Y’all, it’s finally feeling like fall. The leaves are changing. The weather is turning. And Stocktober is finally here.
If you joined me last month, you may have heard of our Shelftember challenge. In September, we challenged everyone to shop from their freezers, pantries, and fridges first before hitting up the store. I am happy to report that my total spent on groceries for the month of September was… $196.32 for 5 weeks of groceries for a family of 6! I cooked my frozen turkey that had been chilling in the deep freezer and got to work! One week “set me back” when I spent $63 but other than that, I stayed well within my $35/week budget. And the good news is, we’re still going! I’m in a saving frenzy! I’m getting creative by using up frozen meats, breads, veggies, and other things I’ve found along the way. I’ve also been enjoying making fresh dishes using garden veggies like salsa, tomato sauce, and tonight, roasted brussel sprouts. Yum!
Shelftember was definitely a success in our house, but this month, we have a new challenge. Stocktober is just what is sounds like… stocking up for the month of October! Now that our fridges, freezers, and pantries look a little more barren, it’s time to find some great deals and stock up on some staples. In our house, Stocktober includes looking for great deals on meat to restock our freezers, pantry staples that we use often, and doubling recipes to freeze for later.
This month, aim to go back to your regular grocery budget. Our family usually hovers around $800/month or $200/week. Our budget includes groceries, eating out (which is pretty rare), household supplies, toiletries, paper goods, diapers (for 2 kids), medicine, and cleaning supplies. Basically, this budget is our catch all for anything we buy at Walmart/Target or the grocery store. Then, take your monthly budget and divide it in two. This month you’ll aim to spend half your normal grocery budget on regular groceries (you’re already in practice at spending much less) and the other half will be used to stock up!
I love having a stock pile of canned beans and soups, meat, frozen veggies, and dry rice/pasta so that if I get in a pinch on a weeknight, I’m not running to the store or getting fast food. Don’t feel like you have to shop at bulk stores, sometimes sale prices at the local grocery store are just as good. But remember, only buy what your family will actually consume or something with a long shelf life (or freezability) for later. Otherwise, stocking up will just contribute to the food waste dilemma. And remember, repackaging items is totally fair game. If you find ground beef on sale for a 10-lb package, come home and divide it out into freezer-safe baggies! Finally, shop the per unit price to get the best bang for your buck!
How do you plan to stock up this month? Do you have any great tips for the rest of us?
Leave a Reply