TOTALLY GEEKED!

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

RE: This Is Why Poor People Pay More At The Grocery Store

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I'm going to buy groceries Tuesday. I'm going to see what I can do in real life.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

lilyofcourse wrote:
And, again, you are not understanding.

In the op, she said she had to buy what she could.

I'm saying that if you only have a certain amount of money, you don't have more.

Building a pantry is wonderful, and I agree with the idea and practice of doing just that.

However, those who are living pay check to pay check, the ones who after their bills have only a small amount of money left, they can't run home and pull change out of a sofa, chances are they already did that.
They don't have a debit card with that extra 14 cents on it.
The challenge was 4 days of food, 3 meals a day, for 4 people no more than $20.
You showed yourself that it isn't as easy as people think it is.

No, that was YOUR challenge. OK, the OP apparently ate enought to survive. So, tell me WHAT exactly did she buy to feed 4 people , 4 days of food, 3 meals. I will wait.....

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

The op was only buying for 2, for 4 days.

I don't know what she bought, she didn't say.

And the $20 was a fun challenge, at least I thought so.

I'm actually going to attempt it, tomorrow instead of Tuesday.

Let's see how it goes.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

OK. I mean, it's good to see what is possible. I posted what I think i would buy.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

My next $20 trip would be:

1. Bag of celery $1.38

2. Bag of carrots 2lbs $1.54

3. Lettuce $1.28

4. 5lb flour $1.22

5. 4lb sugar $1.74

6. 1lb butter $2.98

7. Eggs, 1 doz $1.00

8. 42oz Rolled Oats $2.33

9. 1lb ground pork sausage mild $2.88

10. 1lb ground beef $3.94
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$20.29

10

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Honestly, those lists are the things i commonly buy.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

I might be evacuating but I'd like to try a challenge like that when things get back to normal.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Stay safe!

Lindley · Guru

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Ok. Let's have a challenge. Let's each go to our grocery store and report back what u could puchase for $20. And be honest on actual pricing. No tax included just store prices.

That actually sounds like fun

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

But you can not go over $20.

Not even 1 cent.

And I think it should include taxes.

-- Edited by lilyofcourse on Sunday 1st of September 2019 11:18:01 PM

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

1. Great Value Smooth Peanut Butter 18 ounces $1.18

2. Great Value Steamable Mixed Vegetables, 12 oz ( $ .84) 3 bags = $2.52

3. 1 Gallon Milk $3.92

4.Great Value Long Grain Enriched Rice, 32 oz $1.46

5. Great Value Wheat Bread with Honey, 20 oz X 2 loaves (.98 cents apiece) $1.96

6. Great Value Large White Eggs Value Pack, 36 count $2.94

7. 7 bananas $1.15

8. Frozen chicken thighs 4lbs $4.73

______________________________________________________

$19.86

OK, breakfast will be 2 eggs and toast , 1/2 banana

Lunch PB sandwhich on bread , milk

Dinner. Bake chicken and shred. Serve over rice and vegetables.

-- Edited by Lady Gaga Snerd on Sunday 1st of September 2019 11:49:29 PM

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

This is probably a good exercise for everyone. Makes you really think about what you are buying.

Vette · Owl drink to that!

I'll tell you right now I can't do it. I spend $200 at the grocery store on a good day. But I'm a terrible impulse shopper, no self control at all.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

Bread at $0.98? Chicken @ $1-ish/lb? $4-ish for 36 eggs? Peanut butter is over $5 minimum. Our prices are not that low at all. When I was broke I didn't buy bread beause I couldn't spare the $3. 2 chicken breasts without bone are about $7-ish. I've even noticed that cans of tuna have doubled in price.

Dollar Stores are great for non perishables, though

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

These are real Walmart prices. I used my local Walmart. So, not gonna argue with you.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Vette wrote:
I'll tell you right now I can't do it. I spend $200 at the grocery store on a good day. But I'm a terrible impulse shopper, no self control at all.

No , you cant eat like a king on that. If one is that impoverished then they need to look at other sources, angel food ministries, etc

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

But, go ahead Tig. Post your $20 list.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

I re read the OP. Appears this is a situation from years, perhaps decades ago. $12? I could feed DS and me on that 30 years ago, and I have. Also, heating a rental with wood? That isn't even legal these days. Rentals must have a proper and working heating system. Something is off about this opinion piece.

Anyway I will take that challenge. However since I am using the Hello Fresh deliver service I will focus on lunch & breakfast.

-- Edited by I know what to do_sometimes on Monday 2nd of September 2019 08:07:45 AM

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Tignanello wrote:
Bread at $0.98? Chicken @ $1-ish/lb? $4-ish for 36 eggs? Peanut butter is over $5 minimum. Our prices are not that low at all. When I was broke I didn't buy bread beause I couldn't spare the $3. 2 chicken breasts without bone are about $7-ish. I've even noticed that cans of tuna have doubled in price.

Dollar Stores are great for non perishables, though

Well your food prices are higher because of your high taxes that are buried in the price.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Groceries are tax exempt here. So, my totals are tax exempt. I can get these items at Walmart.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

lilyofcourse wrote:
But you can not go over $20.

Not even 1 cent.
And I think it should include taxes.

-- Edited by lilyofcourse on Sunday 1st of September 2019 11:18:01 PM

Lily, your state does not tax groceries. Is there a county or town / city tax?

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Groceries are tax exempt here. So, my totals are tax exempt. I can get these items at Walmart.

Only food my state taxes in a grocery store are prepared meals such as subs made up at the deli and hot food and if you buy bakery items in small numbers. Example is if you buy 2 bagels, that is taxable, but if you buy 4 or more they are not taxable.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Groceries are tax exempt here. So, my totals are tax exempt. I can get these items at Walmart.
Only food my state taxes in a grocery store are prepared meals such as subs made up at the deli and hot food and if you buy bakery items in small numbers. Example is if you buy 2 bagels, that is taxable, but if you buy 4 or more they are not taxable.

Yes, there are some taxable items. And, part of good planning would be to educate oneself as to which items are and are not taxable so if there is limited income, it will go farther.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
These are real Walmart prices. I used my local Walmart. So, not gonna argue with you.

Are you seriously taking offense that food prices are higher here than there??

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Tignanello wrote:
Bread at $0.98? Chicken @ $1-ish/lb? $4-ish for 36 eggs? Peanut butter is over $5 minimum. Our prices are not that low at all. When I was broke I didn't buy bread beause I couldn't spare the $3. 2 chicken breasts without bone are about $7-ish. I've even noticed that cans of tuna have doubled in price.

Dollar Stores are great for non perishables, though
Well your food prices are higher because of your high taxes that are buried in the price.

No, our taxes are on top of that. I'll be grocery shopping tomorrow; I'll go to the discount grocery store and anything I can't find there I'll get at the $ store.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Tignanello wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
These are real Walmart prices. I used my local Walmart. So, not gonna argue with you.
Are you seriously taking offense that food prices are higher here than there??

I can't help where you live. These are my local prices.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Tignanello wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
These are real Walmart prices. I used my local Walmart. So, not gonna argue with you.
Are you seriously taking offense that food prices are higher here than there??
I can't help where you live. These are my local prices.

Still?? Why are you defensive about your prices?

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

I think you are projecting. I posted local prices on what I can buy for $20. So, why don't you play and post what you can buy for $20?

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
I think you are projecting. I posted local prices on what I can buy for $20. So, why don't you play and post what you can buy for $20?

Already committed. biggrin I will also head to an inner city discount grocery store. Just to see how it's done.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Ok sounds good!

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Ok so when I went to the store today I looked at breakfast foods:

Biscuit $3.59 - will last months
Milk 2.59
one dozen eggs - 1.69
Loaf of country white bread - 2.50
We don't typically do breakfast meats since they are typically processed but I could buy Sausage for $4 Which would last us about two weeks since we would not eat every day

Scallions $1/bunch

Salsa, $2

Out of all this we can have pancakes or french toast or yummy omelettes the entire week with following weeks being less expensive since the biscuit and eggs will last longer

That is under $20 Plus any of this food can be used for lunch or dinner

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Learning to work with flour is a big help. Making your own pancakes, waffles, biscuits, etc is pretty cheap and easy.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Learning to work with flour is a big help. Making your own pancakes, waffles, biscuits, etc is pretty cheap and easy.

Yep, I was just pricing out the regular staples I would buy.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

I had a steep learning curve, lol. I tossed a lot of failures before i really got the hang of it!

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
I had a steep learning curve, lol. I tossed a lot of failures before i really got the hang of it!

Yep and then I can add in the cost of nutmeg and cinnamon to my under $20 shopping list. Plus add the granola, yogurt and coffee.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Here is my receipt for today.

The only thing not on this receipt that I bought for this challenge is the butter/margarine. It got separated. It was .89 for a pack of 4 sticks.

So my total is $18.94.

I bought a

5 lb bag of flour

6 pack of chicken flavored top ramen

2 cans of green peas

1 15oz can spaghetti sauce

1 pound thin spaghetti

A large container of quick oats

2 pounds mixed dry beans

18 pack eggs

16 oz jar peanut butter

Here is my menu

Day one

Breakfast

Oatmeal

Lunch

Ramen, I'll cook 2 packs as it calls for, strain the liquid and save it for dinner. Add half a can of green peas, and dice up 2 boiled eggs into it.

Dinner

Warm the liquid, scramble in one egg, maybe the other half od the green peas.

Day 2

Breakfast

Biscuits, scrambled eggs

Lunch

Biscuits with peanut butter, 1 boiled egg

Dinner

Spaghetti

Day 3

Breakfast

Pancakes

Lunch

Left over spaghetti

Dinner

Mixed beans, bisuits

Day 4

Breakfast

Oatmeal

Lunch

Mixed beans, with half can of peas mixed in.

Dinner

Pancakes, scrambled eggs

And if I have sugar from another purchase, I can make peanut butter cookies.

I will have enough beans and flour left to go into the next few days, just in case something comes up that I can't get back to the store.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Lily and you will have plenty of biscuit and oatmeal as well. And if poor and just trying to get by, cookies are not needed. That part of extravagances is not part of this challenge.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

lilyofcourse wrote:
Here is my receipt for today.
The only thing not on this receipt that I bought for this challenge is the butter/margarine. It got separated. It was .89 for a pack of 4 sticks.
So my total is $18.94.
I bought a
5 lb bag of flour
6 pack of chicken flavored top ramen
2 cans of green peas
1 15oz can spaghetti sauce
1 pound thin spaghetti
A large container of quick oats
2 pounds mixed dry beans
18 pack eggs
16 oz jar peanut butter

Here is my menu
Day one
Breakfast
Oatmeal
Lunch
Ramen, I'll cook 2 packs as it calls for, strain the liquid and save it for dinner. Add half a can of green peas, and dice up 2 boiled eggs into it.
Dinner
Warm the liquid, scramble in one egg, maybe the other half od the green peas.
Day 2
Breakfast
Biscuits, scrambled eggs
Lunch
Biscuits with peanut butter, 1 boiled egg
Dinner
Spaghetti
Day 3
Breakfast
Pancakes
Lunch
Left over spaghetti
Dinner
Mixed beans, bisuits
Day 4
Breakfast
Oatmeal
Lunch
Mixed beans, with half can of peas mixed in.
Dinner
Pancakes, scrambled eggs

And if I have sugar from another purchase, I can make peanut butter cookies.

I will have enough beans and flour left to go into the next few days, just in case something comes up that I can't get back to the store.

Strong work! I mean, I think that younger people could use a bit of help. And, I have been trying to give a bit of advice to my sons who are out of the house on groceries as well.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Lily and you will have plenty of biscuit and oatmeal as well. And if poor and just trying to get by, cookies are not needed. That part of extravagances is not part of this challenge.

You're right, the cookies that I might be able to make would be a bonus. Perhaps a treat for the kids.

The point is, four people would be eating food that fills. It might not be a wonderfully well balanced meal, but no one would be hungry.

But that is how I fed us when I didn't qualify for food stamps.

It was the best I could do.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
Here is my receipt for today.
The only thing not on this receipt that I bought for this challenge is the butter/margarine. It got separated. It was .89 for a pack of 4 sticks.
So my total is $18.94.
I bought a
5 lb bag of flour
6 pack of chicken flavored top ramen
2 cans of green peas
1 15oz can spaghetti sauce
1 pound thin spaghetti
A large container of quick oats
2 pounds mixed dry beans
18 pack eggs
16 oz jar peanut butter

Here is my menu
Day one
Breakfast
Oatmeal
Lunch
Ramen, I'll cook 2 packs as it calls for, strain the liquid and save it for dinner. Add half a can of green peas, and dice up 2 boiled eggs into it.
Dinner
Warm the liquid, scramble in one egg, maybe the other half od the green peas.
Day 2
Breakfast
Biscuits, scrambled eggs
Lunch
Biscuits with peanut butter, 1 boiled egg
Dinner
Spaghetti
Day 3
Breakfast
Pancakes
Lunch
Left over spaghetti
Dinner
Mixed beans, bisuits
Day 4
Breakfast
Oatmeal
Lunch
Mixed beans, with half can of peas mixed in.
Dinner
Pancakes, scrambled eggs

And if I have sugar from another purchase, I can make peanut butter cookies.

I will have enough beans and flour left to go into the next few days, just in case something comes up that I can't get back to the store.

Strong work! I mean, I think that younger people could use a bit of help. And, I have been trying to give a bit of advice to my sons who are out of the house on groceries as well.

Good job and yes younger people need to learn.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Do they still have that Angel Food ministries boxes? I think those were had some good grocery items.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Yes. But I could never afford them.

They were always really high.

FNW · Guru

Our less than 2 year old refrigerator went out yesterday. The freezer part. I won't be buying any food for awhile.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Geez. They don't make appliances like they used too.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

lilyofcourse wrote:
An entire chicken costs roughly $4. Depending on size.

Let's say I want to make a cheap pasta dinner.

A chicken spaghetti, you need
Chicken, cooked and shredded
(The chicken needs to be cooked, and seasoned. That requires at least salt and pepper, an onion, and garlic. That just added at least 2 more items to your grocery list)
Noodles
Sauce, homemade is easy, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, oregano, basil, salt, pepper. (Again, adding things to your list)

That $3 meal just turned into a $5 meal.
Or, a box of 80 cent hamburger helper.
Which most of the time, doesn't get the meat that it calls for because it's too expensive.

The hamburger helper still needs hamburger.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Hamburger helper here is about $1.40. It's literally a handful of dry noodles and some seasoning. One box of that in no way feeds 4 people.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

Hamburger helper can be made without ground meat. Then it's just (albeit terrible) pasta. And you don't need to season chicken. It's fine without any of those things. Either way, it tastes like chicken. A can of spaghetti sauce is cheap if you want to keep your pasta under 5. Also, why are you using an entire chicken in one meal?

FNW · Guru

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Geez. They don't make appliances like they used too.

I know, right? This is a record for me. I usually get a good 10 years out of refrigerators. Heck, I have one in the basement, a cheapie top/bottom, I got 12 years ago when I was prego and it's still kicking. None of the ice/water in the door gadgets, just the basic. Thank goodness. I crammed as much as I could in that one last night so it will minimize what might get spoiled.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Well, some of this is due to the enviromentalists who don't like us to use freon or decent detergents in our dishwashers, etc.