Menu Planning: #235

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The USDA food plans represent a healthy diet at four different cost levels.

(thrifty, low-cost, moderate-cost and liberal-cost)  The Supplemental Nutrition

Assistance Program (SNAP) utilizes the thrifty level of the USDA food plans.  

Each food plan specifies quantities of food and beverage categories that can be

purchased and prepared to make healthy meals and snacks at home.  



This year, we decided to use the Official USDA Plans: Cost of Food Reports to guide our food budget this year at the thrifty level.   


December 2022 Report

Per Week 

Male (14-18) = $68.90

Male (51-70) = $64.20

Female (51-70) = $57.70

Total = $190.80/Week or $954.00


Week 1: 

Aldi: $51.74

Meijer: $0.49

Kroger: $81.48

Week 2: 

Kroger: $212.76

Week 3:

Aldi: $38.96

Kroger: $79.92


Total: $460.05


NOTE- 

1- Click on the picture and get a link to a post sharing the recipe. 

2- Although all prices were correct at the time of the blog postings, the current cost of preparation of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and/or location.     


Cost Saving Tip of the Week: 


Work on Food Waste:   The average American Family wastes 30% of their food each year.   This translates to approximately $1,866.00 per year. This provides each of us with an opportunity to trim our budgets with a little effort.  If you want to read more about this, 2 references are below:

Food Loss and Waste- USDA

Americans Waste $280 Billion In Food Each Year


Here is what we did this week to make our week easier: 

  • Cut up Vegetables for weeknight side dishes and to pack with lunches.

  • Made Banana Bread for Breakfast

  • Use pre-cooked ground beef from the freezer



Breakfast Options: 


Crustless Quiche

Bagels

Banana Bread


Monday

Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Salad

Chips w/ Salsa


Tuesday

Mississippi Pot Roast

Cole Slaw

Mashed Potatoes

Broccoli


Wednesday

Enchiladas

(LO Chicken from Monday)


Thursday


Sandwich Night


Friday

Pizza

Salad

Leftover Buffalo Wings


Saturday

Sausage

Peppers and Onions

Coleslaw


Sunday



Pasta 

w/ Homemade Gravy 

Salad

Bread



M- Jambalaya 

T- Soup and Sandwich

W- Enchiladas

Th- Chicken and Rice

Fri- Pot Luck @ Swim 

Sat- Tacos

Sun- Stir Fry


* Indicate that the recipe is a new one for our family.    


If you are interested in last week’s Menu Plan, the link is below. 


What is your meal plan for this week?


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