Today we finished our first day of Hunger Action week and a few thoughts came to mind as the day progressed. I had read an entry of another Hunger Challenge participant and they were worried about their family going hungry by the end of the week. Although her reaction didn’t surprise me, I did find it interesting. I remember last year feeling anxiety about being able to buy as much as I could with the budget we were given. Once I looked at everything I bought I thought, “Man, I sure hope this lasts us through the week”. Ironically, we ate better that one week than most weeks since. In general, money has a way of creating fear and anxiety when you have (perceived or actual) limited amount of it. I’ve found that I have greater peace and sense of empowerment when I am in control of my resources/money instead of my resources controlling me even when times are tight.
Grocery shopping last night was much easier than last year for this challenge. I bought the basics, checked out what types of meat were on sale and from there figured out what we would be eating today. Some days I like to treat myself to a doughnut and a coffee, however I passed and was a little sad about it too.
Here is a breakdown of what we ate and how much it cost.
Breakfast= $2.49
2 cup oatmeal ($.26)
1 cup yogurt ($.62)
1 banana ($.14)
2 pieces of toast ($.20)
1 cup soy milk ($.32)
3 cups whole milk ($.55)
1 cup coffee ($.40)
Lunch =$7.25
Adults Lunch: Chicken Curry Salad With Couscous and Lettuce [recipe] (2 servings=$2.70)
Kids Lunch =$4.55
3 granola bars ($.75)
3 pbj’s ($1.20)
2 apples ($2)
3 snack pack sized pretzels ($.60)
Snacks = $2.20
almonds ($.36)
3 banana peanut butter smoothies ($1.84)
Dinner = $8.19
Asada Tacos
tortillas ($1.50)
chuck steak ($3.02)
tomatoes ($.68)
lime ($.34)
onion ($.18)
cilantro ($.69)
garlic ($.34)
jalapeno ($.09)
avocado ($.78)
2 cups milk ($.37)
orange juice ($.20)
Total for the day $20.13
Related Posts:
- Hunger Action Grocery Budget Totals
- United Way Hunger Action Week Opening Thoughts
- Hunger Challenge Day 1 $20.03
- Hunger Challenge Day 2 $38.94
- Hunger Challenge Day 3 $8.15
- Hunger Challenge Day 4 $16.44
- Hunger Challenge Day 5 $18.19
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice going for day 1.
Way to go gang!
Sorry I just couldn’t put it together for this year but a family of 5 has a budget of $27 if I remember correctly and it looks like you ate nutritiously and mighty tastily too while staying well within your budget.
Jenn,
I think you should do Hunger Challenge – You would kick butt!!
Jim,
Bummed you’re not participating this year. I loved reading all your posts last year because you always made sure you budgeted for booze. Not to mention all the great food you prepared for you and your son.
Looks awesome! You’re off to a great start. Was thinking about doing something like this for Share Our Strength… Still in the works, I think.
Fun! I love this challenge, I am a bargain shopper:) I always make our own meals which saves tons of money. We only go out for sushi or for a social event, and not that often. I pack our breakfast, lunches, and make dinner at home. It is cheaper and much healthier. Great job!
Great job! You had an excellent variety of food and healthy too.
great job on the first day!!!
Woohoo – good job – everything sounds delish!