Ultimate $30 Grocery Haul Challenge | Surviving on $30 SNAP Benefits

[@SweepDailyWin]

So is it you that's surviving on 30 or your "friend". ??Its a bit insensitive if you're just doing an experiment.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

No. It’s not me. I was doing an experiment and here’s why. Like many people who don’t suffer food insecurity or use government assistance, I was full of advice on what she should do. And when she said it’s not as easy as you think I thought I’ll just see. Well…I did see and it was not as easy as I thought. It was very difficult. This experiment gave me an inkling of what people that experience food insecurity weekly have to deal with. I am now much more empathetic. And I am also more open to helping her and others like her to find solutions. Whereas some of my suggestions were helpful, I have also found more concrete ways to offer assistance. And here’s the other thing about experiments, they provide data for various situations. I am so glad I have this data. I will do more as a caring person to help others in this situation. And thank you for giving me this opportunity to explain the need for all of us to look on this problem and consider how we can help others.

[@yayab4771]

@homemakingwithdenise I don't think it's insensitive, for all the reasons you stated. My brother does indeed get about $30 EBT per month (he's disabled) and doesn't cook. I'm grateful for your experiment. It was definitely eye-opening.

[@evamaria644]

@@homemakingwithdenise I'm surprised that you even thought you could tell someone else what they could do off of $30. However, just so you will know. Food stamps, now called LINK is based off of your income. She has to have an income of at least $800 from a source to even get the $30 Link. The average link allotment is $291 and they start reducing it until you no longer qualify. This is across the board regardless of what state you live in. It is a federal program which doesn't allow for cost of living in different states. So, the person in CA will receive the same amount as the person in MS. The food stamp program isn't telling her to live off of $30 but rather to take the other money from whatever source of income she has with the $30 to buy food.

[@irmaclemons1975]

I don't think this experiment was insensitive at all. It actually helped a lot and gives you something to consider and offers advice on shopping.

[@UnstucktoWellness]

@@SweepDailyWin definitely not insensitive. She is helping people in this economy

[@kathyhayward5730]

Having grown up dirt poor, I'd have chosen a 10lb bag of chicken leg quarters ($5.95) over the rotisserie chicken, grits, oatmeal, elbow macaroni, Ramen soup, a box of instant potatoes, margarine, a 2 lb. bag of sugar, a 2 lb. bag of flour, a pkg of split peas, a 1 lb. pkg of pinto beans, 1 loaf of sliced bread, a lb. of rice, 2 cans tomato paste, and 18 eggs. Based on the current prices at my local HEB grocery store, that's right at $30. Could be cheaper if I hit the sales right. I'd also grow tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and whatever else I had room for on my patio or balcony.

[@hillcountrycottage]

@@kathyhayward5730 You’re a pro at this, Kathy! 😃👍💕🙏🏻 (I’m in San Antonio, so HEB is my store too!)

[@LynnLamont]

You can buy edible plants with food stamps. If you bought an heirloom tomato plant you can root cuttings and have several tomato plants. You can also save the seeds for next year. Growing just a few things can give you more bang for your buck. Potatoes are so easy to grow and you can grow them in pots and get a lot plus keep a few and plant another crop in late summer. Make big pots of soup and chili and freeze.

[@kathyhayward5730]

@@LynnLamont I regrow plants from root scraps too. The easiest are celery, onions, romaine lettuce, garlic, and sweet potatoes. Pineapple tops will also root, and they're pretty, but it takes a few years before they grow another pineapple. Because tomato plants are so expensive these days, I'd buy an heirloom tomato and harvest the seeds.

[@kathyhayward5730]

@@hillcountrycottage I do love my HEB!

[@LynnLamont]

@@kathyhayward5730 Absolutely, and because the plants are now so expensive, I would take a few cuttings and root in water and get 10 plants for the price of one. 😊

[@Dbb27]

I have never faced food insecurity. When I saw $30 I thought you meant for a week. I am frugal and don’t waste food but I never realized just how difficult things are for some. Thank you for a very good video in so many ways.

[@deloreshall7005]

It's really hard for our seniors they are mostly forgotten about and they say they are lucky to get that 23.00 a month Food stamps...now ain't that sad it shouldn't be this way but Lord knows it's only going to get harder we are in our last days and it's already for told God Bless

[@jannweitman4431]

@Dbb27 At a hard time in my Husband's and my life. He was injured on the job with the National Gaurds and a year later my knee went out while hiking. So years later we were both on SSI. Our daughter came to visit from out of town one weekend and it was lunch time and Heather said oh where do you want to go eat Mom? And I blurted out without thinking...oh your Dad and I don't eat lunch, we have coffee and a snack instead. She looked at me weirdly and asked why....well I knew I blew it so I just told her the truth...we can't afford to eat lunch....so around noon we have coffee and a cookie or whatever I have baked that week.

[@Dbb27]

@@jannweitman4431 sometimes we see but we really don’t see. Thank you for sharing and helping me see. My mother ran the food bank at her church for years. I have been still working here and there. Mostly because one of my family members needs financial support. But, when my life settles a little I will start doing some volunteer work. I wasn’t really sure what to do but I am looking more and more towards following my mother’s footsteps.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

@@jannweitman4431SSI would be nice to have but my condition is hard to “prove” I couldn’t believe how much SSI was in my state! Plus I could get SS if I was 67. The SS is tiny tho due to working cash jobs and mostly raising kids homeschooling. Regardless I’ve got too long before I can get SS & the govt will be broke in next couple yrs so 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@mamadeborah1999]

​@deloreshall7005 yes, my Mom gets $20/month😮

[@RycheDylOdk]

Politicians are out of touch of the needs of the American people. I am glad you made this video to shine light on the struggle for most of Americans.

[@jakgraphic]

I’m voting for someone not dedicated to spending money on a gold … toilet!

[@BouksFlawsStuff747]

@@RycheDylOdk I don't believe they are out of touch. I know it but they don't care.

[@hoppas77]

Yes, I agree! And the illegal people coming in get food stamps 10 times the amount of US citizens in need. Mades me so mad. Not one d@mn politician cares a thing about us.. they are ALL full of hot air. smh!

[@hoppas77]

@@jakgraphic why didnt the someone your voting for do anything before.. no of them care about us!

[@jakgraphic]

@@hoppas77 * coughing * Google much? Or read history/facts in history. Learning is free and non-partisan.

[@beereal2514]

I was raised by parents that lived through the Great Depression. My mom told me that they had cornbread and gravy for nearly every meal and were glad to have that. My grandfather was a coal miner and would take a lunch to work each of a bologna sandwich. This was reserved for just my grandfather, my mom was not allowed to have any. She said her grandfather would often save part of his sandwich and give it to my mom when he got home from work. She felt very privileged that she got a few bites of her fathers bologna sandwich. My father hunted and fished to feed our family. I grew up on squirrel, rabbit and fresh fish. I never knew we were poor, we were just like everyone else. My life has far more privileged but I have never forgotten the lessons of my parents in understanding the difference between a want and a need and being thankful for what i have.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

My mom was a child and talks about the depression, her dad hunted squirrel, rabbit, and probably a few other things. My dad fished but he didn’t hunt. Today, my husband fishes. He fishes for sport but he fills the freezer so we have fish year round. I, too, am privileged that I don’t worry about food but my eyes have been opened more so to those that do. Now that I know more I will be more helpful to others.

[@bethyoung4030]

I have to share. One year my brother brought me tons of apples from his trees. Made 72 quarts of applesauce, about 20 pints of apple jelly from peelings and cores, and boiled those peels and cores yet again to get a kind of juice out of them. Many many lunches were applesauce and a bowl of rice. Dinners were cornbread. Now, I can hardly eat applesauce😂😂

[@homemakingwithdenise]

@@bethyoung4030 Gurl, I hear you but I bet you’re glad to get it when you do!

[@PattiNicks-jw3tj]

As a 70 year old senior I found your video so helpful. I struggle with very little money for food. You're a blessing. 🙏🙏🙏

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Patti, I am glad it was helpful! I will do more work with this topic. It really seems to be resonating with people. Let me ask…are you alone or are you cooking for two? I’m going to look at this in upcoming videos.

[@qij762]

look into a local food pantry directory. They will tell you all the local food banks near you or at least some of them. U can also go to churches and ask if they offer a food drive or have any resources for food. Blessings

[@janetmccoy7945]

@@PattiNicks-jw3tj Miss there are food pantries everywhere. Most Americans struggle is too much food.

[@lornahuddleston1453]

The food bank near my house in Oregon really helps with quite a few staples. They also provide a lot of greens and fruit. Dried beans, split peas, rice and lentils are helpful. It can make a big difference. The trick is getting there.

[@nicolethijs5428]

In Belgium I could buy 1 raw whole chicken, 1/5 kilo mince meat, sjalots, 2 red bell peppers, 1 aubergine,1 kilo of bananas,1 zucchini, 1 tin of kidney beans, 3 tins of chopped tomatoes, 500 gram of spagetti, 1 kilo of breadflower, 1 kilo sugar,1 kilo normal flour,1 kilo rice, 1 kilo of oats, jar of jam, 600 grams of sliced patatoes, margerine to fry, margarine to go on bread, 20 eggs,1 liter of milk. And that came to 29, 97 euro. I would make spagetti with mince and tomato sauce, fried rice with eggs, chili con carne, rice with tomatosauce and omelets, pancakes, oats and banana pancakes, oatmeal cookies, chicken and rice, chicken and baked patatoes, skakshouka( eggs, beans and tomatoes)jam and bread for breakfast. But all in all if I had nothing in my (wellstocked)pantry I bet I would be rather hungrey after a while.Just a few euro’s more would have given me more fresh things like a salad, a lemon, some cheese. I think with 40 euro’s I would have a pretty good menu. But still no money for patatoes,coffee( very expensive these days) and soda’s .

[@djursholmsflicka]

I have $64 in EBT for the month. I don't drive so have to order home delivery from Walmart. My list includes dried pinto beans, $4, 10 lbs. chicken leg quarters, 6.72, 1 can tomatoes 1.48, 2 boxes corn muffin mix, 1.24, one block of cheese 1.97, 1 dozen eggs, 3.77, 3 bananas 50c, 1 bag brown rice 88c, 2 onions 70c, 1 can salsa 1.18, pack tortillas 1.98, 1 bag frozen broccoli 94c, , 2 bags frozen mixed vegetables 1.98, 1 bag cole slaw mix 1.97, 2 packs ramen noodles 60c I would have 9c left over with $30. I divide the leg quarters in half, freeze part and simmer about 3 whole legs with vegetable trimmings for stock. Meat is removed, bagged. I will use in chili. refried beans. tortillas, fried rice, with ramen and mixed vegs (only use part of the seasoning packet). I use the cole slaw mix in tacos and tostadas, egg rolls in a bowl, and a little cole slaw to go with an air fried chicken leg. I will air fry some tortillas to make migas (scrambled eggs with the tortilla chips and salsa) and as a base for a taco bowl with a scoop of the chili and salsa to top and a little grated cheese. I believe I could eat for a month on this, but I only eat one meal a day. I did think my own EBT was not quite enough to last for a month. but now I think it's quite generous!!! The extra $34 I get in EBT I save $10 in season for two trips to the local farmers' market which has an eat healthy program where $5 in EBT gives you $15 to spend. I use that for fruits and vegs. The rest can go for peanut butter. coffee, another block of cheese, sour cream, a couple of potatoes. Since I am old. I will register for once a month USDA senior boxes which vary in contents but usually seem to include some the staples I buy anyway, freeing up some EBT. en n

[@firandcurly84]

@@djursholmsflicka excellent job

[@simplyjulie1612]

Wow! It seems you have really figured out how to do it and are maximizing what you are able to do. Good for you!

[@yoltwysse]

I really enjoyed reading your post of how your stretch your EBT budget to get the most out of what you get. I hope many people are inspired by it (and this video) to see what is possible. I don't eat meat or dairy anymore for health reasons, which makes it easier to stretch my tight budget farther with filling nutritious veggies, fruits, beans/legumes, and whole grains. Here in our state we get the farmer's market EBT match up to $10 (so $10 gives me $20 in fresh produce). What a blessing that in your area you get triple the benefit. Does your state also provide the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, where you receive vouchers during the summer months for fresh produce from the farmers' market? Those benefits are available to people 60 and over who are at or below their states income limits at or below 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. The guidelines with exact figures can be found online. The USDA senior boxes are a wonderful benefit as well that so many depend on each month. Many blessings to you!

[@djursholmsflicka]

@@yoltwysse Thanks for your comment! Yes, SC did issue the Senior Farmer's Market nutrition program vouchers as well. Just wonderful! I am diabetic, so no bread, pasta potatoes etc. I can add lentils and pintos in moderation watching what else I eat without spiking my sugar.

[@maepixie1372]

You should call your nearest Food Bank. There are churches and other business, they give food to for the seniors and needy. It can help you stretch that EBT even farther. I have gotten Starbucks coffee from local food bank. Me personally would never buy Starbucks ground coffee. I see it as a blessing to get some nice coffee for free. You can find cereal, pancake mix, and oatmeal at most of these pantries. They also have a nice variety of can goods for your pantry. Some of these pantries will have a volunteer bring you a box of food. I stocked up on dried beans, instant potatoes, and can goods for winter, when i can not get out of house. We actually tend to find a pantry partner to go with. This works out great for those who do NOT drive. Also when you actually go and talk to others you can find out other places that give out during the month. There are things that our pantries do not have so you still need to buy from stores. I have to get eggs, milk, flour, sugar, corn meal and oil from stores. I have switched to using real butter in things because our pantries give you those items.

[@lyndabrown3402]

I’m 78 and my mom ate the chicken back. I too, thought she ate it because it was her favorite. As an adult I realized she had 5 kids and a husband so she let us have the best.

[@FrancenaFields-l8w]

@@lyndabrown3402 my mom did to, I love bones to this day, grandkids laugh at me, they just don't know how the struggle was.

[@slendagullyandfriends4530]

I went to the grocery for my grandma when I was a kid. There was a real butcher store inside, nothing was prepackaged. From her list I ordered 5lbs of “backs and necks” . Grandma made us Chicken and Noodles. Eggs noodles with rich broth and what we all thought was plenty of chicken. It took me quite a few years before I realized how much work that was to widdle all that meat off of the bones for us. She did this every week.

[@barbaramitchell41]

My mother did the same thing.

[@SHarrell237]

@@slendagullyandfriends4530 I boil it, and it falls off fairly easy.

[@maepixie1372]

My parents ate the best and their fill before any of us could fill up. I remember giving my school lunch to my older brother because he was still hungry. Then because i had to cook dinner i would go without so my brothers could eat their fill. Doctors were so concern with my weight because for my height and bone structure i should have weighed 125. Going without food for days so my brothers could have it had me at 85 pounds. Now looking back i realize yes i am thrifty and always have been but i shouldn't have been put in that position because i had greedy parents. People like your mom are Heroes in my book....

[@LynnLamont]

Folks, with what she had on the counter, I see three possibilities. 1. Cut off the bottom of the celery and place in bowl of water. It will start regrowing. When roots develop, plant it in a pot. 2. Save the seeds from pepper & dry for planting next year. 3. Cut bottom of onion off and regrow. You can also regrow the carrot greens.

[@mikeallison7435]

Very good suggestions, thank you.

[@denisewilliams3490]

@@LynnLamont Lynn and everyone, thanks for sharing. I just wanted to share that peppers-green, yellow, red etc can be grown hydroponically. You don’t have to wait until the next spring/ summer season. I purchased my first Aerogarden during Amazon’s July Prime Day. I also purchased off of Amazon, a kit with assorted seeds of cucumber, green peppers and Golden Cherry tomatoes. No luck with the tomatoes this time but the others are growing. I’ve also purchased a bag of mini peppers and saving those seeds separately to grown red, yellow and orange peppers. Let’s continue to share your ideas, knowledge and suggestions.

[@lisaryherd4593]

Wow, never thought of that!!

[@Sablemmmn]

Most of the lazy welfare moms won’t do that

[@anitamilligan8149]

Im in canada. Food is much more expensive. We wojuld starve on that.

[@SelenaKnight-n7h]

If the US can find money for wars no one should be living on $30. Specially those whose ancestors built up the country. Anyhow well done. What a lovely spotless kitchen.

[@melanieroberts2221]

Case workers tell you its meant to be a suppliment

[@Melissa-Isaiah61BeautyforAshes]

@SelenaKnight-n7h This Country was established by Great Men who penned The Constitution and The Bill of Rights, and also implemented The Presidency. Without these Great Men, The USA would be like all other failing Nations.

[@Tamara_D]

​@melanieroberts2221 That's true. It was never intended to be full support. It's a supplement to your income. Unfortunately, in this economy, it's all we have to feed ourselves.

[@bernadettedevereaux8694]

@@SelenaKnight-n7h It is astonishing that poor people squander their votes on politicians and/or pay tithes to preachers who live so much better than they do. Those leaders have housing in gated communities, never worry about healthcare costs, childcare, grocery bills or car payments and insurance. The employees at Welfare offices or The Secretary of State are impatient, rude and condescending. The disadvantages of being lower income is compounded by the treatment of people who blame them for being poor.

[@poyznelf]

SNAP = Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. $30 is the allotment because the client has income that offsets the remainder of the SNAP benefits. Maximum Federal Allotment for single person is $292. This person would also have access to local Food Pantries.

[@djwright5686]

This is a great idea. Me and a whole lot of people need this. And I have a masters degree. Snap folks ain’t the only ones on a tight budget❤❤❤🌹🙏🏿👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🥰

[@dyoung2739]

I spent almost $30 at Walmart yesterday just on incidentals. We really need to count our blessings because some are trying to feed entire families on a super low budget.

[@missreynolds3637]

Amen I am very thankful for all our blessings. My husband likes to complain sometimes and he really doesn't have a clue how well we have it compared to some. I told him stop complaining, because God will humble you real quick like.

[@JackieE.Lewis-Bronner]

Thanks for sharing this with us all!

[@missreynolds3637]

@@vf3289 I have been guilty too with the ever rising prices. I try real hard not to complain though and to be very thankful.

[@MsKita-qx4ij]

@@dyoung2739 I buy nearly everything I need at Grocery Outlet. I go to Kroger for fresh produce. What is so surprising to me is how low the Snap and EBT benefits folks are receiving. I’m West Coast: my brother was receiving $180 a month on his EBT card while he was trying to get SSI Disability and now gets $50 a month on his Ucard. I get that we’re a Republic and benefits vary from state to state but the disparity is ridiculous. Most folks around here can get to two food banks a week if they need to. Reading the comments reminds me to direct what I can to the food bank.

[@timstanlake2811]

We need to do more than count our blessings. We need to actively look for ways to help those in this kind of severe need because it only take a split second for us to find ourselves in the same spot. Not saying that you're not doing that, but I really hate when people just give thanks and say prayers but put no money where their mouths are. I've been on both sides so my perspective is highly sensitive to the need and my responsibility. to others

[@brattycin]

I worked for a company for 30 years, the day after they congratulated me on my 30 years they fired me saying my production had slowed down. I had just turned 71 and over the years I have developed osteoarthritis in my hands so my fingers would cramp up on occasion. I had started to get my SS a few years ago and along with working full time I was able to make ends meet with a little left over, but with the loss of my job my income was cut in half. I can pay rent, electric, car payment and insurance. I need to take 2 different BP pills plus some other medical bills and a few other small things but there isn't much left for food. I got SNAP too, but I only get $23. I have to dip into my money to shop so I hit the YT videos to learn how to cook within my 'budget'. Thanks for the new ideas 💖

[@JackieE.Lewis-Bronner]

Glory to God for everything and especially Thanking God for the Homemaking with Denise KZbin channel! Hallelujah that the Holy Spirit leading folks here! You have taught us all so much and I love them all and appreciate you all!

[@susandavey3312]

@@brattycin I am sorry these horrible things have happened to you. Tell Jesus all about it, give Him all your troubles, then forgive those who hurt you, pray for them. Remenber, Vengence is Mine, saith The Lord. He will never desert you.

[@chrisfry436]

@@susandavey3312 I have a little plaque in my bedroom on my headboard that a nice lady at a flea market gave me, it says "Give your troubles to God....he will be up all night anyway"! I loved it the minute I saw it, I tried to give her the 25cents for it but she refused.

[@carolbarnett3912]

fIRST OF ALL AS A SENIOR YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR PROGRAMS IN YOUR AREA..fOOD BANKS ASSOCIATED W LOCAL CHURCHES..cATHOLIC cHARITES, mEALS ON wHEELS..aPPLY FOR mEDICAID AS WELL..gIVES RIDES...

[@tigerguitara]

I’m so sorry that happened to you. This country needs to relearn respect for one another.

[@heathersmeather]

I was on my own right out of high school. I remember struggling to get by MANY times and with many tears. I remember going without electrify and washing my hair and clothes (by hand) in cold water a few times. At times my grocery list was things like bread, eggs, margarine, and bologna (probably a cheap bag of meow mix for my cat 😆). I remember taking a roll of TP from work and replacing it after I got paid. Just little memories. At the time it was hard but now that I’m 50 I’m thankful for the experiences that made me more compassionate and definitely more thrifty. 😁

[@slendagullyandfriends4530]

Honey this sure speaks to me. Trying to scrape together gas money. I had Kraft Mac and Cheese almost every day, I usually didn’t have milk and had to use water and powdered coffee mate. Your last sentence was beautiful.❤

[@chrisfry436]

Funny how a lot of us can do that...the "look back on" and realize it indeed made us more resourceful and determined, but we made do....

[@thebarbieinvestor5428]

God is great. I absolutely remember humbling times. Now that I’m able I must make a point to give back in meaningful ways. ❤

[@AZHITW]

@@slendagullyandfriends4530 I remember my co-worker talking about what she'd have for dinner because all she had was a package of instant mashed potatoes and ketchup. We were laughing because it was a toss-up between tomato-potatoes or potatoes-tomato. The struggle was real! I too ate lots of Kraft Mac and Cheese because it was 27¢ a box back in the 1960s.

[@jesusislord3321]

I wish I would have known you, I would have helped you. So glad you kept the faith!🙌🏽

[@grannyprepper1181]

I’m 72, my SNAP is $31 a month. I do budget another $60 to $80 a month from my social security. Yes I go to a food bank once a month. When I lived in California, I could go to a different food bank a couple times a week. I live in a small town in Arizona, there’s one food bank and one church that does food. As a single senior that was raised on a farm, I can stretch my food! Thanks for the information, looking forward to learning more.

[@MPam1619]

Switch your Medicare to an "Advantage" plan and request an otc card which will allow you to receive a monthly sum of money to buy food and over the counter meds.

[@beverlyastorga6825]

@grannyprepper1181 I'm 69 my Snap benefits are 23.00 per month.

[@curiouscat3384]

Wonderful topic and i appreciate your creativity and discipline to come up with a plan. I just stumbled in here and when i think about surviving on $30 I want to cry for all the people in this situation. I am motivated now to see what I can do in my community to help out. thank you Denise :)

[@loveblue2]

I found myself getting emotional as you were pouring the corn muffin batter into the muffin tin as the background music played. I was just thinking of how difficult it must be to try to live on a 30.00 a month food budget. For the majority of us, living on a 30.00 a WEEK food budget would be challenging, especially with having to include work lunches if the person is working age. Yet another reason to stop and count our blessings. I frequently tell my daughter that I'm going to do a small grocery delivery order and it will end up being almost 100.00 sometimes. So, this video really struck me on several levels. Great food choices and recipe ideas, Denise! God bless! ❤

[@lovelife7343]

@@loveblue2 you must remember snap benefits are based on income to debt ratio. The more deductions you have the higher the snap benefits a person gets. If a person does not have a lot of debt they have more income left to use for food. Snap is a supplement to your own remaining income you have left after bills.

[@3TXSisters]

@loveblue2 I was thinking the same thing. Count your blessings, name them one by one.

[@lyndioli]

I myself got a little teary eyed too! Been there and know how it feels shopping in the store and seeing all that food that you can't buy! 🙏

[@Kaythegardener-w5x]

@lovelife7343 only certain expenses are deductible, eg a % of housing & utilities, childcare or grandparent care allowance if needed for work, & both prescription & non prescription medical expenses. If you are buying a burial plan on the payment plan, that might qualify in some states as an allowable deduction. Save your receipts to bring to the caseworker every 6 or 12 months renewal. They already know the yearly Social Security COLA allowance & can factor that in.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

All this in regards to SNAP benefits and debt to income ratio? I'm not really sure since it's not something I've lived but for the person struggling to meet that food need...it's hard. I'm just glad I had different items to pull from my pantry.

[@sueannchism1128]

Such a good “real” video! I was a single momma for 10 years and remember having zero money for groceries. I would go to family members and they would lovingly let me shop from their kitchen. Thank you for sharing. This puts things in perspective for a lot of us.

[@victoriao1828]

@@sueannchism1128 You are lucky to have a good family.

[@sueannchism1128]

@@victoriao1828 yes very blessed!

[@marciakolacki5468]

Hi! Thanks for all the tips. I'm 75 and get ni food stamps. I appreciate what you showed and hope you do more videos and cooking ideas. Some of the comments had some good ideas to.❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉. Using the bones was great. I have some silicon trays for baking. I make mini meat loafs with ground turkey. 2 is enough for a meal . I use them fir muffins and buy frozen bread and bake in these molds. Keep up the good work. Thanks fir your kindness. Looking forward to more ideas.

[@justme_320]

I don't use snap and I'm stocked up for a year, but I've been homeless and hungry to the point of now being severely anemic, and I just wanted to comment that this video and what you've done here is just beautiful!

[@Ms.Jamieh297]

@@justme_320 💞🙏🏾

[@jak9483]

@@justme_320 I know that Prenatal vitamins can help you a lot. They are the best for anyone. I know vitamins are expensive and I wish you luck in finding some.

[@CynthiaAva]

Stocked up for a year is just plain greedy

[@dwhitman3092]

@@CynthiaAva ???

[@shashashasha4239]

Madam, I’m not on food stamps but things are expensive right now and my husband is home from work with a broken leg. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video.

[@chairk4119]

As a recently retired social worker from dept of aging in CA. Something that people need to know is there is funding. Call and make an APS report (like an cps report) that you have no money for food. No one will hound ya but most likely give ya a gift card to some place like wally world. I know not all places have resources but meals on wheels is another way to carry someone through the month. Some food pantries will deliver if need be. Nothing upsets me more than people in our country being hungry. Having to chose between gas to go dr or food is shameful. Thank you for helping those who are overwhelmed ❤.

[@Howielate24]

What do you mean a ticket to Wally World?

[@Sablemmmn]

Meals on wheels where I live costs money

[@chairk4119]

@@Howielate24 we gave gifts cards if they were able to shop and get what they needed. Wally world is Walmart.

[@chairk4119]

@Khourypolyester sorry to hear that. Monies are given from USDA to fund the program. I am not sure about how others states do this, but it should not cost you money. I would ask why they are charging? Could be a different type of program. Or maybe some states do not have state tax and do have programs that are able to help from those funds. Perhaps call Catholic Charities or Lutheran Services for assistance. If they can't help, they should be able to tell you who can.

[@Sablemmmn]

@@chairk4119 it was so much per meal. We put my husband’s father on meals on wheels in rural tent where there are many poor. Often they couldn’t find people to volunteer to deliver so there would be no deliveries. What saddens me the most is how wealthy America is as a whole, some use toilets made of gold while others struggle to afford toilet paper. Some like celebrities use private jets (Taylor Swift) while others can’t afford a vehicle to get back and forth to work.

[@brendahall5419]

I have discovered that the dollar tree carries a frozen stir fry blend that has broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and yellow bell peppers, for only $1.25. it can be added to several meals to give you some veges.

[@Mrskojak13]

they have a pepper and onion blend also and pasta and sauce!

[@carolynedwards8750]

@@brendahall5419 how big is this bag? Dollar Tree has been known to sell small packages. Not sure if that would last for a month. Just a thought.🤔

[@MoonOverHomelessness]

AĹWAYS check to make sure food items are not out of date at these stores.

[@WatchingyouWatchingme-p5s]

​@MoonOverHomelessness facts

[@fitleighhill]

@@carolynedwards8750 12 oz

[@ad6417]

I've been stocking up on food for years. I got laid off from my permanent job back in March and I've been working a contract job that ends this month. I'm so grateful I have my food storage to feed my family from.

[@greeneyesdante]

I am doing the same!! 💯❤

[@LauraB0421]

@@ad6417 I need to learn how to do this. I have tried to get extra things to have on hand but am not organized and wind up finding expired things in my pantry. It sounds like you have a budget, a method, a system. Maybe you could teach me the basics on how to get started? Thanks.

[@chrisfry436]

@@LauraB0421 I don't know if you are aware but just because most canned food is expired does not mean it has to be thrown out!!! many things will last a few years past date! and boxed items in good condition no holes or tears last longer too. there are many sites that have a list of things and how long you can keep them and most is up to 5yrs after expiration, check it out! Also the usual when you buy a can of something, buy two and store the other...and if you are able to go to a food pantry, try not to get all fresh things, stock up on the canned if possible to build up your storage!...

[@margarettickle9659]

@@LauraB0421 I mark items on the side and top with a black magic marker. That way I can see what the expiration date is if it's in my pantry or in boxes. Then I stack them in a box that is dated by the year. When it beats the end of one year I start taking out the January, February March dates so they don't expire by the time I get to them. I put those on a shelving unit so I know to use them first. This system works for me. There are other people who do it differently but I live in an apartment and don't have enough room or closet to use as a small storage unit for it. There are other organizational videos online to make your own system.

[@patsycaudill284]

This was an excellent presentation. A great lesson on shopping. People do need to learn to cook. I hope those on severe restricted budget use food pantries etc. Getting staples could be challenging also, ask at the food pantry.

[@LierinEdana]

I deal with a tight budget as well as lupus. This means there are days I can't actually cook. For years now I've put meals in the freezer on my good days, bought in bulk when possible, keep herbs growing year round in the window, kept both a vegetable scrap bag, bone bag, and a bread scrap bag in the freezer, etc. I almost always have the makings for broth/stock to start soups, bread crumbs, bread pudding, and stir fries on hand. I freeze soup in quart containers. When I make casseroles they get portioned out and frozen for meals, and I also bake my own bread ~ and keep either refrigerator dough or frozen loaves on hand. I was fortunate to grow up in a PA Dutch family and was taught to cook, can, and dehydrate foods from a very young age.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Oh my, Lierin. You are so blessed to have learned how to stretch your resources, bake bread, and just be an all-around badass when it comes to making, saving, and preserving food. I like the idea of having the frozen bread loaves on hand. That’s something that I need to do…the bread. The other things I do.

[@bernadettedevereaux8694]

It is so disappointing that cooking is not part of today’s school course offerings.

[@conniecox1253]

Hi im 70 and poor i was just told i have lupus 🙏❤️😇.

[@conniecox1253]

I do go to the food pantry I don’t get help from the state I did get Blessings from my church with yard and snow I’m very thankful.your a Blessed and Beautiful person.thank you so much 🙏❤️😇💙

[@Ealene-s1y]

@@conniecox1253 Sending love, light & health to you. Peace & blessings.

[@howtoandwhatsnew]

Growing up, my Dad had a restaurant. He would always experiment with new recipes for the menu. He would make these huge batches of food and my brother and myself were the test kitchen lol. We would eat the food and then say yeah or nay to adding it to the menu. I always noticed he would pack up the food and then leave the restaurant afterwards with the leftovers. Well one day he wanted me to join him. He was taking the leftovers to a soup kitchen. So when I went with him I got to help serve the food. Made me look at my Dad in a different light and it truly humbled me.

[@GeckoHiker]

That's our monthly budget per person. $30 a month, each. I could spend more but we believe this is the best way to demonstrate that careful budgeting is still possible today. We cook from scratch and waste nothing.

[@amberreed6289]

I love these videos cause I've had small budgets in the past. Step one: food pantries, sikh temples, restaurant jobs that give you a free meal each shift and social media can help a lot if you have access. Step 2: look for bang for the buck foods. You can use tomato paste for a lot of things including pasta sauce, frozen vegetables can stretch farther than canned sometimes, you can sub turkey, potatoes or mushrooms for beef in some situations. Nutrient dense foods like liver, anchovies, sardines, lentils (can make sprouts too), canned salmon or tuna, sweet potato, cabbage etc help a lot. Sometimes you can use your assistance on seeds Step 3: Affordable treats like off brand jello/pudding, sugar toast, rice pudding etc will help the mood Just a starting point for anyone who needs it

[@jimmiepatrum]

You're exactly right that jello would be a great choice for a cheap dessert to have just a little something sweet. Diane

[@homemakingwithdenise]

These are great ideas. I didn't think of Jello but when we were kids, we had Jello every week. Such a nice treat and inexpensive. and yes...food pantries are a huge resource. They have local ones in many communities and then churches and temples will often have food pantries to help the community in which they serve. One just has to know about them.

[@karil6461]

@amberreed6289 Great tips! Somethings I used to do. Free is for me. I would take extra packets of condiments, napkins, TP, get food from college/school, soup kitchens, buying anything that had a money back garentee and sending that in. I would also forage in the parks for apples, berries, garlic scapes ect.

[@jennysimons2865]

Lentils and water and you have a tortilla like flat bread!

[@LynnLamont]

I find a lot of bargains at a local buy out store and much cheaper.

[@emmavik-fredriksson640]

This was a humbling video and comment section. I live in Sweden, so a bit different from US. I think you did an excellent job on getting most out of that 30 dollars. But that is just too little. I hope anyone trying to survive on that utilizes food pantries, little free pantries and blessing boxes. There is no shame in that. Everyone deserve to go to bed without being hungry. The soup looked amazing, the best part of fall is that its soup season❤.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Emma…exactly. I learned so much about Snap benefits from the comments. Unless you try to walk in another person’s shoes, you don’t get it. This was just a challenge but trust me…I now know so much more. Yes…free food pantries are so needed. They help the person ease things out…make ends meet…put food on the table. I like your term “blessing box”. It’s the perfect name for them. They can bless someone in need. And yes…fall is the perfect season for soups and stews.

[@MadamKsTarot]

I love making soup. My kids are grown and gone now. But if I mention I'm making Chicken Dumpling soup they all show up through out the evening for a bowl of soup and a slice of homemade bread. Hmm maybe tomorrow I'll make soup n Bread.. Been Canning like crazy right now I'm in N. E. Wisconsin. Grow season is almost done now.

[@Claudette68]

I always like to save money and buy products on sale and do not buy brand just generic items. Processed foods are not healthy therefore I prepare everything with fresh products. Try not to use canned food except tuna, sardine. No sodas, juices,or sweets. I am trying to eat healthy

[@sharonlatour6230]

Ms. Denise, this is beneficial for all of us on S.S., fixed income, as well! Thank you so much!

[@forceofliving1504]

I'm a young mom in a single income home, husband pays bills only so 90% of our food is from food banks. You really have to get creative with your cooking... Love your channel!

[@cheryldenkins1597]

@@forceofliving1504 I make everlasting muffins with the bran cereal. I've used the unsweetened wheat squares also. Makes a refrigerator batter, about 5 dozen muffins. Bake as needed.

[@priceblack5744]

My mother was one of those ladies whom you described having to flee an abusive relationship/marriage in the middle of the night with children to feed and no job experience so she had to be frugal. And to this day i'm the same way my coworkers use to laugh at me and call me cheap because i shop at the dollar tree all the time buying a lot of the same things over and over. But once the pandemic hit they didn't think it was so funny.

[@glennrenna2491]

Nothing wrong with freezing the peelings and stuff and using them later. Actually very smart.

[@wandatucker3509]

i cut the peelings off of potatoes and put them up along with carrot peeling and other edible vegetable peeling and fry them for a meal, save that pasta water and use in soups or gravy and meat drippings then when i cook meat i will put water in the pan and heat it and pour that off to make gravy with later when i do not have hardly anything to eat left, rice and gravy, biscuits and gravy......

[@princessdumbarton9877]

I save vegetable peels and cut-off parts and put them in a plastic bag and freeze them. When I have enough I simmer it all down and make vegetable broth.

[@margarettickle9659]

That's what the great chefs do. It's all on line.

[@shirleyhurst2233]

@@wandatucker3509 brilliant!

[@doglover19601]

@@wandatucker3509what do you do with the potato peels?

[@andrearob8200]

This is so helpful during these times. It’s so difficult to shop for a family nowadays. I always make sure I have powdered broth and cans of broth. Canned vegetables to make soup and dried onions and spices. We all have to shop wisely. We only have a Publix , Aldi and Walmart, Winn Dixie. Watching your meal planning does help. Being raised in an Italian family Mom always sho us to stretch the meals for leftovers and make lentil soups or a white bean soup with spinach and a link of sausage chopped up. Learn to freeze leftovers. No wasting food.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Andrea, I like how your mom thinks. You've got to be as frugal as possible. Use everything. That's why I make my own broth now. Thank you for jumping in on this subject. You shared some valuable advice.

[@chrisl418]

I love your ideas! Brilliant! Streeeeeetch! If you use lentils ($1.25 a pound,) you can make vegan patties (18 of them), black beans (about 1.25/pound) make a nice dish (black beans and rice). You can make a very nice chili with kidney beans (you can flavor everything with salt and pepper, cumin, garlic, onion, red pepper flakes). Pinto beans make really nice refried beans (1.00/pound at Walmart yesterday on a price drop...bought 2). Buy meats on discount, on last day sales, freeze right away to use later). I've been shocked at the increasing costs and have been using up my freezer meat. You can saute ground meat and divide up for different recipes or, separate before you freeze it into portions to add flavor to rice, pasta or potato based meals. Add a side of veggies. Vegetables and fruits are very important. You will get your vitamin C, etc from oranges. You can buy a lemon or two, cut it into wedges and freeze it (same with limes). Pull one out of the freezer, squeeze into your water and drop in the wedge...yummy and keeps you from getting scurvy. Buy frozen veggies and you can use just a portion at a time with no wasted veggies going bad in the refrigerator... If you are having problems with bugs in your white rice, freeze it upon bringing it into your home for 48 hours. Take it out and you won't have bugs. I know. Gross. Good luck everyone with your budgets... -a fellow EBT recipient.

[@bettybrown5853]

Thanks I am having problems with bugs in my rice and grits..anything in my pantry so what can I do about it l throw more food away because of bugs..

[@MissMom6]

@@chrisl418 You mentioned sources for Vitamin C. I was excited to find out out that pulling off the tips from every green trees (spruce, pines) can make a hot tea that’s packed with vitamin C. Use the freshest needles you can find for the best-tasting tea.

[@Queensheba74]

How thoughtful of you to share these recipes and strategies for shopping tips to survive on a limited budget. So many people are struggling with finances. This was very helpful Your aprons are precious. I need to order one

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Thank you, I hoped to prove to her what she could or should do and learned a huge lesson myself. The recipes and meal planning is certainly much needed but their struggles are real. Many choosing between buying food, medicine, shoes, or paying bills. She’s right when she says it’s not as easy as I thought. It was not. I plan to share more budget friendly recipes. Please come back for those. Oh…you can buy an apron by clicking on www.aprondiva.com.

[@1TimothyFourTen]

You are a lovely woman and this video made me smile. God bless you for taking the time to share.

[@brendaharpole7259]

I appreciate your compassion. Your video was so valuable. There are a lot of individuals living on limited funds that did not have parents or grandparents to teach them how to prepare meals or stretch a budget. We need more lessons being taught to our young people.

[@nadeawilliams7749]

The struggle is real!! Go to food pantries, if your a senior sometimes you can get a commodity food box. Every little bit helps!

[@lisaann6267]

its a good plan for heathy person. just not diabetic friendly. i do my best to stay low carb to keep my A1c down. so for me i try to stick to green beans, spinach, broccoli, eggs, ground beef, can tuna, broth cubes. and body doesnt handle acidic foods. tomatoes, onions, peppers, citrus, yes, im a hot mess, but i have lost 50lbs. have 100 to go.

[@covingtoncreekathome]

@@lisaann6267 congrats on the weight loss and for sticking to what is healthy for you. Can you grow any of the greens or beans in pots? Just to help out?

[@lisaann6267]

@@covingtoncreekathome green beans & spinach. carrots. i eat carrots raw, they turn to starch when cooked.

[@missreynolds3637]

You can work around your menu too. I am also a diabetic with blood clotting problems and the foods I should have for my diabetes= greens works against my blood thinning meds, some fruits I have to avoid as well as those can mess with my blood as well. The greens can make it too thick, and the fruits certain ones like cranberries and pineapple can cause it to thin too much. I do fast sometimes and only eat one meal a day sometimes, as with anything moderation is key.

[@AngelChristinaaa]

@@lisaann6267 Way to go!! That’s fantastic

[@jotandtittle4525]

Keep going! I started in 2016 Even if you stumble every now and then Get back to it, so worth it Blessings

[@kristinenelson7342]

I just came across this video and I have to tell you how much I enjoyed it and how much I learned from just this one video! I live on Social Security only and my adult son is now living with me but is unable to work due to health problems. Needless to say , I was already struggling when it was just me so it's a bit more difficult right now. Your tips really made me realize how much food I have wasted and how I can shop my pantry and freezer to make more filling and balanced meals. I plan on binge watching all your content. You are not only knowledgeable but you seem to be a lovely, genuine person. Thank you!

[@Blue_Star_flyer]

Being hungry was a valuable motivator for me to learn a skill I could earn more money. I grew up poor, no indoor plumbing for years. We had a well and an outhouse and buried cabbages so we'd have vegetables over the winter. I wasn't smart but did go to cosmetology school so I'd have a better chance to earn a living. I'm retired now and so grateful to have put in the effort when I was young to prepare for old age. Rather than look for more handouts look to become stronger and provide for yourself.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Hi Blue Star, I think most people do try to provide for themselves. The problem with many on this kind of budget is they might have disabilities that prevent them from working. And here's the other thing...when they did work they paid taxes to provide this benefit for those that need it. Now, they need it. Now...is this to say that all people are motivated? No. But most are.

[@myjournee]

Hi, I am a new subscriber. I could not stop watching you because your beautiful spirit grabbed my attention. I love the way you shared and created the meals on a $30 budget. We were taught the importance of having those staple items in our pantry (flour, sugar, meal, rice etc ). Thank you so much for sharing.❤

[@savingmoneyunapologetically]

I get $23.00 in Snap Benefits here in the state of Georgia, i also have access to a church food pantry once per month! Very tough

[@covingtoncreekathome]

Is there any other pantries you can go to in addition to the one?

[@savingmoneyunapologetically]

@covingtoncreekathome not really you must register and I don't want to be blamed for double dipping!

[@Suebearish]

@@savingmoneyunapologetically I hear of people being signed up for more than one

[@covingtoncreekathome]

@@savingmoneyunapologetically are some more generous than the one you go to? Someone I follow on KZbin goes to one that gives so much food esp fresh produce she gives some of it to friends. My thought was that she should have told the site not to give her so much and give extra to people with bigger families.

[@spoetryqueen]

You can go to 3 places a month if you need to. I used to work in my church food bank. They checked on you now through the social security number.

[@heartslove8449]

Frugal Fit Mom on youtube has a lot of similar videos if anyone needs more resources. I would definitely get oats and dried beans over canned. Potatoes go pretty far too. I make lentil soup and freeze portions, same with chili.

[@milomilo55]

I'm a fan of Frugal Fit Mom myself and have spent hours binge watching her videos for ideas, especially after my spouse suffered a massive stroke (before he was 60) and we were suddenly minus one income and mine was only a part time job at the time. Thankfully things are better now finacially and I don't have to scrimp quite so hard but went a year there relying heavily on food banks to keep us fed.

[@MichelleOlson-o3y]

FFM, definitely has a lot of great ideas!

[@deborasmith5191]

I love watching her videos for ideas. It helps me when I run out of ideas and helps me to think outside the box.

[@SeamsLikeAGoodIdea]

Such a good video, filled with ideas for planning and making meals. I think all the meals on your list are really good ones and they look pretty healthy. The cost of the celery surprised me. Once you said apple crisp, I was thought maybe I might have traded the celery for apples and oats and made breakfast sort of like a treat. Great shopping!

[@bctravels8512]

Ms. Denise thank you so much for your video. I am new to your channel. I am so glad that you are sharing your knowledge with others. So many were never taught the basic's of homemaking.

[@terryruiz7417]

This was a great idea for a video! Everyone is trying to stretch the budget. Thank you. As I watched, I remembered our particularly lean years. A bag of popcorn to pop on the stove was our one treat, and lasted a long time. Yes, over time things would hold over to the next week, or even more. A bag of potatoes lasted, as well as rice. I made gravy with bouillon cubes, making a slurry, beef or chicken. Pancakes came in handy, breakfast for dinner, and occasionally adding kernel corn to the batter. Kids loved it! From scratch Mac and cheese, sliced hotdogs added. Baking from scratch, a lifesaver. Only meat purchased, generally on sale. Sales planned my meals. I still shop quite similarly...frugality so important. Chicken, always on the menu. It was the least expensive meat, and I could stretch that hen into 3 meals!

[@Trustbutverify2651]

I'm always surprised more people don't use popcorn for a snack. I get the bag at the Dollar Tree for $1.25 and a container of coconut oil to pop it in - leaves a buttery taste, even without butter. The key for shopping is WATCH THE SALES and cook based on what is on sale, not what you decide in advance you want to eat.

[@missreynolds3637]

​@@Trustbutverify2651yes exactly

[@feliciaharbach610]

It may seem tediuos, but when buying a bag of frozen mixed vegs, sort the vegetables into piles. All the carrots, all the peas, all the corn, the green beans. You'll feel like you're not eating the same veg each night. If you buy frozen veg blends of cauliflower and broccoli, do the same. Now you can make a broccoli soup.

[@voodookitchenmama]

It was wonderful to see you teaching folks how to use those scraps to make a flavorful broth for the soup. With the leftover broth, a person could use it to make some delicious rice. I'm blessed to have had a Mother that grew up in the Great Depression and taught me to keep a well stocked pantry, as you never know what life would bring to you. Glad you are teaching people how to be a frugal cook!

[@missreynolds3637]

@@voodookitchenmama my mom always kept a well stocked pantry for one she was a single mom, two her mother lived in the great depression casseroles were a staple growing up because you can stretch them usually. She could always stretch food. I remember half the time she was feeding our friends whom had two parents in the house. My mom was very frugal and a smart shopper. I never understood until much later in life, when we were caught without, I learned real quick, that needs are more important than wants, and to have a well stocked pantry of basics, and extras of other things to make meals out of. Earlier I had Mac n cz we got on sale, I had made some homemade ranch style beans threw some of those in there, with a few crunched up tortilla chips, some sour cream, and a couple chopped tomatoes made a nice easy cheap tasty meal. With left overs. I also home can large pots of soup, chili I made, as well as meats and potatoes I get on sale. I'll take the ten pound bags of chicken leg qrtrs pressure cook in my pressure cooker-canner and make chicken and broth to can together. Comes in handy for soups, dumplings, or other meals. I always shop around sales with canning, stretching, and preserving in mind. It makes a difference.

[@MaryKatahira-cm6ib]

My mom too, funny I always thought everyone kept a stocked pantry…found out later that many people don’t. I was the exception at work. Thank you mom!

[@alanef4127]

You did a great job at stretching those dollars! But I began to wonder what that someone would eat for breakfast... and wouldnt i want to go back for another bowl of soup... this makes me more grateful for what i have...thanks!!

[@BL3SSed-Bliss]

That spare $1.50+ would buy another half-dozen eggs, which could be enjoyed w/ the cornbread for at least one week of breakfast. 💚 Edit: Food pantries oft provide bread, eggs, cereal, a milk, and some produce. Some have many other things, as well, including menstrual & baby products. Even herbs, plants, and holiday wares. Anyone who menstruates _(especially heavily),_ or who suffers incontinence should see if there is a local thrift shop. Many times they carry those items, too, for a buck or 2; sometimes shampoos and other hygiene products. If you are able to go to a grocer with a rewards program, you can earn free items quite frequently. Shop in discount sections for lightly dented cans (search online to learn which dents are safe), day-old breads make great stuffings and French toast, bruised fruit can be baked or sauteed for desserts or sides, or cut around to consume fresh/raw. UTILIZE COUPONS & rebates AMAP. Share those you don't need or want. They needn't even be people you know personally; most times I peek at registers and hand over to those w/ a qualifying purchase. When I can't, I leave them at the docks (especially at self-checkout), or in their respective sections, easily able to be seen. PLEASE, people, let's look out for each other if we can. Check on your neighbors, or just knock and gift/share. Especially those with elders and children. Donate to churches, food/product banks, and thrift stores if you have surplus. Heads up, backs straight, hearts strong. We got this. 💗

[@mamadeborah1999]

Leftovers make a great breakfast

[@phyllisrose9895]

Awesome cook. I learned to make cornbread and will make it tomorrow with the cooked chicken i bought yesterday. Thanks!!!

[@kpbr323]

Thank you for this. Good job on menu selections.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Thank you. Stick around. I;ll be sharing a few more of the recipes I made with this grocery haul.

[@jonncatron7381]

I do this too. I shop a walmart some times and the have a 5lb bag of chicken legs for $5 -$7 this month they was $4.94 and got me 15 legs. bagged them in 4 to a bag [x3] and one bag for soup with 3 legs in it. some time you can get a bag of green pepper and onion mix diced for $1 -$ 1.30.

[@user-sm5nu5fb1i]

@jonncatron7381 I was wondering why get a rotisserie chicken. It's much more economical buying chicken legs.

[@simonerene]

I do the same, splitting a few of the chicken legs down one side to remove the bone and make "cutlets". Then I use the left over skin and bones with vegetable peelings and ends, chicken seasoning, salt, pepper and 1 bay leaf to make broth. It gets stored in the fridge to use to make sauce and soups as need.

[@jonncatron7381]

@@simonerene If you can brown the skin and bones it gives a bit move flavor to the broth.

[@simonerene]

@@jonncatron7381 thank you!

[@chrisfry436]

@@user-sm5nu5fb1i A family pack of chicken legs at our grocery is anywhere from $7-$9 if on sale! we only have the one grocery store, a Safeways, no costco/aldi/etc etc and no grocery delivery, a rotisserie chicken is $10...Hamburger is $8.99lb, apples are $2.49lb...sack of potatoes almost $7 eggs are $3.99dz,

[@annswann1941]

This worked out well being on a $30 budget for only ONE month - what are you going to do when the flour, cornmeal, oil, salt & ziploc bags run out? Walmart seems cheap but I only buy certain things there. The first thing I do is use my shelf stable food bank that I can use once a month. Then I go to Feeding America trucks that provide mostly perishables that need to be used quickly. Then I check the sale flyers and buy the best bargains. Hopefully each week has an item or two that I can save big & stock up (for example, the week of Labor Day ground beef was $1.97 per pound so I spent the entire months grocery budget to have hamburger in my freezer for several weeks) Finally after using the free pantries and shopping sales I plan my menu accordingly and buy the necessities and a few items that I know are cheapest at Walmart.

[@areneesmith6307]

Thank you, great ideas

[@MindysPlace]

With the price of groceries, many people are struggling. Videos like this will help many stretch their budgets. Freezing left overs for future meals may come in handy when funds are low.

[@Hasenkind1]

rebecca from dollar tree dinners also made some awesome budget videos

[@KenyasDecorCorner]

Wow Denise! This was very eye opening! You did a great job with the limited budget! I spend $30 on just fresh organic fruit for the family each week, much less per month! Your soup looks delish! I will give it a try! Thanks for sharing!❤

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Kenya! Thank you so much for stopping by. How are you? And your family? I get it. I can spend $30 easily on fruit and fresh vegetables. I think I’ll work on more videos similar to this. It seems to have resonated with so many and is much needed.

[@compassion686]

You are a blessing. Loved this so much💜 We need women like you ! Your practical knowledge and wisdom is priceless !

[@terricheney1724]

My daughter-in-law was single for a time. She had no pantry. Her benefits came up to $29 a month. That was it. She shared that food insecurity was a very real thing in her circumstances. She did have a job but with car insurance, phone, rent...Not much left to spare to go towards food. That really resonated with me and to see you come up with this budget-minded menu I realized that $30 is enough to manage for one meal a day but it's not going to provide for breakfast or lunches. And it's going to be skimpy meals for suppers if one must stick strictly to that $30. I found myself wondering how one could go about building a pantry, even a small one, with that sort of budget. For instance, with that $1.48 you had to spare, would you have bought another bag of beans or rice to set aside for the next month? Would you have tucked it away and saved it for the next month, rebought the very same foods and added in a 5-pound bag of flour once you had $2.96? Lots of thinking going on inside my head. For several years I did a few posts on my blog about making meals with a small budget based on a weekly amount not a monthly one of $30 and it was hard then...What on earth would I do NOW?

[@melissag680]

@@terricheney1724 for breakfast, you could make corn meal mush and sprinkle a little bit of sugar on top, or milk, if you had those. These 3 ingredients are all shelf stable, a plus.

[@loisharper9570]

Brilliant! You can save and refrigerate the fat off the chicken broth and cooked ground beef to cook with. By having things in the pantry and a small garden, you can always have your hand on the next meal.

[@heathersmeather]

This was very interesting. I priced the same items at my Walmart just to see if I could stay under $30. My total went over, so I replaced the frozen potatoes ($3.42 here) with a 10 lb bag of russets for $2.98. My subtotal was then at $29.74. It was close BUT the potatoes would be a blessing for that quantity. 🙂

[@heathersmeather]

Also, I got the rotisserie chicken for a dollar less if I bought it cold instead of hot. 😁

[@heathersmeather]

Kroger was 29.15 and I had to replace the rotisserie chicken with a 6 pack of bone-in chicken thighs. The rotisserie there was nearly $8.

[@jeromehenry4484]

@@heathersmeather FYI: Hot foods/meals CANNOT be purchased on SNAP, but foods made to REHEAT at home are acceptable on SNAP.

[@jowills7971]

@heathersmeather Please tell me where to buy a 10 lb bag of Russet potatoes for $2.98 cause I haven't seen that price for that size and brand since before COVID! 😮

[@jeromehenry4484]

@@jowills7971 I rarely see 10lbs bags of potatoes on sale in my area/Texas. However, I have been able to buy two 5lbs bags for $3.00 on specific sales: #1) digital deals at Randalls (Texas)/Albertsons (that deal lasts 1 week); #2) on Wednesday Produce Specials at Fiesta Mart (Hispanic grocer in Texas). It will depend on where you live & which stores are available in your area. If you have a sizable population of Hispanics in your area, there is probably a Hispanic grocer. They usually have the lowest prices on fresh produce.

[@darlene4451]

This is truly a labor of love. This is helpful for young people.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

It was certainly helpful to me. I learned a lot about SNAP benefits and more. What resonated with you most?

[@Jamison20]

Growing up my Mommy had a garden to grow our vegetables and strawberries for fruit. We knew some people who had apple trees and we would pick them. You are helping a lot of people. Thank you.

[@Lfr57]

Your show is great! Glad i found you! I'm a new widow (alone) and the SNAP benefits I’ve been awarded is for $23.00 a month. A loaded pantry from a year ago is feeding me so the $23 is for few eggs, butter, etc.

[@donnabradshaw5200]

My mom told us that she fed us canned milk (diluted) in our bottles. So even now at 71, I use canned milk for many things. Biscuits, milk on cereal, basicly anything that calls for milk. Always take the things you can get from the food banks. You'd be surprised what you can do with them.

[@sabrinab7276]

Excellent video. I'm so thankful my mother and grandmothers taught me to be frugal and keep pantry basics on hand.

[@carolharding9911]

Such a difficult budget and it was amazing how well you did! This also made me think of my shelves to see what I could have ready to prepare meals. Thanks for this video!

[@aliciabrumfield5397]

With the cost of food, I'm so glad I've found your channel. I have some items in my pantry but I didn't know how to make them come together for a meal if I needed them to. I grew up on Jiffy so seeing how simple it is to make my own and more.. is life changing. Thank you❤

[@homemakingwithdenise]

I’m glad you’re feeling more empowered to put meals together. Let me encourage you to explore just putting something together once every two weeks. The more practice you have the better you will become at it.

[@marvelleschenck4758]

It was comforting watching you prepare the soup and especially the muffins because it was all done from scratch. This was soothing and a healing for me because my mom would cook in this fashion and this month is the anniversary of her passing last September... Watching you made me wish I had really paid attention when she was trying to show me her way when I was younger. At 64 I cook but nothing like the way you two...you stretched that bird and even turned the bones into a healthy meal... thank you and God bless 🙏🏾

[@geniemermal376]

As a child we got surplus food, not food stamps. Things like beans powdered milk, powdered eggs. Canned meat. It wasn’t pretty but my dad would bake bread and we had a lot of soup. People need to learn to cook from scratch. Things aren’t getting better. God bless you for this video.

[@slendagullyandfriends4530]

We got government food too. In the sixties. It was called commoditys

[@geniemermal376]

@@slendagullyandfriends4530 that’s it. I think it was a better system because we couldn’t use it for junk food. It was just the staples. Actually healthier.

[@sherrylawson5335]

Also blocks of cheese when I was little in the 1950's. It was delicious.

[@rosemariemello6675]

​@@geniemermal376 huge can of peanut 29:03 butter, lard, and I remember powdered milk.

[@rosemariemello6675]

​@sherrylawson5335 yes I remember that too, my parents had a old cheese slicer and my mom would make us grilled cheese sandwiches from that cheese, we had a family of 12

[@feliciaharbach610]

Because eggs are so expensive, buy a can of chick peas (garbanzo beans). Drain and save the liquid. 3 T of the liquid is the equiv of one egg. Its more economical to "buy eggs" this way to use when cooking.

[@donnabarton6419]

If you can find an Indian grocery, get besan (chickpea flour) One tablespoon mixed with water makes a great egg substitute in recipes, binds well. Also you can make many high protein recipes with besan.

[@bonnietoney4200]

Also, you can use ground flax seed with water. I just happened to buy some awhile back for something else and found this out.

[@tkreg8382]

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR SHARING THE LOSS ART OF HOMEMAKING TO THIS YOUNGER GENERATION! Well done! Keep this type of detailed budget saving demonstrations coming! LOVED THIS & LOVE YOU!!! NEW SUB❤

[@monicaj.8545]

I am so glad I found your channel! You are helping many people...❤God Bless you 🙏

[@pinchingpennyseveryday5128]

I love this series! I hope you do more 😊 i watch dollar tree dinners channel and she has some great ideas too . I get reduced rotisserie chickens from walmart as well. And for me i get 5 different dishes out of it. With the broth makings i do the same with my veg scraps when making it . With the broth and scraps of meat i make chicken veg soup . Then i turn it into a gravy over rice. Then i take the last if it add chicken bullion potatoes and any leftover veg i may have and make mini ot pies. I usually get 4 to 5 pies . Stretching that chicken for sure 😊

[@ilovemusic1974]

When I can get chicken legs or quarters at a good price I like to get a pack of corn tortillas and make some fried chicken tacos ..I boil the chicken like I'm going to make chicken and save the veggies and broth for a veggie soup another day and buy a small pack of corn tortillas (maybe if you have a dollar tree close that would be cheapest ) and take some chicken and put inside the tortilla and fold in half and fry in some veg oil if I have it I had sour cream lettuce chopped tomatoes or salsa

[@mustwereallydothis]

Have you watched Ardent Michelle? That lady pinches pennies so hard they cry. Seriously, though, she is amazing!

[@simplyjulie1612]

I love your honesty about thinking, "Well I don't know what you're bellyaching about. It should be easy to eat for that amount." I think we all have done this. But you never really know unless you actually do what you have done and tried it. Good for you. I also think we forget that simple meals with basic ingredients are how most people ate not that long ago. If it was good enough for grandma, it's good enough for us!

[@marilyncairns18]

The food we eat today does not have the nutritional content that Grandma had... The soil is compromised. The food has a plethora of chemicals and additives.

[@marip4832]

Great tips and great reminder to me of how blessed I am in my life. So many people are having to make these hard decisions. Too many.

[@monicashields916]

You’re a gem. I love your common sense. I can stretch a dollar til it squeaks as well and will be making soup this weekend. For years I’ve kept a covered bowl in my freezer that I add bits of food to that I then could for stock when it’s full. It is yummy to cook rice, as a soup base, and has many other uses. ❤ I look forward to further videos.

[@Brode77]

Ms. Denise, you are creative and smart. Thank you so much for this video. Thank you for honoring and being respectful of folks who use Snap benefits.

[@shelzp7272]

We don’t eat meat which is an inexpensive way to go although that isn’t why we eat that way. But I wanna say, if I had everything to make a little batch of cookies except the chocolate chips, I might buy a single pack of M&M’s to use instead and be hoping they were on sale.

[@Sablemmmn]

Good idea! Or a candy bar

[@lorewebb8980]

@@shelzp7272 Dollar Tree has a good selection of cake mixes, brownie mixes, and semisweet morsels. It's worth going there once a month to see what they have.

[@1drummer111]

Not cheating just using what you were smart enough to save. Always adds flavor with the leftovers and scraps. Love this video. Thank you for making it.

[@melodyfordham7878]

I look at the marked down produce section. Also use my local food banks to help with my canned pantry. That frees up some of the food stamp allotment for perishables. Definitely check farmers markets as most honor food stamps now. Get my eggs from local farmer for $2 dozen. Thank you for your loving labors as helps knowing others of like mindedness.

[@kristenlevine3446]

I really enjoyed your video and I learned quite a bit, too. Thank you for sharing and teaching.

[@lisaintx2008]

Thank you for this. I get $23 a month and this is a big help. And a TY to other posters for their wonderful suggestions, too.

[@WeberEnthusiast]

You are a massive inspiration to us smaller cooking creators 👍👍👍

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Wow, thank you so much. I appreciate your kindness. Tell me, what inspired you most about this piece?

[@magicworld3242]

Growing up poor. One of the things my Mom and Dad taught us was, How to make food stretch 🙏🏼. Nothing goes to waste.

[@lizjo7213]

Yup and that's when we had real food...

[@chrisfry436]

I remember our grade school back in the sixties had the lunch ladies posting a menu in the hallway and every friday was vegetable soup (or some type soup) as they saved any leftover veggies or meat and on the last day of the week used it all up in a soup or stew! I think that is where they got the name "cooks choice"! lol.

[@leeperkins963]

I’ve had a few hard times. I found that I could have a mug of tomato soup by adding free ketchup packets to the hottest water I could get from the tap. That with a cheap loaf of bread for under a dollar got me by more than once. I am so very grateful not to be in that situation anymore and try to help others where I can.

[@dianehand1396]

@leeperkins963 I learned a spoonful of jelly to very hot water makes a tasty drink.

[@dixiebell7011]

@@leeperkins963 I am going to try the jelly trick to sweeten tea.

[@p.mckenzie2921]

@@dixiebell7011 I buy a lot of mixed fruit in can and save the juice and add it to tea or coffee because sugar cost to much for me a lot of times.

[@p.mckenzie2921]

Thanks for the advice being on tight budget my self this helps.blessings to you.😇

[@melanieroberts2221]

V8 is great heated

[@elpasobill2009]

This is a great video. Thanks for the idea of using the shopping cart to price items to fit your budget before you go to the store.

[@holland9199]

I saw 👀 your PIC and the tile 😃 and said “She can do it” 😆 lol 😂 there was no doubt in my mind lol 😃 with the outrageous price of food 😮 this is so time appropriate …

[@R3AL3STAT3]

Broke my heart thinking of the struggle Americans are in at this time. Yes most of us with any age on us cook with dollar signs in mind, so we have to be frugal with every meal.

[@susanburke4598]

My first time seeing your video and I’m so glad. You’re providing excellent ideas. Another staple in my pantry is powdered milk. I use it to make for cream soup’s, gravy’s or to make budget stretching casseroles. Always look for pantry items on sale whether it’s the grocery stores, dollar stores or drugstore’s. I just subscribed to your channel 😊

[@petuniaromania6294]

❤ truly impressed by the time you're taking to teach people how to cook, God Bless You.

[@oregondeb1971]

Thank you for this video. My husband recently passed and I'm getting to learn how to get by on half of what was coming in. Will definitely be making the soup!

[@afroditigreekmom]

Thank you for sharing! This is important to share, especially when times have changed and people are eating out more and eating way more than we need to eat. These are wholesome examples that will keep us satisfied and full.

[@missreynolds3637]

I see a lot of folks on here complaining about the extras you had on hand already to use which I thought you explained well at the first of the video. You said, shop your pantry first to see what you already have on hand, and work around that. I don't know why that was so hard for some to understand? Anyways this video definitely showed the importance of having pantry basics like flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, corn meal, oats, a fat and or oil, salt pepper, and some basic seasonings.

[@kedeglow2743]

I agree with you. I watch some of these from time to time, and it always happens---somebody has to gripe about the creator using black pepper or a few pickles they already had on hand. It's unrealistic to do a video where every single atom of food was fresh-bought at the store for the video because "it has to be ONLY "$xx.00" amount of money. 95% of us have some staples and some seasonings on hand. Why can't people just appreciate the time, thought, and effort that go into these videos? This one was exxceptionally well done in my opinion.

[@missreynolds3637]

@@kedeglow2743 yes it absolutely was. If they don't have pepper, salt, and some basic seasonings on hand at home already, then they're doing something wrong. Even when I was broker than broke, I had those things. Needs are way more important than wants. People need to learn to give up some of their wants, for some of their needs. Preferably before they have to learn the hard way like I had to. Some are stubborn though . I was.

[@Dbb27]

Those items don’t all run out at once so they would be replaced as needed and fit in for that month.

[@shirleyhurst2233]

@@kedeglow2743I also got ideas about food pantry donations.

[@curiouscat3384]

I don't think anyone is "complaining" about what's already in the pantry. It is relevant to include the cost of those pantry items for the menu. If it's just one month it doesn't matter but pantry items need to be replaced and need to be budgeted for. As another commenter says, it makes sense to take the dollar+ leftover and save it or use it to restock the pantry with staples and spices.

[@sandywools2655]

I get food stamps too. They expect you to add some of your own money to your food budget as well. Plus there are food pantry and food banks and churches out there also.

[@chrisfry436]

If you are lucky, our tiny town has one foodbank and it is only open twice a week for two hours....I am not sure but I think you are limited to a couple visits a month??

[@kathyleighton9091]

​I think it depends on where you live. Food pantries in my area there are 4 that you can go once a week which really helps those people that get hardly anything for FS. You can also visit more than 1 in the same week w/o any problems.

[@sandrathomson1903]

I remember when I worked in the supermarket people would come in with brand name products but couldn't afford everything, so I used to ask them would they mind if I changed some of the brands, then they could have everything just not big branded names. I'm so grateful I don't have to think like that yet. But I just loved your video. Makes me feel stupid how I waste so much. Xx

[@denisewilliams3490]

From one Denise to another, thank you for sharing. Your video came up in my feed this morning and I watched it. I was amazed at what a budget of $30 could buy at the grocery store. I spend a lot more and come out with less! I’m about to retire and will have more time to prepare healthy meals and get it the mindset that cooking should be more of an experience than a chore that we put off. I already have a lot of the staples in my cabinets. I’m now a subscriber to your channel and will watch your other videos. Keep them coming as we approach the holiday seasons!

[@virginiakraft8331]

This is great information - thank you! It is not my situation right now - but I love all your ideas in case I should ever need them! Hugs.

[@covingtoncreekathome]

I love your videos. Always looking to help others. If there is someone that is having a hard time. Maybe make a friendship basket with basics in. If there is someone in your life that has a garden maybe try bartering for produce - help out with the gardening, cut their grass (ask to use their mower) maybe help them with their house cleaning, watch their kids so they can have a night to do what they want. Try to think out of the box. Kroger has a markdown section for fresh fruit and veggies. Usually 3 items to a red net bag. They are 99 cents. I have gotten some beautiful fresh fruit and veggies. The other day I got 3 bell peppers - 1 each orange, red and yellow in the bag. If the peppers are a tad on the wilting side they are still great to cook with. If they are soaked in water after slicing they usually plump back up. I leave them in water in the fridge over night. Meijers use to have the markdown section but I’m not sure if they still do. My rule of thumb is the fresh has to be on sale for me to get it.

[@laurapeterson12]

I do this for lemons. Buy as many bags as they have. I freeze the juice in mason jars and small ice cube tray and the zest. They also have reduced meat, bakery and bread sections.

[@23archer28]

I'm 65 and also thought my Mother liked the chicken back, sad she was gone when I realized it. Great to hear this and see others below who had the same experience!

[@maryjaneshippen3815]

I actually like the chicken backs with the little bits of delicious meat tucked away in their hiding places.

[@pam.wilson1954]

Your are a very wise women. God bless you for sharing❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@veronicacheatham5378]

I truly appreciated your clear, practical, considerate approach to offering a step-by-step process that anyone can follow and do. Whether a person is on SNAP or not. Food prices are ridiculous!! Thank you once again.