Monday, March 02, 2009

Angel Food Network

Jeff and I have plans for our money. Both cars will be paid off next month; we are working toward the Dave Ramsey method of paying off our bills and have paid off 3 debts so far in the last 6 months or so. Sounds like we are going to be paying out the nose for college next year, oh... and we have some ... other ... plans in the works for our money, so it's time to buckle down. I'm so tired of throwing away money on mindless, meaningless stuff.

Have you guys ever heard of the Angel Food Network? For those of us with a gazillion kids, finding ways to cut down on the grocery bill is like a never ending, never attainable goal. It seems as though our grocery bill quadrupled with the addition of two kids and the economy going south. Everything is so much more expensive! We are spending between around $1500 a month on groceries. Insane! I have done the coupon cutting thing. I have gone to three different stores to find the best prices on various items. I joined Sam's Club and can spend $500 there and not have anything to actually cook a meal.

We are going to be trialing the Angel Food Network next month. I believe we can feed a family of 8 on $750 for the month. That's half... right? Sorry, I've been helping with 3rd grade math all day, but suddenly can't perform it!

But here's how I plan on doing it. Check out the Angel Food Network if you are interested in learning more about it.

For $30 you get all of this food:

1.5 lb. Ribeye Steaks (4 x 6 oz.)
3 lb. Split Chicken Breast
1.5 lb. Country Fried Steak Patties (6 x 4 oz)
1 lb. Package 80/20 Ground Beef
1 lb. Fully Cooked Meatballs
1 lb. Mild Italian Sausage
12 oz. Deli Sliced Ham
1 lb. California Blend
1 lb. Green Beans
20 oz. Shoestring Fries
1 lb. Pasta
28 oz. Marinara Sauce
21 oz. Condensed Soup(makes 5 servings)
1 lb. Pinto Beans
32 oz. 2% Shelf Stable Milk
Dozen Eggs
Dessert


This regular box is supposed to be enough food to feed a family of 4 for a week.... so clearly we would need 2 per week.

$60 a week. Approximately $300 per month to buy enough food for meals.
Add in the 5 gallons of milk and 3 gallons if juice they go through a week... $30 per week. So now we're up to $450.
Basic lunch items and snack foods... $50 per week? This is the one I'm unsure of... but here's where my Sam's membership could really work for me. Where am I now? Hemorraging from my check book? Nah, only at about $600.

For another $22 you can get a fruit and veggie box.
Another $22 a box full of meat - including steaks etc.
I figure we will get at least one of each these for the month...So there's $644.

As for the misc items at the grocery store that we always seem to be running in and out to get...? I have allotted around $100 for the month. I plan on continuing to cut my coupons and shop at the stores that double my coupons or have items on sale, as well as buying in bulk at Sam's those items that I can.

And so the challenge is on.
Order deadline is March 16th and pickup is at the end of the month.
I will keep you posted as to how it's going. Wish us luck!
Photobucket

5 comments:

Laurel said...

I'll have to check it out.

We feed our family (10 at home right now) for less than $500 per month. Does that mean we could get it down to $250? (Probably not!)

Let us know how it goes, and check out my "What's Cooking" posts in my archives for info. about how we save money at the grocery store. No Sams Club, No Costco, No Coupons ... and, we eat well.

Laurel :)

Jeanie said...

Did you come to Remingtons for pick up? I work that every Saturday - I'm the order delivery person... it was a great time! We are buying this month - have you seen March's menu? All I can say is 10 pounds of chicken tenders for $18!!!

elisa said...

We are HUGE Dave Ramsey fans and are aspiring to teach Financial Peace. We are debt free, besides our two homes. I am also a grocery shopping nut! When looking at our monthly budget, that one item seems to be the most out of control. Our grocery bills doubled when we moved here from Texas. Now I have it down to about $350 a month for a family of three. I cook everyday, and this includes breakfasts, lunches, snacks, desserts and potluck stuff for get togethers. It's a passion of mine, I know it's crazy. I'm part of a coupon exchange here in Springfield too!

~Kim~ said...

We do angel food and it has helped us alot. We purchase 2 main boxes, 2 of the meat or grill boxes and 2 fruit boxes. The 10lb chicken strip box is amazing, and we get that every time it is offered. Much better chicken strips than from the grocery store. Ribeyes, pork chops.... excellent! There are a couple of things that are not quite our favorites, but still worth it. A couple of my kids dont like the "shelf stable milk" but I use it to cook with and add it to our regular milk once it is half full.

Do you have the "menu's for moms" link? I think they have recipies for the AF menu every month. (including a shopping list with items for the recipes that are not in the monthly box)

Julie said...

Dave Ramsey rocks. You can read a little bit about our story (http://onemomslifesong.wordpress.com/2007/03/31/falling-off-the-wagon/). We paid off the house a year ago and are totally debt free.

I keep hearing about the Angel Food thing and am thinking we will give it a try too. Our grocery budget since bringing home the kids seems to be about $350-$400 a month. Of course I realize your boys are older and so they have bigger appetites. Keep us posted on how you do w/ the budget. I think you can do it!