Menu Planning: #237

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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

Week 4: 

Kroger: $141.90

Aldi: $62.75

Week 5

Aldi: $32.25

Kroger: $138.53

Meijer: $0.00


IBOTTA: $47.52


Total: $835.48 - $47.52 = $787.96


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: 


Rebate Apps:  I used my IBOTTA app each week for the items that I would have purchased anyway and was able to get $47.52 back.   Although this amount will not break our bank, every little bit helps.    In addition, I took pictures of my receipts and uploaded them onto my MY POINTS account to earn points towards a gift card.  Through surveys, check-ins and uploaded receipts, I have earned enough points this month for a $10.00 gift card and 254 points towards another gift card.   


If you do not already have an account and would like one, here are my referral codes.    By using my codes I will earn a little bonus, and so will you. 


If you don’t have IBOTTA, I highly recommend you download the app.   If you use my referral code, we both earn $10 with your first rebate.   Here is my referral code: yasucyr .  


My Points allows me to spend about 5-15 minutes per day completing polls, surveys, computer searches or uploading receipts and earn about $150-$200 per year.   If you are interested in joining up for this opportunity, here is my referral information:   https://www.mypoints.com?rb=25406148



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

  • Menu Planning 

  • Pre-Cut Vegetables

  • Pre-Cook Ground Beef and Freeze

  • Pre-pack lunches



Breakfast Options: 

Yogurt

Bagels

Cereal


Monday

Skillet Chicken with 

Mushroom Wine Sauce

Coleslaw

Broccoli 


Tuesday

Kielbasa

Peppers and Onions

Salad


Wednesday

Tacos

Salad

Chips w/ Salsa


Thursday

Salmon Sushi Bowl


Friday

Dinner on the Run 

Swim Meet Night


Saturday

Cheese Steak

Chips

Vegetable Sticks


Sunday

Jambalaya

Bread



M-Crockpot Fajita

T- Enchilada

W- Crab Sushi Bowl

Th- Frozen PIzza

Fri- Pasta

Sat- Chicken Chili

Sun- Hamburger


* 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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