As a family on a budget, we’ve struggled with keeping food expenses down. This is by far the one part of our budget that can drastically increase or decrease based upon our choices and moods. To eliminate the mood swings and “what-am-I-going-to-cook-again?” shopping trips, we stole an idea from my daycare and created a 30 day menu of breakfasts and dinners. That way we can keep a standing list of what we need for each month, then when items come on sale, we can buy enough for a month or two, thus saving money. It eliminates the “what are we having for dinner?” discussion, but we’re flexible enough that if we really want something in particular we can swap meals.
This is what works for us. . .for more ideas of what works, see Rocks in My Dryer.
This might work for us, too…I’ve tried doing two weeks of rotating menus before, but my bunch gets bored with that quick.
30 days would give much more room for variety…thanks for the idea!
By: jenbh on May 23, 2007
at 5:49 am
I’m working on the menu thing. My grocery bill is getting out of hand. These high prices are killing our budget. Thanks for the help.
By: Amy on May 23, 2007
at 7:31 am
I have been creating 30 day+ menus for the last few years (ever since my husband started getting paid once a month). I don’t do the exact same menu each month, but it is nice to have a month done at a time.
By: Angie @ Many Little Blessings on May 23, 2007
at 9:08 am
Jaime, can you send me your meal plan? lol. It’s just me and I end up eating cold cereal and junk most days.
By: Katie on May 24, 2007
at 12:38 am
Could I also get a copy of your menu e-mailed to me? I’m a new wife and mommy and I’m still learning this cooking business. Thanks and God Bless.
By: Katie Milt. on May 25, 2007
at 10:27 am