More Meals From Scraps! $100 Grocery Budget to Last a Month! Episode 6

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[@DollarTreeDinners]

I just wanted to pop on here and say I'm reading all of your positive and uplifting comments and I have the biggest smile on my face right now, you all have brought me to tears this morning (happy tears of course). You are the best bunch of people I have ever known. This community strives to build each other up, improve, teach, and ultimately succeed together and it's truly amazing to witness. I have decided to keep going for the last 5 days, trying to see what we can come up with, you all have already given me ideas I didn't think of on my own. I will work with what I have and only if absolutely needed I can work in an extra $3 to $5. Stay tuned for the final episode

[@BeckGho]

Love the idea of how it will be different with a few things on hand. Also you might do better with all the knowledge you’ve gained this round. 😊

[@intuitivegina]

Oh boy I'm so looking forward to the next episode. I through a series of not so good events ended up retired living on a fixed income and on food stamps that give me $124 a month. You don't know how much you're helping me. God bless you young lady

[@MsV3]

@@DollarTreeDinners We love you and are grateful for your channel and what you’re doing. I’m older now and my daughters are all grown and have families of their own (whom I share your videos with), but I wish I had your channel 20 years ago when I was a struggling widow trying to feed my children. You’re such a blessing. Please know you’re helping so many people feed their families.

[@DarlaPitman]

You cannot have failed when you have so clearly helped so many people. You are such a sweet and lovely person. You remind me a lot of my daughter, Rebekah, who is known as Bekah. (same name, different spellings) I have gotten some good ideas from this series, and I encourage you to take the $1.25 you have, throw another $5-$6 with it, and finish out the month. As someone else said, most people can come up with that amount of money. Pretend you found it under the couch cushions or in a jacket pocket at the back of the closet. Thank you for all you do to help others. We need more people like you in this crazy old world.

[@Connie-TN]

This solution seems to me like what would be the route many of us would take if this were our situation. You have in no way failed! Real life situations just like this have a way of making us all have to back up and regroup at times. You have done so much with so little. Very creative and nutritious meals that were much more desirable than the old stand by packaged ramen noodles! You’ve rocked this challenge!

[@hoosiermama16]

The **MOST** realistic thing you can do is show all the meals, boring or not. My husband took a turkey sandwich, a bag of chips, and an apple every single day for lunch for more than a year when we were young and struggling. Many, many people have the same thing for breakfast, the same thing for lunches...it's not an uncommon thing at all. You have done an INCREDIBLE job with this series!!!

[@Ay-B]

That's what I was thinking. Some people eat oatmeal or a bowl of cereal every morning. "Boring" meals are sometimes the best option because they're reliable and don't take much time to prepare.

[@shellyturner2766]

I agree, although I recognize that from a business perspective/KZbin, variety probably drives views. I'd like to see you finish this out and then start fresh. I agree with some other commenters that some of us are not 3 meals a day. Also, a frugal co-worker brought pb&j for lunch every day for years... not from necessity but to save for larger goals. For the same reason, a friend of ours described himself and his family as "part of the oatmeal and spaghetti crowd," a wonderful phrase. With this series you have inspired me to be more purposeful with my "planned-overs". A phrase from another friend.

[@apriltownsend8463]

That’s what we had for lunch every day on the days that we didn’t want to eat the school lunch growing up. A sandwich, bag of chips, and some leftover sweet tea from the night before and 9 times out of 10, it was the same sandwich every time. Every once in a while when my dad got a better check this week than last or something we would get to pick out like a lunchable or something different to take but usually the sandwich.

[@bobbysmith8095]

Most of us hate cooking so I don’t see many making even half as much as her lol it will be top ramen for 5 day for me sometime lol

[@maryfields1462]

You are wonderful! You teach and show what can be done with little. Don’t ever berate yourself for doing what you like! Love you 😘

[@kelliewilson5980]

I usually do not post comments, but I'm going through some very hard times, and you saying you feel like a failure hit me hard. I am a mom who went from financial stability to my husband and I both having health issues hit that put me on disability, and him fighting for it for the last 3.5 years. We never worried about feeding our kids, then suddenly, we didn't even know how to keep a roof over their heads, or food in their bellies. We got assistance and were okay, but when I got SSI, they raised our utilities by 6 times what we were paying with heap, and made me separate from the rest of the family on our snap benefits, lowering them in the process. So now, we're struggling again, and with inflation, we can't always buy enough food. I no longer get the supplements I need because I can't eat solid food. If I do, my kids won't have enough. So I know that feeling of failure, but you did NOT fail. You took $100 in 2024, and got enough to fill your belly for a month! That is HUGE, and sooooo not a failure! You gave me some ideas on cheap recipes, and you have no idea how much that means! What you're doing with these videos is helping real people who desperately need these ideas to survive! I would like to see you finish this out, because in many people's worlds, there is no other option. Thank you for being such a wonderful resource to a struggling momma, and for allowing me to reflect on the feelings of failure, and on how sometimes we are hard on ourselves even when other people may see how we handle something as a win. You, my dear, have won this challenge!

[@spicycopper2436]

The Catholic church near me has one day a week where you can go and pickup food for FREE and they don't ask you any questions ( eg income). I think that this service they provide is awesome. I am not Catholic but I donate money to Catholic church because of this. Please check and see if there is one near you.

[@user-sc9lr6kz8t]

The YMCA in our town, has a Mobile Market once a month where families can get fresh produce and sometimes meat and cheese for free. The only question asked is how many people in your family?

[@user-jv5pp8pv9l]

Reach out to your utility companies. Because you're disabled you may be eligible for a discount. My mom is disabled and gets 20% off her electric and gas every month. We live in California, so it may not be the same where you live, but I would definitely give it a try. Also, check out local resources. Some programs will pay up to 3 months of a backed up utility bill. My local electric company will pay your bill once a year if you're in need. See if you qualify for in home care services where you live. In some states, a family member can qualify to be your care provider. If you qualify for in home services and your husband can be your care provider, that's income that can be added to your budget. Reach out to your local aging adult/disabled adult government center.

[@happycook6737]

Find the food banks in your area and use them. For kids fill out the paperwork to get free or reduced price school breakfast and lunch

[@bodyinashes1]

You have absolutely not failed. I grew up poor. Dirt poor, there were a few times we ate saltines with ketchup and "pretended" it was pizza because it was the last things left in the house. You've not only shown an immense amount of creativity in the meals that you've made but you've shown HOW it can be possible to still enjoy food when on an extreme budget. That is by far your biggest accomplishment. When someone is really pinching pennies, food becomes a chore, there is almost zero enjoyment any longer and you find yourself in a slump of just eating to survive. Your journey has shown that there can still be enjoyment in eating. And for that I thank you :)

[@texastea5686]

🥺❤️

[@lauraspicks7114]

Well said !

[@user-cy5ll2kl6d]

Dearest girl. I'm 74. You're not. I've seen and experienced all the feelings of failure you have explained. It's a real fear for many of us. You putting yourself in our shoes, and helping us get through to the next check, is the kindest most noble thing you could ever do. You are my hero.

[@CHSwildcats19]

Ok, this one made me cry!!! And I agree, Rebecca, you are doing such a service for your viewers ❣

[@tracyarmstrong4714]

I'm literally bawling at my kitchen table. This was absolutely beautiful. ❤

[@user-so7pu4fs1t]

i am 72, i have learned a lot from you!

[@chrisgiles64]

Well said.

[@alexisbateman8443]

This is so beautiful!!! Generations learning from each other, now I’m crying ❤

[@erinb.5103]

Young lady, I absolutely don’t think you failed, I think you showed us what this economy is bringing us to and that it’s possible to stretch meals. That’s a win in my book. Did you go the whole 30 with your 3 meals a day format? No but there are people out here that literally don’t eat breakfast or a lunch that this budget will work for and you just showed us how. So I say kudos and thank you.

[@user-ji9pc8zd9c]

Corporate greed is making life very difficult!

[@apriltownsend8463]

Agreed! I certainly don't eat 3 meals a day so this would work for me. For instance with it just being me, a box of my favorite Tuna Helper lasts me 3-4 meals and all I have to price is the box, tuna, and milk.

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

THIS!! 10,000%. Please don't be so hard on yourself. You are a ROCK STAR. I don't think you truly appreciate how many lives you have touched and how many people you have helped feed. ❤❤❤❤

[@karenlynne4148]

I enjoyed this challenge more than any I've seen do far!!! You were amazing!!! I would love to see you extend this for another 30 days.

[@sharonamos8352]

Yes, myself and many of my single senior friends can only afford 2 meals per day. A banana, apple, or oatmeal are good for a simple snack.

[@ciscowillison]

I am helping in a culinary kitchen teaching 5th graders to cook. Some are not food secure. I really am paying attention to your channel to come up with ideas for these children. You are truly an inspiration, you just don't know it yet. I grew up poor, and am not any longer. This is why I try to help these kids. Creativity is the key I think. Homemade pasta is their favorite lesson, I have watched them be so, so proud of making pasta. Cheap, easy and creative.

[@five_pennies]

I think what you do is admirable. I also think you set too high expectations for yourself. Most of us are either skipping breakfast or just eating cold cereal. You COOK a homemade breakfast almost every day, even if it's "just" an egg sandwich or reheating burritos! Most of us just eat a sandwich or instant noodles for lunch and don't bother with sides unless we just happen to have chips or something. I personally save all my energy and creativity for dinner, you do this for every. Meal. Every day. And none of expect you to or will think less of you even if you did just completely crash and burn (you haven't though!). This is just the reality of our world right now. Food is just too dang expensive. You shouldn't have to do this, this shouldn't be an entire genre of KZbin videos. But it is and you are the best one out there. We love you, you are a treasure and a gem and we will always be here cheering you on.

[@lauraspicks7114]

Well said !

[@mayaremiel7326]

I agree. She puts in a lot of effort and I think she is more successful than she believes. I am disabled and my energy levels have been dropping lower and lower to the point where I don’t eat every day because I just can’t get up and make something.

[@TMCEH]

It’s not a fail if your belly is full. Not every meal has to be unique and inspired (regardless of budget constraints).

[@s.sherwood4193]

Most people can scrounge up another 5-6 dollars and you do have a little over a dollar left.... Keep going. The meals DO NOT have to be exciting, they just have to get you fed. Thank you for doing this series and being transparent and honest. You did not fail at all!

[@KaronWoods-vv7gu]

Come on Sis you got this. Trying to follow along. I love your creativity it's inspiring me in mines because I am on a fix budget and I am feeding 2 people and a dog

[@deliciapineda8632]

Yup keep it going!!

[@Quanismyboy]

I just want to throw my two cents in. I am a single mother and have been looking for ways I can cut back on groceries. This series has helped me so much! I have already told my son we are going to adopt some of the meals and ideas from this plan to our grocery budget. I am so thankful you are going to keep going! You are helping more than you know! Thank you!❤❤ To answer your last question in the video, all three of possible. Please do a second month and take what you have learned this first month.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Meat is actually supposed to be smaller portions than we realize, I think you balanced meat fantastically. I've often only done a potato as a meal, or only a salad as a meal. A snack is okay as a meal replacement, too. Your meals were not skimply and were well balanced, you didn't skip any meals.... That is not a fail.

[@JenneeB927]

To be honest, this is so relatable. Thank you for your honesty, but I don't think you're a failure. You did what 99% of us have to do, adapt, and overcome. I've been impacted by Beryl, and your recipes and ideas have literally been a blessing. Thank you for everything ❤

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thank you so much!! I hope you are doing okay after Beryl, was your home impacted?

[@JenneeB927]

​@DollarTreeDinners we are so blessed! Just some limbs down and some siding and skirt damage to our trailer. Our power just came back on yesterday.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I'm sorry you were impacted but I'm so glad it wasn't a loss to your home

[@patriciahurt5608]

I look forward to your videos every week. Thank you for your honesty and generosity. Some young people haven't been taught to budget and be creative, I appreciate what you do.

[@jenniferharris7633]

Ugh, me too. I'm in League City. Still no electricity.

[@Tbird1549]

You have never failed us!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

thank you! 🙏

[@laurawilson6389]

I'm a woman in my 60's taking care of my 78 year old brother. You don't know how much this helps. PLEASE never stop. Your objective was $100 in a month tech. you did it I think. You have food leftover that would get you thru the rest of the month but continue with what you've got I say . Add in what you have in cupboard etc. Your an inspiration.

[@LierinEdana]

You are hardly failing! You've provided variety, fruits and vegetables, and mostly 3 meals a day for a limited budget. As someone that has cooked from scratch for years, my best advice is for people to purchase items like Nido instant milk (much different than dry milk), 5 or 10 pound bags of flour and yeast and make up batches of basic no-knead bread (can also make dinner rolls, hamburger/hotdog buns, add sugar for a sweet dough for cinnamon buns from a one loaf recipe), making a large pot of soup and freezing it in single serve (or what you need for your family) portions to use during the month, preparing all fresh vegetables for soups, breakfasts, etc. at once (blanch diced/sliced carrots for 3 minutes) by slicing/dicing and freezing so you can save on the larger packs without waste. Save all those scraps and add them to a pot of water and any meat bones for broth/stock. If you think about 'bulk' instead of individual meals you save money in the long run, plus you end up with extra vegetables and fruits in the freezer. You're doing great though, so don't feel like you've failed on this. A lot of people have never had to try and budget for meals, or they are used to convenience foods that cost twice as much. You're teaching them and that is fantastic! The one thing I would recommend to anyone is to pick up some 'salad' seeds (leaf lettuce, carrots, radishes, and both a cherry tomato and pepper plant). You can grow/succession plant these in any south facing window year round (depending on your area you may need a simple shop light for evening hours to supplement the sunlight). Cheap containers like dishpans work great. Also, any herbs you like to use can be planted in gallon milk jugs with the tops cut off and harvested year round. Herbs and spices turn bland meals into great meals. Save egg shells and coffee grounds, compost veg/fruit trimmings (you can do that in a simple small trash can and just add leaves/grass in between layers) for better fertilizer than you can buy. A cheap bottle of bone meal tablets, fish bones, unflavored gelatin, wood ash if you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, and any cooled water you boiled vegetables in (cool it!!) can be used to water those plants. Having fresh salad fixings helps a LOT for grocery budgets. Something else to consider is budgeting an extra $5 - $10 for anything on sale if you can. An extra 5 pounds of rice, an extra bag of flour or sugar, dried beans, canned goods ... even one or two items per month helps and adds up over time.

[@angiegladhill]

I think you should add the $2 that you would not add when you got the onion refund, because that was just a lucky thing that can happen to any of us at any time. Pair that with the dollar and some change that you have and you can go back to the Dollar Store and get rice or pasta and a vegetable. You could do that if you wanted to finish out the 30 days and you wouldn't go over your hundred dollars. You also didn't factor in days that others may have gone out, over to someone's home, or a church/group meal. This would have also helped you "bank" more items. You are not a failure at all! Pick the choice that makes you feel the best. 😊

[@jennyhosack2775]

This is such a great comment, I couldn't agree more!!

[@jacquespoulemer3577]

I agree, you have to take the perks as well as the penalties. Also I thought doing the next month $100 with the holdovers from this month is more like real life. Dear Rebecca you did many clever things I never would have thought of. As I get older there are so many things I cannot eat anymore so we have to get creative. Whatever you decide to do, we all think you should be proud of what you've done so far. And from what I've been reading we're looking forward to more tree house dollar dinners. keep smilin' Jim Mexico

[@viviannichols3582]

Yes! I don’t think it’s cheating at all to use the refund. It’s the luck of the draw… just like sale and clearance prices.

[@maggieskilbred8883]

Awww 🥺 made me tear up seeing you feel defeated. Grew up poor, and this is what it REALLY felt like on so many days. Some days were just defeated, trying to make things work, and i don't think I have EVER seen someone represent that so honestly. Things won't always be 100% how you want, there are always things you wish you did better. We sacrifice, we adapt. This has been so much bigger than an arbitrary end-goal. Love you girl, thank you thank you thank you!!!!

[@angelaarnett3333]

I couldn’t articulate this any better- yes you are an absolute delight to watch. We all love you and think of you ( sounds weird) as an actual friend. This series has been really important on so many levels. For those of us fortunate enough not to be experiencing food uncertainty this was sometimes painful. look back at other times in our lives when that wasn’t the case. It’s also been an important and heart wrenching reminder to be mindful and helpful to those still in a difficult situation. For those who face this situation each month, you are literally a godsend. Thank you for all of the time, effort, sincerity and heart you put into your channel.

[@maggieskilbred8883]

@@angelaarnett3333 exclamation marks about helping others! i have friends still stuck in the cycle right now. I'm lucky enough that $50 isn't crucial money for me anymore, but it will buy my best friend diapers for her baby and some money for the basics. It will get her sister a ride to work so that she doesn't have to lose her job when their car breaks down. It can be everything.

[@mystcxprns]

Perfectly said!

[@dalestorms911]

⁠ You did not fail! You did very well on a very difficult budget. I have enjoyed watching you.

[@loriloristuff]

So well said!!!! 👏👏👏

[@Karharlan]

I understand that from a content creator standpoint, to you, the meals may seem “boring” or “basic”, but to someone who is just trying to feed themselves everyday, you are making a huge difference and providing guidance!

[@LifePrepared]

You are perfectly showing the reality many people are going through. Recently I took back returnable pop bottles that a neighbor was going to throw away after his 4th of July party. There was just over $21! It made a huge difference in what I could get that week. I've dug through couches, old purses and my car looking for change before as every little bit helps. I've sold things through marketplace. Last but not least, going to a food bank or getting food offered on buy nothing groups.

[@daphnekuzminsky3850]

You didn’t fail! Your goal was to feed yourself for $100! Even if you have repeat boring food, you were able to do just that! You have succeeded abundantly in my opinion! You have given people ideas for meals that they may not have thought of! You did this while providing fairly large portions as well as incorporating fruits and veggies! Even if you didn’t make it to 30 or 31 days doesn’t make this a failure. You are amazing! I want to see you finish and see how much you have left at day 29 or 30! I look forward to new videos from you every day!

[@christinepatterson4842]

Absolutely. Totally agree

[@MsV3]

This has probably been my favorite series of your’s. You did a fantastic job. I’ve enjoyed every video in this series. I do what you’re doing, make a meal, freeze a few individually and go back to them in a week or two. Rotating out of the freezer just makes sense so there’s no waste. Please don’t feel defeated. Sometimes a simple sandwich is a meal. You’re helping people feed themselves and their families on a tight budget. You’re a blessing.

[@nancyanne1402]

True, true. I rarely eat three meals a day but I snack a bit. A PB&J sandwich is a lunch. Later a snack is celery with pb (I adore pb!) or pb smeared on a banana. Apple with either cheddar or peanut butter. One day I’ll eat plain bread next I’ll toast it. Lunchmeat sandwich I bulk up with salad greens and chopped tomatoes. I often get a bbs rotisserie chicken and pull the meat off. Freeze in serving sizes. Make broth and freeze. I feed two of us dinner daily and send leftovers for his lunch.

[@texbex9928]

Mine, too!

[@isabelled1130]

You didn't fail at all. You stayed within the 100$ budget and you ate 3 meals every day. To me this is a win! And realistically, if someone really has only 100$/month, the meals will get repetitive and not always the best nutrition. So you demonstrated real life. 🎉

[@janmclain6301]

Rebecca, I am 71 and got my first box of food from the local food bank yesterday. Yes, I am ashamed, but I've not had this much food in my house for years. Thank you for all you do for those like me.

[@GreenIvy314]

Ma’am I know I don’t know you, but just in case no has told you, please don’t feel ashamed for that. You deserve to eat, you deserve food and I’m sure you have helped many through your life. It’s just that goodness coming back to you. Be blessed! ❤

[@fishinghole333]

Do NOT be ashamed for using the food bank! That's why it exists! There is absolutely no reward for being proud. Ever. Enjoy your food, accept the blessing and count it all as joy 😊

[@janmclain6301]

@@GreenIvy314 thank you kindly.

[@janmclain6301]

@@fishinghole333 thank you so much.

[@Melissasch1]

The food bank is there for a reason, don’t ever feel ashamed for using a resource in your community. After my second child I wasn’t working but going to school. My friend worked for a local food bank. She knew I knew how to cook so had me come in and get things to make our dollar stretch. It is such a blessing. Food is a human right, you deserve to be able to feel full at the end of the day. Keep using the resource as long as you need i ❤

[@kbr1980]

Continue on. For many, many years (late 80’s-2000’s) my budget was $50 a week for all items: groceries, laundry, personal care items, etc for a family of 5. It was hard, but doable. Everything was made from scratch, very little packaged things. Meals were simple but filling. Now, I’m food secure but still try to eat simply and very healthy. It’s hard to do with today’s prices! I wish you were around when I was raising my children, your content helps so many people! You’re definitely NOT failing.

[@nicholsc08]

I would like to see you carry it out to 30 days. Dinner idea: baked potato with shredded pork chop and bbq sauce and cheese

[@IoneEvans]

Yeah!! ❤

[@laceyc4111]

Reminds me of a kfc bowl

[@k-luh27]

With the beans you could cut up pork and do like a Chilli type potato too

[@ZorayaColonCamacho]

Mashed potato bowls will be also a creative way to use leftovers with just a bag of mashed potatoes.

[@FairyRosee_]

That sounds delicious!

[@RachelXander]

if you have an extra frozen banana, blend it with ice and milk and vanilla and add it to the nearly empty peanut butter jar! then you have a yummy peanut butter banana milkshake and use up all the rest of the PB. plus, its a jar so you can bring it on your way to work. I do it with berry smoothies too to make a berry-pb situation

[@atlanticalilly]

I'm not at this point in my life now, but when my kids were very young I was a working poor Mom. I tried to hide it from them. They know now how little I had but said they didn't know because we were ALWAYS doing things w friends, family, locally for free or low cost... I still remember struggling over food. I'm thinking about this one time, I was exhausted from work, but had to make dinner. We were low on food and I was 1-2 days away from getting paid. I had some $ so i decided to make peppers & onions in sauce over spaghetti. My kids liked that and i could make it after work. Went to the store, sausage was on sale or I wouldnt have been able to afford it. Realized i didn't have any sauce, had to run down the road. Luckily we have a dollar tree in the local shopping center. Back when it was actually $1. I found 1 can of Hunts pasta sauce and used a frozen bag of their peppers & onions. Had to pay with change but my kids didnt know. I pulled it together we were fine until I got paid. But i remember having to do things like that..

[@stacylgh]

I don't think you failed at all. This is many people's reality every month. I would say to continue the 30 days because that's what someone in this situation would need to do. I love the idea of starting another 30 days too. This series has been very relatable. Regarding the frozen potatoes. They needed to be frozen separately from the meat. They do better frozen with a lot of dairy (butter, cream, cream cheese) in them and need more dairy to refresh them once they're thawed out.

[@CreeSweetSage61]

I loved this series. I would love to see you do another one, similar. But using say $125-$130( this is the limit my bf has) a month and only using ALDI and dollar tree. The catch is, not using your oven. Crockpot only, microwave, toaster oven, stove top. As someone who was homeless, we lived in our car, we had access to the listed cooking items above, finding meals tomake was pretty challenging. we used a george foreman grill and made hot sandwiches on that. Besides homeless, low income and students There are many people who choose vanlife who don't have oven or even microwaves. Could you try the above series Please.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

that's a great suggestion!

[@lovelight1114]

There’s not an Aldi everywhere so I think Walmart and dollar tree would help more homeless people. Love your idea.

[@mamat1213]

@@lovelight1114agreed!!!

[@lisajohnson5927]

@@lovelight1114 I lived by an Aldi for a couple years and loved it, now I don't and so miss it, glad when I am able to go to Winco, especially the bins and I can get smaller amounts of whatever I need for just me.

[@DebbieFaubion]

I’m a fairly new viewer and it broke my heart to see the defeat in your eyes at the end of the video. You have NOT failed, sweet girl. You have worked incredibly hard and your creativity inspires me. I am a big offender of food waste and I really need to put a stop to that. You’ve helped me look at my food in a new way - with new appreciation. I recently went to the store and shopped with new eyes. I was more aware of sales and deals and new ways to use “scraps.” So thank you for all your hard work.

[@firequeen2194]

I think you did amazing for $100. Many, many people will benefit from even the “boring “ meals. Food insecurity is no joke. The fact that you’re doing this and the amazing, beautiful comments are a testament to the fact that this series is very much needed. My vote is to keep going. It’s also nice to see someone who doesn’t need all the fancy equipment or special food ingredients. It makes you a lot more relatable to many more people imho.

[@Lottie_Girl]

When I tell you how happy I was to see a new video... I suffer from PTSD, depression and anxiety and sometimes it's really difficult to find something to distract my head. I've only watched the intro so far but I needed to just let you know that I love all your videos and they bring me so much peace. You have such a kind, genuine, safe spirit and it is a relief to watch your videos. So please don't feel like you've failed. You've made my day just by being you ❤

[@Lottie_Girl]

Ok, so for some feedback: I'd love to see you finish out the 30 days with what you have left, to see if it's possible. But I do think it would be acceptable to give yourself another $5-$10. But maybe you could get the $5-$10 in a way that someone might who doesn't have a job. Like, cashing in some cans and bottles and then you could use the exact balance you get from that. Also, it would be fun to see you carry on with a 2nd month. However, I would only support that if you feel up to it. This is a stressful series and way to live. You've got another full-time job you work and Michael to consider also, as well as your fur babies. And what happens if/when our elderly lady and her grandson are ready for meals again? Take care of yourself and do what's right for you. We will support you whatever you decide.

[@juliedahlke8765]

You have not failed! You lived some people's every day experiences in front of us and gave us inspiration for being creative when times are tough! You did great don't doubt you content. I've been looking several times a day for this episode. I am a retired senior and I am food secure but on a fixed income and love how you look at feeding yourself and helping us. Please continue this series and a second month would surely be interesting to me. Thank you for all you do!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I'm so glad it's truly helpful!

[@VillainessVamp]

I have a feeling this exercise in creative cooking will need to become a way of life for many in the years to come. Great job and great ideas and awesome inspiration.

[@lizpimentel2566]

I've been looking for this episode as well 😅 I'm on a tight food budget and I live getting some ideas on how to stretch the food I have. No one else has a channel like this that I could find.

[@ej8710]

This is why food banks are so important. SNAP cards get refilled about the 5th of the month.

[@coristrickland8259]

You haven't failed!! You used the $100 wisely!! I would love to see the next 5 days and even another 30 days!! Some of your meals I definitely will try and incorporate into my menu planning for new ideas!!!

[@cheriellis9215]

For the budgeting aspect of a small monthly budget, I read a tip somewhere that helped me visualize how much I could spend, without going overboard the first week or two. You take how many shopping weeks in the month plus one to divide the money. If you always shop on Saturday for instance, you would have either 4 or 5 Saturday “shopping weeks” in the month. Taking a hypothetical 4 week month, add one to that and divide your $100 budget by 5. Each week gets a $20 budget and the extra $20 is for stocking up. So if you find a great deal or you know an item will last the whole month, it can come out of the stock up portion, with the stuff that is mostly for the current week comes from the weekly budget. I use these amounts very loosely, but it gives a better picture in my head of how much I can afford to spend each week without running short at the end of the month. In actuality, I usually spend more at the beginning of the month because there are usually better sales then, so often the stocking up portion runs out early in the month, but then I still have the weekly budget to get me through and to fill in around the great deals I stocked up on at the beginning of the month.

[@chrisharmon5453]

You didn’t fail at all. You showed how hard it is. I spent my last $27 today. Next payday is eight days away. I have to think about food that can be eaten for lunch at work for my 20 year old son and I who both have serious allergies to a lot of foods. I took a different job and it’s good for my mental health but was a huge pay cut and then the cost of food went way up. Struggling is so common among us right now. You are greatly appreciated. I love the second two ideas. Last one is my preferred one. It’s how life works.

[@patpeters6331]

Just a suggestion for the future. You can thinly slice 1 pork chop and do a stir fry with an onion, some of your peppers and a can of bean sprouts. You won't feel meat deprived and will probably have enough for 2 meals if you serve over rice. The thing I have learned with stir fry is that I can use 1/2 an onion, a few frozen peppers and those small amounts tossed together become a nice filling meal.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Love that idea! Sadly I'm out of rice, so all I currently have is potatoes and bread

[@bigbelly5555]

​@@DollarTreeDinners you could cube or grate the potatoes and use them in place of the rice.

[@itslauramichelle992]

@@DollarTreeDinnersyou can stir fry some potatoes, pepper/onion mixture with one of ur pork chops that will prob make two servings. Then throw ur other two pork chops in the crockpot with the bbq sauce... make a sandwich and eat with ur peaches... girl u got this.

[@do4699]

This would be really good as a potato hash with browned diced potatoes instead of rice.

[@mistythompson1398]

You did not fail, a lot of us folks go through this. Payday is a feast, as we get closer to the next payday we enter creativity mode. My son, who is sixteen, says he always knows it is close to payday because the meals get more interesting. This is real life. Thank you. Also, if you added 5 or 10 dollars you could make it equivalent to someone going to the food bank to get that extra bit to get through. Just and idea.

[@micahmiller5923]

Tbh, this is nice to see because too often these challenges done by others seem too "perfect". So it's refreshing to know I'm not the only one failing to make the money stretch. I think you could do another month of this with either a higher budget like $120, or maybe with a Ziploc baggie of fast food condiments and your initial budget, or a 2nd month of $100 with your current stock. A few suggestions I have to help are these. Consider getting lentils as a protein option. They can go far and can mimic ground beef in some recipes. Also, I follow someone else who plans her $100 budget for a month as follows: for the first week, she spends $40 and stocks up on basic pantry staples; each subsequent week is $20 on fresh ingredients to provide options. Now, she normally relies on a bi-monthly Costco trip to keep a surplus of rice and beans on hand, and she usually eats vegetarian meals. But I think something similar might work for you if you also plan to squirrel away 9 meals total from the month to supplement days 28-30 only. Your squirrel fund is definitely a smart idea to help stretch it out. I just think the issue with this month was the budgeting and in not looking for the most cost effective options. We all make this mistake, and a lot of what you did was great! I think this is a bit of a learning curve, but it has encouraged me this past month to shop my stocks and keep my weekly budget below $40, which was mostly successful until this past week (I spent $58). But I also shop for a family of 3-4, so it was super helpful to have a stockpile. But this fall I'm back to a family of 3 only, and I'm super embarrassed to admit that the past 3 months of having my mom staying with us until her new house was ready meant a lot of fast food lunches and, thus, a significant stash of fast food condiments. So, this fall I'll be attempting a $300 budget for the month for my family of 3 and relying on these condiments (plus my spice rack and oil) to create meals. I love that pureed veggie soup you made, and I can't wait to do it as well! Ooh, and a recipe suggestion for you: an onion chopped and sautéed, add in 4 c chicken broth and 2 cans cannellini beans (or the equivalent of dried Great Northern or Navy Beans thst have been soaked overnight). Add 1 Tbsp of the garlic and herb seasoning and simmer for 30 minutes. Then puree and add 1/2 c milk. Stir and serve. It's a poor man's version of a Tuscan Garlic and White Bean soup that Giada diLaurentis makes. I saw another KZbinr make it and looked it up. I think it'd be perfect for you.

[@dorgan96]

I think it would be good to go at it again but raise the money up to 35$ a week. $140 a month to class up the meals and you learned about getting a 5 pound bag of flour and a whole pound of butter, a large container of oatmeal with maybe a bag of oranges and a bag of apples. I would work out of Walmart this time and at the beginning make up a desert of maybe cookies or brownies to last a week . You could also use Dollar tree for some items. When buying potatoes get a ten pound bag instead of 5 pounds. As a worker there when the meats go on sale and what time so you can get them in advance. The chicken leg quarters go a long way and get 20 pounds of them and a three pound bag of rice. By buying frozen veggies at Walmart you can usually get a 16 ounce bag for 98 cents. I think the cheese chopped in cubes was a great idea and but 2 pounds this time for sure and go ahead a buy a crate of eggs which is 5 dozen as they are much cheaper that way and they can be used for so much. At Walmart it is cheaper to buy a 2 pound bag of spaghetti and a 2 pound bag of elbow macaroni. Both can be used in so many ways. For lunches you can go the way of pasta salads one week and you can fry up potato chips at home. Go ahead and freeze up the meals ahead for at least 10 days. Homemade biscuits with milk and butter or you can also make biscuits using sprite. The same way with a cake mix which you can usually get for $1 a box. It might be worth it to buy a 2 liter of sprite to use in meals and check out receipes using it. I do not drink but my favorite bread was made with beer and I always kept a 6 pack of the cheap kind just for cooking. I also would marinade my chicken in beer, gives a great yeasty taste to it. Go out of your comfort zone this next month . Buying a two pound whole bag of carrots and a cabbage and some frozen veggies can go a long way. Go for it! You can also get a 3 package of melted cheese sauce for about 3$ at Walmart and it can be used with casseroles or Mac and cheese. I think it is velveta. They sell it at Dollar Tree too but it is cheaper at Walmart by about a quarter. I would add spices freely this next time as most people do have spices in their homes or you can get them for about a dollar at Walmart. I really do appreciate you showing others how to make great meals cheaply and not everything you cook is rice and beans and onions. You give a very good variety of foods! A good and easy soup to make is egg drop soup if you buy the eggs next time by the crate. Today’s price on 60 count is 21.7 cents an egg but at times you can get them much cheaper at Walmart. Today’s prices on leg quarters of chicken in 87.2 cents a pound and you should go ahead and prepare and freeze the chicken or separate into piece what will be friend. Maybe a two pound bags of black beans to precook or a two pound bag of white beans and make up some white chicken chili and a good old pot of beans and ham hock.

[@lynnedavenport3298]

In this economy, I don't think it's a failure to not be able to eat on $100 a month. Think of it as a learning experience. I've been in situations where I've eaten boring meals until the next payday. I'd love to see you start the month with a few things in the pantry/fridge/freezer to show how saving meals gives you a leg up for the following month.

[@Eurydice-cj6tv]

I don't think it's a failure as far as being able to eat for a whole month on $100. She has food to last for 5 more days, but it's a dispiriting menu and I think a part of what she's trying to do is present an economical plan that's not only physically nourishing, but spiritually, as well.

[@kimberlycole727]

Thank you for stating this. I forgot to mention what you said in my comment. ❤

[@coweenuh453]

I like this idea because realistically, those items will carry over!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Yes exactly this! Thank you for putting it to better words for me 💙

[@BalmoraWendigo]

"Start the month with a few things" there's an idea. You could try starting with some random odds and ends; like 2 lb. of potatoes, 1/2 lb flour or cornmeal, beef bones (to make stock), etc.? If you're not sure what to do, you could put it up as a community poll.

[@janetvaughn5686]

I vote either 2 or 3 - realistically, someone on this budget would qualify for food pantries as well to supplement so giving yourself a bigger start budget or starting with a semi stocked pantry is very realistic. I appreciate your diligence with documenting this! Great content🙂

[@CJR-wv8kc]

@@janetvaughn5686 I agree, she could even start her video with 3-5 'wildcards' from her pantry, nothing OTT, maybe a half bottle of ranch or some other seasoning. Most people will not be starting completely from scratch in real life, they will already have some items on hand that could be used and as long as she doesn't add a full bottle of ranch or anything, nobody would have any complaints.

[@marianenetten3067]

Boring is still food. My dad took ham sandwiches for lunch everyday for years as a bus driver. He found that ham held up the best compared to other meats. Every Sunday my mom would cook a large ham and that was for lunches for the week. Leftovers are my favorite type of breakfasts and lunches and we are full. This is a fantastic series!

[@yetinaut]

THIS IS A TOTAL SUCCESS!!!! You should finish the month off the way you had planned, and if you want to do a second month with a new $100 budget and rolling over what you have left I WOULD LOVE IT. If I see a Dollar Tree Dinners video I'm gonna watch a DTD video no matter what. You're a star!

[@RachaelGenX]

Rebecca, you did not fail. You are an absolute inspiration. With the cost of groceries literally fluctuating daily, I would say add in another $5 to $10 to add nutrition into your meals. Please, give yourself grace! I appreciate your channel so much. You are honest, relatable, and not just cooking to fill bellies. You put an incredible amount of thought into creating balanced meals, and meals that aren’t what I call “slop.” I’m not a fan of casseroles that include cream of anything soup, you don’t lean on those recipes at all. I vote for spend the extra $5 to $10 for the next 5 days. I look forward to another “Eat for (however many days) on (however many dollars).” I suggest building on pantry items, I think most of your viewers have learned how to keep some things on hand despite limited space (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, flour, some kind of oil, shelf stable milk - I learned that one from you, and it has been a blessing! - canned vegetables, canned fruits. Even with limited space, I think maybe people have a week’s worth of items above on hand. Maybe I’m wrong😞 I enjoy all your content. It’s a refreshing change from the EXTREME BUDGET!!!!! content that is honestly not realistic, and no real thought of balance & nutrition ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@tinafogle2484]

Well said

[@marianbrinley4389]

⁠what she said!!

[@theblaqueekarenn5600]

U showed us what happens in real time. Never a failure. We appreciate your honesty. This happens 2 people often

[@VoulezVousTrueCrime]

this series has made me feel so seen, i don't think you failed at all. I've been following each video and really enjoyed watching you come up with things on a budget that's so close to the one i have for my daughter and me and i felt like i was right there with you looking for clearance items and thinking about how to turn them into meals and portions that seemed filling and actually enjoyable. I'm also taking note of what freezes well because the squirrel fund is such a good way of meal prepping. I usually freeze seperate items like raw meat or veggies seperately and cook them on the day, so aside from freezer burritos i don't really have any experience freezing actual meals, seeing you do that this series really inspired me and i think i might try to start that squirrel fund too for some of my kid's favorite dinners and see how it goes. I understand that it's not exactly exciting for you to finish the last week and eat meals that would be more bland or really repetitive so i understand why you were looking for other options but I'm glad you decided to continue because that's really the reality for a lot of us who sometimes find ourselves with 0 to spend and have to make do with what we have until we have money again. You still have that last $1.25 and knowing how inventive you can be i'm sure you will find something to spice things up a bit! I'm very exciting to know that you're thinking about doing a second month!

[@leighmurphy820]

Thank you for being so real, first of all! You have not failed- in fact, you have succeeded. You still have food left to finish out your journey and not every meal has to be amazing- just enough calories and palatable enough to fill you up and keep you going. Also, something fun I thought of, that butter you have left, add some of that and some of the tasty garlic seasoning to a bowl, mix it up and then use it on your bread to make garlic bread grilled cheese, scrumptious! For my own struggle/ challenge every month: I have just $56 a month to spend on food and have severe food allergies- gluten, eggs, nightshades, and then having diabetes and POTS on top of it all; I live in a studio apartment with just a crockpot and microwave to cook with; major struggle to feed myself most days! To say the last year has taught me a lot is a big understatement, however, I loved your videos in this series and look forward to the next one. I've been visiting Clara's channel a lot to gain inspiration and just happiness. Love and miss her! Also, I've had time to watch some of your other videos recently and I was thinking- since most of your meals are cooked in the oven or on the stovetop, could you incorporate some using the crockpot? For example, if you work a lot of hours/ have a chronic illness, the crockpot can be a great tool and can make a whole week's worth of dinners or lunches with such little prep- plus, summer heat = no oven, IMO, lol. Keep up the amazing work and I'll be on the lookout for more videos!

[@dianegordon9743]

You did not fail. I eat the same 2 or 3 things for breakfast and lunch during the work week for the past year. You don't need 30 different meals every day. I think most people eat the same favorites over and over. Also, I like just the simple meat, potato and veggie for dinner each week. Nothing wrong with that. I don't like to make elaborate meals, simple is best. You always give me ideas for meal prep and how to stretch a budget. Thank you!

[@helenmorgan7767]

Absolutely. And eating the same things helps me recognize what a good portion size is for me - not too big, not too small, but just right! This from someone who never had control over dinner portions as a child.

[@starlingmorris648]

You have shown us ideas that aren’t the typical “beans and rice” meals. I also like that you have shown us your thought process when you ran into any obstacles. This really helps us to rethink our own thought processes when planning low cost meals. This has been a fantastic and successful series.

[@kristyreal]

I loves these videos! I hate to hear that you believe you failed when you do such a great job of balancing low budget with creativity and variety. This series is extremely useful to get the absolute most out of your grocery budget and that's what we all need. One thing you're not taking into account is the occasional bounty that falls into your lap. Maybe your neighbor has a bumper crop of zucchini or someone at work brings peppers to the break room for anyone who is interested. You might get taken to lunch or have a family get-together or you might just oversleep and have to skip breakfast. These things just happen right along with all the smart budget decisions we might make. We just do the best we can with what we've got...and sometimes that is 4 or 5 meals heavily reliant on zucchini and not much else. Personally, I would love it if you continue the series by adding a little bit more in any way you see fit. Sometimes you might have to dig into your stash of condiments from takeout to get you through the rice and beans to the end of the month, but sometimes you get an unexpected windfall that makes a huge difference. Any of those would still require creativity to maximize the enjoyment of our meals to the end of the month and that's what you do best.

[@loriloristuff]

YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE!!!! KEEP GOING!!! Even if you "fail" you haven't. This is how all of us learn!!!!!! And it's an *experiment*. You really won't go hungry, and think of what people are LEARNING to adapt in their own lives and on their own budgets. You're teaching people to be self-reliant on what their budget allows. TEACHING!!! IMPORTANT!!!! BE PROUD OF YOURSELF. Also- when it's the real deal, there's some mundane. It's a fact of life. There's also repeats. This is not so bad. Things I have done at the end of the month in "the olden days" included digging in the sofa and chairs, old purses, and old coats for spare change; picking up/ picking out aluminum cans or glass bottles for payment at the recycler's, also other metal I found garbage picking; gone to the pawn shop with something for a loan; sold something; saving bacon grease and used oils for later use. If you were really hard up for cash, there are ways to attempt to fix this. That was very clever, cutting the tortilla recipe. It looked delicious! You can always use a knife and fork if it crumbles. IMO, you squeezed every last penny til it squealed. You are lucky somebody in line when you paid didn't pay for you. 😉 That's pretty paltry. But you did it!!! Big pat on the back! 🎉 I use breakfast casserole as a catch-all for veggies and cheese about to "die" in the fridge. Frozen tomatoes might be a little soggy but OK. Ditto the chicken fried steak. So, see you next week!❤ And YES, we continue! Like I said, my opinion, if you want to really make it as if you were looking for more money, do what real people in this situation would do. Or, you can stay the course. I think it's too much to expect you to do one month on top of the other. You've proven it can be done.

[@Ari_Danielle04]

I think it would be a good idea to continue the series for the last five days (if you would like to) because it shows even more realism. That sometimes a person will need to repeat meals no matter how minimal and basic it is because it is all they can budget. It may bring some comfort to a person to know they are not alone. Edit: Also I do not believe you failed. It is very hard to stretch 100 dollars for a whole month and you have done it extremely well while also making the meals unique and showing how to make good hearty meals.

[@rayrayravenclaw4385]

Agree whole heartedly 100% NOT a fail.

[@marianbrinley4389]

I agree!

[@lauraspicks7114]

It does bring comfort to know I'm not alone,sometimes it's really hard 😢😢 to get through every month with little to no money.To see and know others are feeling the things I am, I don't feel as alone.So , I thank you all for sharing.I appreciate that !

[@funniful]

I know you start out with just salt and pepper and oil. But, perhaps you can add a few “permanent staples” to that list, such as a big bag of flour, and big bag of rice. These things would last many months. You could even put 2 or 3$ into a “rice and flour jar” each month, to cover the cost for when you finally run out. I LOVE these videos. You are doing a great job with them, as well as helping SO many people. Thank you! My vote is to finish out this month, and then do another month! I’m not sure about using leftover food items from this last month, though.. my thought is that if someone watches the next month’s video, they will expect to use 100$ as stated, and not be expected to have a bunch of food already in the house, which might seem like cheating lol.

[@CJR-wv8kc]

I agree, people don't always start from 'day one' so adding a few wildcards from her pantry in, as long as not extravagant would be ok.

[@itslauramichelle992]

i love this!! Like maybe do a 6 month series. $100 for 30 days. But maybe $5 each month goes into ur staples so u can buy a big bag of potatoes, seasonings etc. so then it will be eating on $95 ish a month with ur squirrel fund

[@user-pi3vk8il2i]

This definitely was a GREAT series!! For anyone living on a "limited" budget you have shown what ideas you CAN make meals on a shoe string...i like the meals w/o following a recipe. You, as well as all of your followers have been watching CAN figure out where to shop, what to buy & make do with what have. Thank you SO MUCH. ❤😊😊😊

[@chasemorantz6228]

You could get a can of canned salmon (or maybe it’s mackerel) from dollar tree and make salmon croquettes which should last two meals

[@starbeck96]

I don't believe you failed at all. A lot of people get paid weekly or bi-weekly. So, while a monthly budget does matter in some manner, they are generally budgeting weekly or bi-weekly, so they are thinking in terms of weeks instead of days (I hope that makes sense). So, I think you did a great job! Either of the three options you mentioned sound good, but I think my favorite option would be to start over with a new 30 days using what you already have. I think that would be the most realistic for most people. It would also help people see how just having a few basic staples can help your overall budget. Thank you for this series! It has really helped me rethink some of my meals. I love cooking and this series has really helped me stop to think about how I can repurpose leftovers and how I can freeze leftovers, even if it is only enough for one meal or two (which happens after we've ate the same thing two days in a row..lol).

[@Tsiri09]

How much money is spent per month depends on where the person is shopping, what the prices are like in the area and how many people are being fed. "Better choices?" I believe in different choices. It's the first time you've done something like this- I would say try it again but plan in advance. I was homeless for nearly 3 years, living in a tent in San Antonio, TX. I kept my cat and I fed on an average of about $10/week. I didn't have gourmet meals, but we ate. My method? cheap as possible on EVERYTHING. Since I had no refrigeration, meat was in the little serving sized cans under a dollar (they're more now). When I went to DT, I bought things that had multiple servings, such as pancake mix, instant rice, canister of oatmeal and so on. I also bought powdered milk, powdered eggs and other "just add water" mixes. To about a half cup of pancake mix, I'd add two tablespoons egg and milk powder, mix and then add enough milk to make my favorite consistency. Even the flattest mix would fluff up nice and pretty (and be filled with extra protein). Bacon jerky (on sale) was added and I'd have bread with strawberry jam for a good breakfast. It does take some imagination and yours is well-honed, and some planning ahead. I made a list of what I'd buy, how much it cost and where I bought it so shopping became easier. I'd also include the number of servings in each package so I knew when to buy again ahead of time so I didn't run out. You CAN do this. Seriously, do it again- it does get easier.

[@hinkydoodle4368]

i love getting powdered milk and shelf-stable (until opened) milk at dollar tree. they've been lifesavers when we've been without power and a few other situations.

[@kimpeck-hp5tx]

Sometimes I take a couple of tablespoons of strawberry jam and add some water to it and butter to make a syrup for pancakes when I want a fruity syrup. Also if you buy a bag of self rising flour you can make biscuits and pancakes. 2 cups self rising flour and 1 cup milk for biscuits. 1 cup self rising flour, 1 cup milk and 1 egg for pancakes. And if you buy cornmeal you can make cornbread with 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup self rising flour, 1 cup milk and 1 egg. These were staple recipes my mother in law showed me when I got married. They lived on the farm and had to make meals stretch because money was very tight. They owned a dairy.

[@lauraspicks7114]

I'm so sorry you were homeless but a big Thank you on your tips on how you ate and what you did.I've been homeless myself and had no food, landed myself in the hospital once with being malnourished and dehydrated, no food, there was no help, no money, so you helping others to get/keep some food tips is very welcomed.Thank you again.

[@klackey224]

My husband and i watch your videos as soon as they upload! One thing i wanted to mention with the meat markdowns at food lion, we live in a small(ish) city where most people go to church. If you go when they first open, they haven't had a chance to do the price changes yet, which is why you didn't see much when you went a week or so ago. I want to try going on a Tuesday mid afternoon, since that's the day before the new sales start. I'm fortunate though, i have a FL literally down the street from my house, and another less than 5 minutes away. I wonder how different the sales are from VA to us here in upstate SC? Regardless, you are amazing and i love watching your videos! I really love the idea of doing another 30 day plan. Make sure to look out for when whole chickens are 99 cents a lb, or Boston butts are 99 cents a lb - you get a ton of meat to use in different ways for usually less than $8 and with one person eating, it could potentially be used the whole month in various things. Don't be afraid of the bulk options! It may cost more upfront initially, but if you get several uses across the whole 30 days, you save more in the end.

[@savethelights50]

Sweet girl, you did not fail! You had enough food to make it the rest of the days even if some of the final days aren’t that exciting. I’d imagine that it’s a common thing that the last few days before payday look a little funky, with odd combinations (happens in my house and I like to imagine that it does for other folks too). We have greatly enjoyed this series, and would love to see you do another one applying what you’ve learned! Please don’t be discouraged and keep making your amazing videos!

[@PotatoPrincess22]

Something just told me, "go check for one nem new dollar tree dinner videos.." and here you are!! I love your content so much. Your personality is so familiar and warm, and we love a girlie who gives back! 👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾 thank you for everything you do!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

that is so kind of you to say, thank you as well!

[@beverlyweber4122]

ditto!! I did the same!

[@intuitivegina]

Yes isn't this young lady marvelous

[@jami29841]

I feel the same way 😊I am home sick with Covid and have been watching her videos all day. She’s so comforting and seems to be such a sweet soul

[@DollarTreeDinners]

you all are so kind, it's making me tear up reading these comments

[@allyrooh3628]

When you feed yourself &/or your family, it’s a win. Everyday we are able to eat is a win. Great job, Rebecca!

[@laurenb7236]

I think you need to remember that while many of us prefer exciting meals, individuals who don’t have a choice in budgeting have to eat to survive so those individuals have to just go on even if their meals aren’t as great. I think you have done a fantastic job showing variety on a budget! This is NOT a failure. It’s helping me think of how to save money and make food stretch. Me and my husband are both disabled and need these tips. It would be great to see the rest of the 30 days and extend into month 2. It’s sad so many of us have to think this way but food prices are too high to not think smart about it. Thank you for your videos and consideration of money and time when making these videos! 😃

[@defishe01]

i agree with so many others that say you didn't fail at all. this is real life and i would love to see you finish the month out and eat what you can with what you have left. you can even use the 1.25ish that you have left. i think this helps show that one can eat for a whole month on $100 and yes, maybe some meals are going to be repeats, but that is real life and eating those shows that nothing is being wasted. you have done an amazing job and given so many of us encouragement that this can be done in a time when food prices are so high, but yet, it can still be done. i would definitely be interested in seeing you go another month. again, the carry over with what you have left would be part of real life. thank you so much for all you do and the time you spend creating these videos and your willingness to not only share with us, but to be honest and real. it is greatly appreciated.

[@JenniferHenderson-jm2el]

Continue on. Allow yourself an additional $5.00 to make it through the rest of month. Look for BOGO's at Food Lion. You may find one that will be used from here on and roll over into next month. You haven't failed in any way. You have taught yourself and learned so much throughout your endeavor. Looking back to the beginning to present day, you're questioning yourself too much. Worrying about meals being boring or leftovers isn't the point of this experiment. The point is, you have and will make it through the month only spending $100. You DID IT!!! Next month you can apply what you have learned and be set to take on the task again. Pat yourself on the back Rebecca. Not only did you succeed but you have also taught us so much important information for us to carry and pass on to our family and friends. Please don't give up on this or worry that you have let us down. Your doing this is real life. 3 meals a day, not wasting anything and remaining healthy, happy, safe and blessed. Congratulations 👏👏👏👏 I admire your dedication, determination, intelligence and strength. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@christinearrand8208]

Having lived on 60 a month (2-3 meals a day plus hosting dinner for 5 every friday- for 2 years and that included non food expenses like detergent and hygiene) i can say from experience that meal prep is your friend, clearance items are king - know your price points and make friends at the farmers market bc they know how to fix your window sill garden and definitely UTILIZE THE PUBLIC LIBRARY (mine had several gems from cookbooks thru "how to" books on gardening/make your own detergent and more - i dedicated 20 min every other week to pop in browse and just checkout what was available.) ALSO realizing that not every meal needs to be gourmet makes a difference - pb&J on Graham crackers for breakfast with a cup of regular coffee and a splash of chocolate milk sometimes just hits the spot 😅

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I used to love checking the library for cookbooks

[@RachaelGenX]

@@DollarTreeDinnersme too! I scroll Pinterest for entertainment

[@SoleilLeto]

Graham crackers? Pb and j? Chocolate milk? Are you one of my toddlers....?

[@christinearrand8208]

@@SoleilLeto I have 4 kids first set 16 months apart and second set 14 months apart. PBJ and gram crackers is also a comfort food from when my mom was in hospital leaving me to care for 6kids under 7years old when I was 15.... So ya sometimes it just hits the spot

[@marcellacruser951]

​@SoleilLeto l'd qualify as a toddler too, then.

[@ExtraordinaryMachine333]

There are so many good ideas in the comments. If you'd be up for repeating this, I'd love it if you incorporated some of these/other ideas and see if the budget can stretch even farther. Here are a few of mine: One my my favorite cheap vegetarian meals is black beans over a baked sweet potato: a little spice, a little cheese, and it's so good. Stirring in canned/steamed veggies is a good way to stretch a meal like those burrito bowls. Bigger cans of veggies go farther even though they cost more initially, you get more for your money (if you are planning for the week). I know ramen is a standby budget staple for a lot of people, but you can add extras (sesame oil, sauteed veggies, leftover meat scraps, etc.) for little money and make it something special. Maybe even open it up to online shopping, sometimes you can get cheaper deals than your local grocery store.

[@Caramelintrov8rt]

You did not fail! This series is so insightful and impactful. I was going to vote for you to keep going the 5 more days but I see that is what you’ve decided to do. I think you did/are doing extremely well with this series. I know it’s a lot of mental load. I’ve recently had to adjust down our weekly grocery budget and watching this series has helped me in my decision making as to what I’m shopping for. Thank you for all of your content.

[@uhsaywhatnow]

Your work on this channel is so valuable. Please never feel like you’ve failed, because you haven’t. You’re simultaneously teaching and learning along with us. Personally, I’m so thankful for your transparency. I’m the type that would just default to being stingy and boring with my meal choices on a budget, but you’ve got me thinking outside the box. My budget and my meals are better because of the work that you do. Thank you.

[@lauraspicks7114]

Touche !

[@margaretknoerzer907]

You definitely did not fail! I've been watching this series (and all of your videos) to get inspiration and motivation as I'm in the tightest financial situation of my life. Your meals have even helped me significantly on my weight loss journey! I would love to see another month but totally understand if you can't/don't want to do it again. My only advice for how to approach it differently is to limit yourself to one grocery shop per week. Running out with almost a full week is definitely deflating, and while it's super reassuring to have a freezer filled with so many items, it might be better for morale to eat one or two things from the freezer every week and spread out the trips to the store. That way you're not surviving off of freezer meals for too long at the end and you can still get something you really want later on. Also, knowing what you know now I think you can make better use of the sales while they are there. The day you went to the other Food Lion and they had multiple meat options for under $3, the one time the price of eggs was good etc. I'd say when the price is good double up/get more even if it initially feels wrong to be spending more. It will save in the long run. Lastly, I've been implementing your advice from an old video and I always include a frozen pizza in my monthly shop. I definitely recommend doing that and saving it for the end. Being able to pop a frozen pizza in the oven always feels like a treat and I think it's good for morale. You're doing amazing work, keep it up!

[@Myflalifestyle]

Yes! Get more when the prices are good!

[@jccastle3452]

I think you have done amazing!! I like the idea of looking in all the nooks and crannies of your house, car, and pockets to scrounge up 5-6 dollars to complete the month. For me, I don't need to see unique meals... I prefer seeing the nitty gritty of how to stretch the money. I learn more from your little mistakes than I ever would have learned if you made it look easy. Honestly, I don't care which of the scenarios you choose. I'm with you all the way. Thank you for putting in all the hard work. 💖

[@tanyaaustin4123]

I found a great deal on chicken at our Commissary (military grocery store). I got the large packs of chicken for 71 cents and 77 cents due to overstock for the 4th of July. I divided the packs I got into the correct portion size for my hubby and myself. I was so excited to get this great deal.

[@caroleilola7424]

You have not failed so don’t beat yourself up! You have such a huge heart trying to help others and what you do truly helps! This is real life and you’re facing what we all do and you do what you’ve gotta do. Boring or not. We literally have had leftover ls from my in-laws having us over and he insisted on sending home the Mac n cheese…which my daughter and I have had 3 days this week. No waste and stretch money. I’ve added a piece of lunch ham, leftover smoked sausage and we just have had it plain. It works to fill the tummy so she can sleep. It’s harder when there’s only 1 person on the budget as well. With 3 people, our monthly food budget is $300 including my daughters nighttime diapers since she’s 5 and doesn’t eat as much. Rolling what you have left into the following month is something we all can relate to as well. I strive on slowly building a pantry with the rollovers too. I’ll scrimp on meals to save more going forward. Just know you help more than you know and inspire and help us realize we aren’t alone and there are options we haven’t thought of. Some of the throw it together and see what happens make the best meals sometimes. Sometimes they fail and we chuckle over it and joke on which meal was possibly worse. Thank you for doing you and caring so much! Whatever you decide to do, I am here for!

[@LaundryFaerie]

Another resource to consider: if you're out of money before the end of the month and you have a little free pantry in your neighborhood, you might be able to stretch with whatever's in the pantry.

[@laceyc4111]

Yessss!! Rebecca you could visit the food pantry for your last 5 days

[@LaundryFaerie]

If you're financially strapped, there's no shame in accepting help -- especially when it's freely offered.

[@rebeccaramsey1274]

I'm sure if she finished up she could maybe show something like that and talk about how it could be utilized, but she wouldn't want to take food she didn't actually need. But some areas have a lot more stuff available to help people than other areas, so not always an option. And there are other ways to get an ingredient if you have a friend, neighbor, relative that could spare a cup of flour, etc. but again, not for everyone who may be watching. It's still so helpful to see what you can do with a small budget though.

[@CHSwildcats19]

I think a good idea would be a video showing how to stock your pantry with staples over time - rice, flour, cornmeal, sugar, dry pasta, multiple seasonings, canned and jarred foods that last for years..... If you add a little bit each week (whatever is on sale) to your basic pantry staples then it's not so overwhelming and you end up with so many options!

[@beckyallen3771]

I have started buying shelf stable items for my holiday goody bags, I give to my senior neighbors. My idea was to help out those who may have a hard time shopping and cooking from scratch. The dollar store is a great resource for this project, but I also use other stores. So far, i have bought canned corn, green beans, and potatoes, boxed milk, cake mixes , olives, tiny canned hams, and hot coco.mix. In the next few months I will pick up fruit cocktail, boxed pudding, canned sweet potatoes, pumpkins pie filling, canned frosting and little sparking cider bottles. I put all of this in a festive holiday bag. I love working on this project, it gets out of the house and brings a little joy to my neighbors! You might do a video on making holiday dinner gift bags for seniors! This could really help seniors in many ways!

[@beckystone7994]

Rebecca you have not failed at all in fact you did much better with your meals than a lot of people who are older snd been cooking all their lives ! I think you should finish out the 30 days with what you have ! Many households have to eat the last few days of the month with whatever they have left and rice with tomatoes and a pork chop is a great meal or a pot of dry beans and cornbread with a slice of cubed up ham for seasoning is a few meals and freezes well also ! And yes continue on with another 30 day challenge with the knowledge you’ve gained you will be better equipped to formulate more and better meals that go further ! Maybe buy a few jalapeños ( 8-10) and chop them up with seeds included for heat and put in some vinegar in a pint jar that way you have some spicy peppers and some vinegar sauce to spice up meals and sandwiches/subs/wraps/beans /rice bowls etc. ! Also a 14-15 Oz can of tomato sauce ( store brand) and an envelope of taco seasoning ( store brand) and 1/4-1/2 cup of water to thin sauce out. Makes a delicious taco sauce to use on tacos, taco salad, pasta , rice, potatoes, on cooked hamburger meat to make sloppy joes, or chili , spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce , on scrambled eggs and sausage or bacon and egg sandwiches as a sauce ! I make my own taco sauce this way and use it in so many different ways as I’ve described above and it saves a lot of money just store it in a pint jar in fridge and if you need to thin it out more just use a little water ! Also you can make a lot of gravy by using a can of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup and add 1 & 1/ 2 cans of water and seasoning to be used anywhere you like gravy and it saves a lot if money using store brands ! You’re an inspiration Rebecca keep going you’ll learn a lot of tricks to save money while using foods in different ways to make a meal work ! Using 2 lbs of hamburger meat you can make a meatloaf, pot of chili and a pot of spaghetti sauce to use to make a lot of meals that can be frozen well also ! God bless ❤️🙏🙋🏻🌈🌈

[@HeatherTV-ry6kr]

You did awesome! "Boring" repeat meals are sometimes part of the deal. And you got all the way to day 25 before worrying about that!?! With that squirrel fund still going! I'd love to see a 2nd month, with lessons learned and rollover ingredients/meals BUT only if you're feeling up to it. It wouldn't even have to be consecutive. You could inventory what you have that won't hold, leave the freezer stuff alone, take a few weeks or whatever, and then come back fresh with comparable half-used items from your fridge/pantry. I don't want you to burn out. Somwthing something can't pour from an empty cup, you know?

[@eathomelive]

Yeah, I love to cook, and we often have lots of leftovers and repeat or even boring meals.

[@lynnlukins7522]

I am a long time watcher and first time commenter. I just wanted to say that I have learned so much from you and just love your videos. I love how relatable you are and how you cook regular food, not fancy stuff. I have recommended your videos to many people! I know this is a lot of work, especially when you’re busy traveling and working. Just know that you are so inspiring and helping people everywhere. My family has loved all of your recipes that we’ve tried!

[@rebeccaramsey1274]

Meal entirely from scraps reminded me that my little brother, when he was a kid, thought "from scratch" was "from scraps" so we say that sometimes when we're cooking together. 😂

[@StephanieJenkins-t1b]

You have not failed! I vote to continue to day 30. Use your last one Dollar Tree item to purchase cheese or a meat and finish. Maybe you eat five half meals or just peaches and half a bowl of oatmeal. It’s not boring to us! You can do it!

[@kellygarcia-smith260]

Not a failure at all!! Thank you so much for the effort and time that you have put into this series. I would like to see you go through until the 30 days, even if it is repeat meals, just to truly show what you can eat for 30 days with $100. Like another commenter said, it isn’t a failure if your belly is full. ❤

[@jackiedungan8502]

You absolutely did not fail!!!! You not only give people on budgets great ideas but you also give us just really tasty recipes that are affordable. People might use that extra money to get their family a treat or put towards another bill. Again, you do a fantastic job!!!

[@siren1706]

I don't think it's failing. You haven't run out of food. "Boring" is sometimes how you make the budget stretch. I would love to see you finish this challenge and then try a second month with the things you have. I feel like *most* have a few random things in their pantry when they have a budget like this, and it would be cool to see what you can do with another $100 and a few random things from your pantry.

[@KeithandPamBilyeu]

Pam here….don’t worr about freezing tomatos. When I pick tomatoes end of season, i rinse them off, toss in gallon baggie to freeze. I take out and make sauce out them.

[@VillainessVamp]

Keep it going. Real is valuable and appreciated. I would like to see the results of a 2,3, or 4 month roll over just to see the impact of the carryover. How to maximize the carryover. Sometimes you do have to sacrifice variety as well as convenience. I am getting inspired and really into this.

[@lauriebarnwell2960]

Also, I love leftovers and think it is awesome you had so many things you froze earlier in the month to set yourself up for the remainder of the month. You definitely didn’t fail and got some insights on ways to improve it next time for your tastes. I’ve challenged myself to eat out of my freezer and pantry for the next 3 months with a budget of $15 per week for some fresh veggies and eggs or yogurt, then I’m going to try to stick to $100 per month, so this is super relateable.

[@johnnaluedecke]

One main thing is that it is real life. You make mistakes, that are part of life. You can't run away from it. You can do it if you put your mind to it. A lot of KZbinrs channels show it as ok you can do it. But not a lot of show/ channels when they fail. Failing is a part of life. You can do it. The only time you are a failure. Is when you give something up that you know you can do. That you don't even try to do something about it. You can either learn from it or run away/ whatever bad things comes your way. You turn away from the fight chance. You are only in this world to learn and experiment on life. You may fail this series. But you can experiment on another. One is always looking for the cheapest mix. Hell even Ceo even does it, too. That is why there are a lot more recalls now than in history past. Please do not give into the budget. Just try your best. Lol give the old college try say lol. 😊

[@lenalyles2712]

You didn't fail. One hint - green onions if you cut 1/2" to an inch and put in water will regrow. I have a dozen on my window sill that I have been using from for 6 months. Just change the water every couple days.

[@defishe01]

i do this too and learned you can regrow celery too and have some of it going.

[@kendiholloway2378]

I grew up poor & sometimes it was with a slice of charity donated bread if I was lucky with a single cup of instant soup (watered down to stretch for us 2 kids). Sometimes it was just toast. Sometimes it was trying not to let my Mum hear me crying in bed hungry. You are showing so many of us a way to try to get fed, and any way we can achieve that is a win. Thank you for all the work you do.

[@hippie2mars]

That literally brought tears to my eyes. My heart aches for little hungry you. 😢

[@rz-zd2dd]

I'm so sorry you experienced hunger as a child. It hurts my heart to think a child is going hungry.

[@user-gf5ry1or8k]

This whole series has been AMAZING. You did so well. I appreciate the rawness of this whole series. It stinks to think this kind of content is needed to help people in 2024. But it's the current reality and there are so many viewers grateful for what you do. You teach people how to be strategic and analytical. Yes, you didn't score on sales and markdowns this month, but you teach people to look for them. Much love. PS I live in VA too, and Harris Teeter has the best deals for meat/seafood in my case.

[@bethberk9518]

You absolutely did not fail !!!! You are showing real life. I don’t think you have any idea how many people you are helping, especially those that live pay check to pay check . I vote that you finish the month out using that dollar 25. You have left for a bag of vegetables or something at the dollar tree. Then next month start another One and see what you can come up with adding the few items you have left over from this month. Thank you for doing these videos for us.

[@dollparts85]

I just want to say I've loved this series. It's really helped me come up with some money saving ideas. You're incredibly creative and I'm sure you're helping so many people get by. Thank you. ❤️

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I try to be! I've learned creativity over the years from always looking for different ways to stretch my grocery budget and watching a ton of other people do the same. We all collectively provide so much ideas and information! One of my personal favorites is Ardent Michelle, she has a smaller following but she does a very similar concept, always trying to make the best possible meals on a small budget and drawing inspiration from international meals whenever possible

[@suzynnnnn]

I so enjoy both of you young ladies. Your creativity is definitely a gift. Praise God for His many blessings 🙏 ​@@DollarTreeDinners

[@tracyq989]

​@@DollarTreeDinners, I love watching her as well. I am learning so much from both of you. And I also learned from my mom who raised 6 kids (plus herself) on $120.00 a week (total, not just food) for years. She's my hero. You and Ardent Michelle are doing incredible work to help so many struggling right now. That's not a failure, that's amazing!! 💕

[@user-gg4nw5xo5e]

I'd love too see you go the rest even if it's boring. I'd love too see another month of this. I would have loved too have seen your show years ago lol. I was a single mom and I had 100 dollars if that too feed my 2 kids for the month. I didn't qualify for food stamps or free meals at the school. I did however once a month on a Saturday have time too go too a food bank. Maybe you could replicate a food bank box and use that in your new month of 100? I typically received a bag of rice, a box or 2 of pasta, random veggies like potatoes, carrots and onions, fruits like apples and always raisins. I'd get spaghetti sauce, soup and canned veggies. Meat usually consisted of tuna in a can. I'd also receive beans, maybe beef stew or chili in a can. That's all I can really remember since it's been a while. But maybe you could do another month with the added box of a typical food pantry haul.

[@Etherealcherub222]

You have not failed at all! You have food to last the 30 days for the most part and you could even have some “extras” to add to a second 30 day challenge like you mentioned and that’s a win. Not every meal is going to be unique and reality is, most of us eat a lot of the same foods or don’t have the time, energy, etc to even do some “simple” recipes and stick to “basic” meals like your potato, pork chop, and green bean meals. You’ve done a great job with this challenge and have helped inspire me as someone who is in recovery from an eating disorder (& doesn’t have a lot of money) that it is possible to add variety and such in my meals while being on a budget. So thank you.

[@vixenjenocidal]

Absolutely not a failure! What you were able to accomplish was tremendous. Everyone feels those pangs of creative paralysis. Some days we don't want to think about food, cooking, or what to eat...it gets tedious. You did such a good job at keeping up the variety...it seemed like you were always satiated and the meals were nutritious. What you did with the struggle budget was remarkable and probably gave folks lots of ideas. We all have meal fails sometimes...sometimes things just don't taste like we imagine they will. That's part of creativity and that knowledge gets banked for the future...we learn. I'd love to see you work with a small budget and maybe a box from the local food bank(again) so folks can see how that goes and to take away some of the stigma. I get a box twice a month from my food bank and am able to make some pretty amazing meals when it's combined with a small budget. It slowly helps me build up a pantry and allows me to purchase staples like spices from DT so my meals have more variety. Thank you so much for all you're doing to teach folks that eating on the cheap doesn't have to be just rice and beans. It can be fun and taste good!

[@sandicollins4000]

I think you’ve been doing great in this series! It’s your first time and it definitely is a learning curve. I would like to see you complete this month even if it’s boring meals and continuing into next month using what you’ve learned this first month. You have not failed us in my opinion, you show us how much work and thought it takes to shop on $100.00 a month. I appreciate you showing us the good and not so good parts of this budget. Keep up the good work Rebecca! 😊

[@alyssariceYT]

I would love for you to continue this for another 30 days!! I know its a ton of work, and youve given me so many ideas! We're crash saving to buy our house, and keeping our grocery budget as low as possible has really helped

[@stl3145]

Please don’t feel like you failed. This has been such an educational and inspiring series! This has been my favorite series yet! You take such care and make great efforts to make these meals as good as they can possibly be to stay within the budget. You are helping so many of us. I hope you decide to do this challenge again. Whether you stay to the $100 exactly or add a few bucks it’s going to be great and extremely helpful. Thanks for the wonderful series ❤

[@carlajoye6594]

Even trying 30 days for $100 speaks volumes about your character, you are NOT a failure. Please finish what you started and take the lessons learned into next month. You are an inspiration to us all.