living frugally

In flipping channels the other day, I saw that a reporter tried an experiment in February - only spending as much as he would if he received food stamps. Granted, he picked the shortest month, but his blog is very interesting.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/30/am.callebs.foodstamps.blog/index.html

When I had been in college and working part time, I'd have to go on foodstamps in the summers (we were laid off each summer and rehired in September).

I've had my share of ketchup soup, rice with the freeze dried vegetables (found in the spice aisle), lots of carbs.

I wonder if I could do it again. I hope I NEVER have to find out. Not if my life depended on it. But I could experiment... write down what I spend for food; try to clear out the cupboards before shopping again; only buy what's on sale... I am so glad I can shop at the dollar store - as long as I bypass the snack aisles, the regular food is much less expensive.

Comments: 14

APE 131313 Mar 1, 2009, 5:53am UTC

I saw that too! The reporter asked why there was NOTHING in his freezer and the reply was "Well, I couldn't buy any meat to speak of." Many times my freezer has gallon jugs of water and empty inflated plastic bags just to take up space. LOL

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Ashley Mitschke Mar 1, 2009, 8:36am UTC

I'm fixin to be poor. lol but seriously, I am. I need to learn all I can in the next 6 months!

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Netty B. Mar 1, 2009, 11:12am UTC

We are all trying our best right now. I do not know how my daughter pays $700/month rent and manages to fed 3 kids! She does not get any assistance at all.

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Netty B. Mar 1, 2009, 11:12am UTC

P.N. rocks!

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Susan O. Mar 1, 2009, 12:31pm UTC

I am a vegan so that does help. I will be glad when the tail gate markets open again.

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Steph-in-NE ..... Mar 1, 2009, 12:31pm UTC

I think we do the best we can, we spen about $200 to $300 on food at the stores, then about $30-$50 at the angel food ministries, and maybe $100-$200 a month @ Cubs for stock up foods and sundries,,,and we eat just great,,,,...
I hated to be on foodstamp,, it was degrading to see how some did it and still had fancy flippin cars, brand new furniture, etc etc

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Kim Simpson Mar 1, 2009, 1:17pm UTC

Thanks for sharing, Leslie. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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Elle L. Mar 1, 2009, 1:26pm UTC

Times are getting tough for a lot of people. I don't know how some people are making end meet.

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Tammy N. Mar 1, 2009, 1:35pm UTC

I spend about $100/week for my family of five. That includes all food, health/beauty, paper products, over the counter meds, pet food, etc. The key is matching sales with coupons/rebates and being creative with your meals. Since I homeschool, I cook 3 meals a day and plan 2 snacks. Hubby takes his lunch to work. My high schooler does buy his lunch at school (it's a "social thing" LOL).

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Karen M. Mar 1, 2009, 2:30pm UTC

This was very interesting ! Thanks!

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Georgiana S. Mar 1, 2009, 5:32pm UTC

I have food in my freezer from pre-recession days!

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Paula J. Mar 1, 2009, 5:55pm UTC

I've been trying to buy less and only buy what's on sale and what I have a coupon for. I have cut down my food budget since the first of the year. My goal is to only spend $100 a week including pet food. I've gone over a few times, but not by much.

My husband built me a nice pantry and I've been busy stocking that when I can get stuff cheap or for free. It's nice to have a stockpile to go to when I need to.

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Austin Cushing Mar 3, 2009, 12:20am UTC

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living frugally

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