Keeping Food Costs Down

We have quite the menagerie to feed, and we have found several ways that we have been able to reduce costs.

• Shop on sale. We look for weekly specials, or things that are discounted.
• Shop at discount stores. Our biggest money saver is shopping at bulk and Mennonite stores.
• Buy in bulk. We buy everything from flour to cat food in bulk.
• Look for alternatives to the products that we currently use.
• Buy items and freeze them.

Things I hope to do in the future

• Coupon
• Start a garden
• Compost
• Freeze giant amounts of food

While we spend around $200 a month to feed three dogs, two humans, 13 cats, and five chickens I know that our costs could be reduced with a few tweaks. While we always save a ton of money by shopping at the Mennonite store we could save more by couponing and growing some of our own produce. We bought a ton of seeds last year and never got the chance to actually use them. This year we bought some plants and will have a few tomatoes, peppers, and some squash, but we should've had more. 

Average bill at a Mennonite store Vs. grocery prices

Our average trip to a Mennonite store is around $100. For this price we walk out with a cart full of food. The food usually is coldcuts, cheeses, high quality yogurts frozen foods, produce, bulk items, and snacks. On average we pay around $3 a pound for Amish coldcuts. You cannot typically get cheap bologna for that price.

What do you do to save money and help your family to eat better?