Stewardship of Life

SNAP to it Food Stamp Challenge–Day Two

By Sharron R. Blezard, June 2, 2010

Sleepover Breakfast Bonanza Edition

My daughter requested eggs, bacon, and garlic cheese grits for breakfast because she has a friend sleeping over, and oatmeal just won’t cut it. That meant a trip to the store and spending some of this week’s remaining food money. All I had left to work with was $26, and I subtracted $5 for her trip to Taco Bell, which left only $21.

Here’s the ticket:

Dozen large eggs ($1.18)

Two 16 oz. packages of Burger’s bacon (buy one get one free special, $6.50)

Organic ketchup, 20 oz. ($1.99)

Eight pack whole wheat thin buns (on sale for $1.99)

Total spent: $12.54 ($7.50 saved)

I chose store-brand eggs because Eggland’s Best were almost $2.00 more, and I decided I should have some ketchup on hand in case the girls wanted some for their eggs, plus I can use it for barbeque sauce, home fries, and with the burgers. The Burger’s Bacon is a few cents more than Hormel and less than Oscar Meyer, and the ingredient list is half as long. The second package will keep for later in the month or even next month. The buns were low calorie, whole wheat, contain no HFCS, were on sale, and we have hamburgers in the freezer. They can also be used for mini-pizzas. (I know, I know, I should make bread myself, but since we moved I only have one bread pan that was given to me, so I’ll have to find another used pan or two and purchase yeast and whole wheat flour.)

For the rest of the week, there is only $8.46 left to spend. Right now I really can’t think of anything else we need. The big thing that struck me about this little foray into grocery land is how much time I spent comparing and thinking about what I was about to purchase. I know that I’m also going to be very conscious of food waste this month, and will be aiming for none at all.

State of the Pantry:

On day two, things look pretty peachy. There’s a relatively full refrigerator, a semi-stocked freezer, and plenty of options in the pantry, aside from a distinct lack of junk food. My daughter and her friend just left for Taco Bell and movies at another friend’s house, so I’ll eat leftover black beans, rice, tomato, cheese, and salsa along with watermelon. This morning I had a smoothie with a banana, a handful of strawberries, some blueberries, yogurt, and milk, and two pieces of whole wheat toast. Lunch was half a peanut butter sandwich and leftover sautéed summer squash medley with onions. A cheese stick served as the mid-afternoon snack. To drink I’ve had water, coffee, and green tea. That’s more than enough food, sufficient variety, and I’ll easily surpass five servings of fruit and veggies.

Website of the Day:

Feeding America (formerly Second Harvest)

Feeding America’s mission is to “feed America’s hungry though a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.” Click here to read more.