of meat and poultry, if I really needed to have protein on the table. But I can still afford my fancy meats, so I eat some. It's worth the trip to shop at ethnic markets. I can get two or three times the amount of produce per dollar from a Korean supermarket compared to the local Kroger chain store, and bulk items like rice and soybeans, and a lot of specialty spices for almost nothing. I shop seasonal sales. Lots of baking staples go on sale after big winter holidays, with months to spare before their best by dates, for example. POPCORN! I almost forgot. It's our favorite evening snack to make, and really only costs pennies to the dollar compared to any storebought crunchy snacks. It's easy, and most people aren't allergic to it, so it can even be packed in lunch boxes as a snack, if you need to. I am sorry for writing an essay. I hope it makes sense. I am tired and my thoughts keep being interrupted by toddlers. A lot of the time, we have grandparents visiting, so I sometimes cook for 6 or 7, in stead of 5, with no major changes to the budget. My in-laws get to buy their own junk food snacks, though. The few times I humored them and stocked up on their favorites, my grocery budget tripled because of their eating habits (lots of snacks between meals, not a lot at designated mealtimes).

[@pennynickels5216]

@@homesteadtotable2921 you are awesome!

[@homesteadtotable2921]

Crystal Henry if you are worried about the time from the store to the plate on the manager’s special meats, open the package, portion it out in freezer bags and freeze them. I prepare enough produce for multiple meals at the same time since although I love cooking, and if I get a big hunk of meat from the butcher or Costco, I will take the time to preserve it, either by freezing, or sometimes by canning it. Having prepared, ready-to-assemble ingredients in the pantry is wonderful on those days when everyone is running around busy.

[@homesteadtotable2921]

Penny Nickels thank you! With these unusual circumstances surrounding the pandemic, my spreadsheet for the month of June 2020 currently has my food spending at $17.20 per person per week (yes, I have a spreadsheet!) It’s probably going to push $20 towards the end of the month. Still, it’s still less than half of what an equivalent family on food stamps can get per month, so I am content with that. Because of the summer heat, I splurged and stocked up on ice cream from a local ice cream factory, although I usually make yogurt and fruit popsicles, but our local businesses need support, which I am in a position to give. Since I am in two high risk categories for COVID, I haven’t been to a supermarket since like February, and the grocery pickup website has been buggy and I can’t get an order in at Kroger, so I signed up for a weekly CSA box to bring in produce, and started buying milk and dairy products from a couple of small local dairy farmers who lost as much as 75% of their revenue due to the lockdowns, also to support them. It’s somewhat more expensive, but brings variety to what my garden is putting out right now, and I can boast that I found a lovely local cheesemaker whose cheese is the best I have yet tasted this side of the Atlantic, and she is happy to show visitors around her farm (kids love the cows!) The CSA box farm has product categories like “ugly apples” for a similar discounted price as Kroger, so I am keeping my eyes out for those deals.

[@uniquelydriven9119]

This is a fantastic and creative video! I always appreciate the real information you give us in your videos.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks for recognizing my efforts and watching! :)

[@monicahoagland3956]

The prices are much higher where I live, but all the ideas are spot on and can be adapted. Thank you!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I understand. Thanks Monica!

[@fredflintstoner2081]

I love this woman's voice ... And frugal shopping choices!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Paul!

[@pearlobrien5712]

Wow impressive $10 cart! Thanks for not assuming that we all have a huge pantry full of "staples" at home.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Pearl!

[@FelitaDaniels]

Loved that you showed what combos you made with the ingredients. Some folks just see the items in the buggy & don't have enough cooking experience to figure out what to do with them. And as some have given alternative suggestions in the comments- we can see that there's not just one right answer. Your preferences and/or not wanting to eat exactly the same thing repeat meals can still be fulfilled. I understand that you can't film every possible combination. I would have grabbed one mushroom for an omelet one or two mornings alternating with the kale. I also would have chopped a touch of onion up in the hash browns. too. Thank you for the time you put into these videos. I've subscribed and look forward to others.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Felita, thank you for your comment. We all have different opinions on what we like to shop for and make, don't we? You have good suggestions. That you for subscribing too!

[@merysabelortiz6681]

so impressive! i love your weekly budget challenges, keep it up please :)

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I will, thank you for watching!

[@debbieadair4920]

What a great well thought out video! You have the best variety of any of the low-cost food recipes of any you tubers I have found.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

That means a lot to me, thanks :)

[@Super666Player]

I like to add spinach to my eggs. The one Nickle popping out coin hopper was funny.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I like spinach and eggs together too. The nickel popping out reminds me of those candy machines from childhood :)

[@sigspearthumb2313]

Michael Croker same! Spinach is pretty pricey where I’m at though. a gallon of milk is high side of $4 right now :(

[@veevee111]

Those are some good and nutritious meal ideas. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@kimcapri9178]

Love the video! Great find on the pork and incorporation of kale. There is a clearance aisle too with woohoos everyday of dry pantry items so check that out in addition to a markdown freezer/refrigerated section probably in a bunker so be sure to visit that as well. This way you might find some markdown cheese, cream etc. I love the brown bellas but as soon as I saw the potatoes I thought, a mushroom and egg quiche! You could thinly slice your potatoes and use them as the "pie crust." Brown them a bit before you add your egg, mushroom( and cheese/onion why not.) Yum! Keep up the great work, TQH!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Kim, that sounds like a great recipe :) This Kroger tends to have the clearance pantry items laying in full carts. I look out for Woo-Hoos. They make my day :) XOXO.

[@CreationsByWally]

I just subscribed. I love these videos

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I appreciate that, thank you!

[@outoftouchthursday3002]

I love your channel. You give me Pam Beesley vibes. Thank you for another great video!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Haha, thanks :)

[@marciaboyd2105]

Nice. This is a really good one. Thank you for doing this with the food ideas. I am always amazed at how much I buy that I don't need. Coupled with Covid19 I am very thankful for your suggestions.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching too.

[@sylvia9290]

My grandmother and I grew tomatoes, scallions, spaghetti squash, cucumbers, basil, beets, and potatoes from seeds and leftover produce and it has really helped for our vegetable budget

[@focusedfreebird]

This video is amazing!!! Thank you for making these extreme budget videos! $10 a week!! Who knew??? Now you've got me being a detective for cheap prices when i go to grocery shop! Thanks!!!!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Blue Bird, that is great to hear! So happy it helps :)

[@BanDanaGramma]

This was my life in the 1970's when my husband was a full-time college student and we were raising 4 kids on next-to-no money. If I had a KZbin Channel then it would have looked like yours! Lol. Great job! I enjoy your videos. It's nice to see some young people today still know how to stretch their dollars and use their imagination and ingenuity to make it work!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Hi again BanDana Gramma :) I bet you have some great memories from then despite the lack of funds. Thanks for the kind words!

[@BanDanaGramma]

@@TheQuaintHousewife Yes I do. Great memories of how the Lord provided for us when it seemed impossible. Plus I made a game out of "beating the system" and got great pleasure out of making something out of nothing. (We ended up with 7 children). God bless you and your channel. You're doing a great job!

[@MsAvengedgirl]

Great video. Potatoes and eggs are my go to breakfast.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Yes, they are hearty and delicious. Thanks!

[@psymompa]

Mine too. Wrap it in a tortilla and add some pico and avocado and I literally can have that daily.

[@davidlafond8696]

do you work in the field of nutrition? your knowledge and advice is reasonable (as in not some crazy extreme diet) and very informational and easy to comprehend. i enjoy your channel very much! thanks for your videos!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Hi David, I do not, though it was one of the careers I was interested in when I was younger. Thanks!

[@naildavinci]

It’s oddly satisfying to watch you taste the food. Never thought I’d say that but I did lol

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Haha, I totally understand. Something weird: It's helped me lose weight watching people eat my favorite foods on KZbin. It's almost like I'm getting to eat it myself. XOXO

[@lanashewmaker3114]

Amazing! I would never have guessed you could make this much savory and healthy food for $10. Awesome video!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you, Lana!

[@BreeandBaby]

You can get a whole bag of Kroger brand frozen broccoli for $1. Much cheaper than the fresh stuff with the same amount of nutrients. The canned veggies are also usually in the $0.89-$1 price range and one can is about 3 good sized servings.

[@shelzp7272]

Great job, always impressed with what you accomplish! One thing I do for flavor is I get either a jalapeño or serrano pepper, one is usually less than .20. I don’t cut or peel it, I only poke a tiny hole in it and throw it in with what I’m cooking. I cook a lot of beans and legumes because we don’t eat meat anymore and I refrigerate that little thing after each use and it lasts a long time. It doesn’t make the food hot but adds good flavor. Eventually I throw it away and start with a new one.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Great tip, Shelz! Thank you!

[@malloryelsinger6376]

I absolutely love your videos and I love listening to you walk through everything you’re doing. I think your voice has an ASMR quality to it. I really look forward to seeing your future meal planning/tutorials (or any content). On top of being enjoyable to listen to I think they’re very informative. Thanks!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you so much! Your message means a lot to me.

[@malloryelsinger6376]

I love this series and look forward to your videos! I find it to be great motivation and inspiration. Thank you

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Mallory!

[@Mariamaria-tr2xk]

Excellent purchase in a budget and even better menu. This menu is very filling with eggs, tuna and meat.Thank you for all the ideas!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I like my proteins. Thanks :)

[@rustyrussell3211]

Thank you. Pretty sure you help a lot of people with these extreme budget menus. I like to eat this way as well. I love the challenge.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I hope so, Marilyn. I like being able to add fruits and veggies into these meals. Thanks!

[@rustyrussell3211]

@@TheQuaintHousewife yes, that's the tricky part because they are expensive. We live on Mt Hood and really can't do much gardening, but I shop at Fred Meyer which is Kroger owned. I love the coupons and last chance meats. Also I'm senior and get 10% off Kroger brand one day a month.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

That 10% discount is valuable. When I was younger I used to hear of a lot more senior discounts, not as much now.

[@rustyrussell3211]

@@TheQuaintHousewife many places won't give it unless you ask.....

[@brandi8040]

Wow! This is incredible! Your meals looked delicious and nutritious! I'm so thrilled it wasn't a week's worth of Ramen. This video would have been a life saver 10 years ago when I was a very broke college kid!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Aah, thanks Brandi. It sounds like you are in a better place now. I wish I was wiser as a college student. I spent too much money on food, on my student credit card no less!

[@theayegerlehner7793]

Awesome! And delicious to boot!!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks!

[@jxsulliv]

I love eggs! Cook them for my family every morning. They are nature's vitamins! Also, I grew up in rice country and always add it to meals to help meals stretch! I love watching these videos!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@peaceseeker5121]

You are amazing at these small budget food challenge videos! You prove that you can eat a healthy diet without processed food. Well done!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you, A Hendricks. I really do try :)

[@JJ_Smilez]

I might be a totally ditz, did I miss you using the cheese? Thanks for your videos!!! I love them!

[@JJ_Smilez]

I found it, I AM a ditz lol. Again, thanks for making these videos, it’s super helpful

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Haha, you're not ditzy. It's easy to miss. Thanks!

[@the_resa_]

Really like the video!! I’d definitely go for some frozen veggies thought because they’re often so much cheaper than fresh :) also, you could make egg muffins for breakfast (just sautéed veggies and eggs cooked in muffin tins)! Mango and banana could’ve made for a nice dessert, or I love them frozen as a little dessert sort of thing :)

[@leighwilliams8106]

Every bit of that looked delish. I love Kroger markdowns

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Me too! Thanks, Leigh :)

[@wilmasantos3255]

Every single meal looked delicious!! All that food for just $10... That's amazing!! 💛

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Wilma, this was my favorite $10 challenge ever because I got so much from it!

[@wilmasantos3255]

@@TheQuaintHousewife This was by far the best $10 challenge I've seen on KZbin. Great job QHW! 💛

[@jimmytouchdown7146]

For 10 bucks, 21 meals? I would have gone with (9) 18-count Eggs and a bottle of Ketchup. Nice vid

[@kenyonbissett3512]

She had a coupon for the eggs, so 48 cents for 18 eggs. Only one though. I’m with you at least (2) 18-count eggs. 48+.88= $1.36 that’s a lot of protein

[@dlight2669]

How timely in these Covid days. I will visit Kroger now. They had good prices for a budget. I like what you chose to buy. Potatoes and eggs will sustain forever and is better choice over box cereal, processed bakery items or a breakfast biscuit sandwich. EGGS ROCK. I like mango and banana together just add ginger. Yummaroo. Rice and kale go together nicely.

[@Tamara_D]

I would've swapped the rice for beans and bought a box of cornbread. With that, made bean soup using a cube or 2 of the pork and a bit of onion for flavoring. Also, make a breakfast casserole with 5 eggs/bit of kale/mushrms/cheese and shredded potato for a crust.You could stretch your meals into the next wk. You gave me some great ideas w/o feeling like I'm on a budget! TYFS👏😉

[@Jersey737]

From a potatoe lover I am so thankful for your videos! Please continue to upload. You give excellent meals for cheap. 🙂

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you, Gayle! The potato is ol' reliable and I'm crazy for hash browns myself.

[@zussanne1]

thank you for the ideas...I am going to start doing this, it is going to be a life saver to pay off some debts that i can't get rid of till now. Thank you!

[@karligonzalez5327]

Ive recently started watching your videos to get an idea of what to buy for when i move out. I tend to eat out a few times a week and eat from my job, although free, it isn’t the healthiest and really want to cut back my spending from eating out.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

That's understandable, and you can totally do it. If you have the money you don't have to be as extreme as I am in these videos. It all depends on what you can afford and the resources available to you.

[@kimoleary2421]

I'm from Ireland and we love our potatoes they look so good I will give this a go. 😊

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Hello to you in Ireland. I think you will like it!

[@papermason]

The food looks scrumptious. Another thing that people could do would grow food from scraps. Also you can eat carrot or radish greens.

[@Chutney1luv]

I never clicked so fast; as to when I saw $10.00 a week! You really got some deals and healthy choices! Good lookin' out! Thanks! 👍⭐👍

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

LOL Cecille, the way you describe it made me imagine someone stumbling to their computer to click! I know you didn't mean it that way, haha. Thanks for watching!

[@DiverseKitty]

LOVE this one, it's really applicable to me! Amazing! A Meijer one would be even more useful to me, as I have one in walking distance :)

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I am glad this video is enjoyable and useful to you Kitty!