And, as shown below, there were 17 in store specials used in our menu, allowing us to really drive down my food costs all while providing easy and healthy dinners. I love that I can go to the store and do not have to think or plan or even worry about the budget. I walk right past those flyer stands with not even a second glance…its already incorporated into the plan. I feel so organized and yet I did none of the work! As you can see below, all of the main meals are based on a key store special, and many of the side dishes are based on the fresh produce sales.
So how much did all this goodness and organizational bliss cost me at the register? $72.90 for 5 dinners, including one or two sides per meal, for a family of 5.
This calculates to about $14 per dinner or $3 per person.
Although that is real savings in your pocket, it does not take into account the time savings of not having to do the Market Basket shuttle 3 to 4 times a week. And the most wonderful part of it all, when dinner time rolls around and the kids say “Mom what’s for dinner?, I just look at my menu and happily say “Beef Fiesta Skillet..be ready in about 30 minutes!” (Major points for this working mom!)
AND, knowing that all the ingredients are in the pantry and fridge.. my black cloud just turned to blue skies overhead…
