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!