May 2020 Grocery Challenge

Anzac_Biscuit

Suffolk_lass said:

Pip is right about stores shopping - the only thing I would add is that when I add a pantry item to my list, it can stay there for months until that item is back on offer (coffee, laundry detergent and shower gloop are a few of those branded things) - I buy 6 when they are on offer and have not paid full price for years. I add them when I start the last but one and if I were to run out, my plan is to buy one at a time until they are back on offer. It is why I have an annual stores budget

I'm currently running down the pantry prior to a big move and it feels weird and unsettling not to have 'back ups' of things! I normally do the same - add it to the list when I start a new thing. This sometimes causes confusion as dear hubby just buys whatever it is if it's on the list, rather than keeping it there as a reminder for a while... I guess I need to figure out a code for our shared shopping list (an app on our phones)! I really had to scrounge around tonight for dinner but I found something, yay for me (Frozen leftover rice, frozen peas and corn, and some sardines!)

Did our weekly shop today and it came to $166.50. We're planning a takeaway dinner one night this week so that will add another $30-odd but I'm pretty happy with today's haul. 

Herbyme

Yesterday the list (split into sections) said 'chickpeas' in the section marked 'cans' - he came back with dried. And jars of artichoke hearts became fresh deli ones, same for sun dried tomatoes. Oh well!

GunShotResidue

Today I spent £23 in Lidl and £19 in Aldi (also shopping for my dad who insists on certain things from each shop!), but £3 was on compost which is another budget. So today is £39 again! £78/180 so far this month. 

I didn't buy any treats this week as I have everything I need to make some biscuits and some mini cheese scones so hopefully that and the fruit will keep the kids and husband happy. They are snacking so much being home all the time! 

joedenise

Been to Tesco this afternoon, was hoping it would be quieter than this morning but it was still very busy although didn't have to wait too long to get in.  Had a spend of £33.98 and now have £177.20 left of £250 for the month.  Have overspent a bit this month so far.  Still need to get eggs but that will have to wait until Monday when the butchers reopens - was too late today as he closes at 4pm on Saturday and isn't opening tomorrow like he usually does because of it being a bank holiday weekend.

Pixiehouse55

I'm following this month and watching what we spend. We have 2 Adults with Learning Difficulties that live with us, the Male is very very fussy. Changes his mind from one day to the next. I'm looking at £300 for us 4. We havec2 dogs who have tin food and dry food as suggested by our vets,  there food is about £80 every 4 weeks. Our pay is every 28 days so. Ours will be from May 5th to June 2nd. Not been shopping yet since pay day. Hubby does all the essential shops at the moment. He will go tomorrow after I've done a count on the 2 freezers we have , fridge and cupboards, will make up a menu plan for 4 weeks and he will get the food we need. Last month I roughly said £250 we spent £289.
I will keep every receipt this month. Hubby wont go food shopping unless he really has too. 
Thank you  for all your suggested meals and ways 
  

jenni_fer

@PipneyJane great post.
We too have a 'store cupboard' approach. It's been very helpful in this current climate as it means I've happily been dumping the cupboard food in the garage and leaving it to 'decontaminate' for a few days before putting it away (probably overkill I know!)
We are likely to be way over budget, I underestimated how much extra it costs to feed two children who usually eat 3 meals a day out of the house during the school week!!!

Jacs205

I've spent quite a bit (updated in signature) but the freezer and cupboards are quite full again and the pet food and household stuff is easily enough to last to the end of the month so fingers crossed. 

Mrs_Cheshire

Currently standing at £137.95/£400, Got plenty of store cupboard staples in the house, and lots in the freezer. Need to do a full inventory so I can plan the rest of the months meals. I've rejoined SW so we're spending quite a bit on fruit and veg, but will be buying less treats so should still work out ok for the budget. 
Hubby was made redundant at the beginning of the month so trying to keep spends as low as possible but it's difficult as like others I can't go into multiple shops looking for the bargains. 

franby64

I'm still buying quite a lot, no excuses as the shops are well stocked. I'm having trouble getting the frugal mindset back after the last few weeks. I also had an A&C box on Friday which was a bit of an indulgence, especially as DD is very good at finding reduced veg so no more boxes this month I think. I'm slightly ahead of where I should be but should be OK with a bit of care.

thriftwizard

The plot has been lost a little here; I know I've spent £80-odd at the market, the bakery, greengrocer & butchers this weekend, but I went to the supermarket midweek & have lost the receipt. It wasn't much; I went through the kiosk till, so only had a basket, and I think it was just bananas, beansprouts, mushrooms & apples but can't swear to that until I do find the receipt!