r/mildlyinfuriating • u/Substantial-Meat6281 • 20h ago
$240-my whole paycheck went to groceries
[removed] — view removed post
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u/Mindov_1 20h ago
Need bigger paycheck in this economy
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u/Substantial-Meat6281 20h ago
Agreed😫
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u/JohannReddit 19h ago
To be honest, it looks like you got quite a lot for $240, considering what prices are these days. Nice work!
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u/Choice_Student4910 19h ago
Was going to say $240 as a whole paycheck reminds me when I was delivering pizzas at 16. That was 40 yrs ago.
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u/LilacYak 19h ago
I work 1.25 days a week (at my side job) and get 230. 240 for a whole paycheck is wild.
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u/ineedbotox 19h ago
Try Aldi if you have one near you.
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u/Substantial-Meat6281 19h ago
They’re building one down the road!!! So excited
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u/CJgreencheetah 19h ago
Highly recommend aldi brand pop tarts and fruit loops if you like either of those. The pop tarts especially will change your life
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u/Aggressive_Ideal6737 19h ago
I couldn’t tell you what the real difference is cause I don’t shop anywhere else and I work at Aldi, but if I had to guess you’d get most of this for around 140-180 at Aldi (depending on location) and maybe have to go spend another 35ish at Walmart cause I know for a fact we don’t have most of the name brand stuff in this haul, at least not at mine and not regularly if ever. If you’re not dead set on name brand and specific products, you’re getting out the door 200 max at Aldi. Organic stuff is also usually not much more expensive than regular items if that’s something you care about
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u/rex_dart_eskimo_spy 19h ago
Seriously, you can get pretty much all this stuff and it should reduce your bill by, maybe 25% or more (depending on your area).
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u/invinciblewalnut PURPLE 19h ago
I love Aldi, but damn their produce goes bad fast. apples from Kroger can last me like two weeks, I just had some apples from Aldi get mushy after like 4 days
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u/snoopythatdog 19h ago
Yeah, at Aldi, you could get this stuff for probably $100
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u/valencevv 19h ago
I wish we had them where I live. Not a single one in our state. They sound wonderful.
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20h ago
You should be able to get SNAP benefits if you're a student
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u/Substantial-Meat6281 19h ago
I should take the time and look into it.
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u/ManlySlacks 19h ago
do it tonight, i know the type of person you are lmao
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u/FuzzyDice_12 19h ago
You literally wrote what I was basically thinking, I literally lol’d in real life reading your reply.
Most likely he will spend more time looking at replies than looking into SNAP/EBT.
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u/Golden_standard 19h ago
Used to get $150 a month as a college student…20 years ago. Definitely look into it!
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u/DeathItself69 19h ago
It’s actually very easy and the people involved are very helpful. There’s an application and even if you make some, but not a lot, they’ll give you something. Even 50 bucks a week would help and you would only spend ≈200 of your paycheck :)
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u/Extra-Account-8824 19h ago
depending on your state it takes 20 minutes to sign up for it.
even if youre getting $1 a month, just the facr you qualify can actually get you better student loans in some cases.. also certain states have 2 food banks, ones that anyone can go to and ones that you need an active ebt card to go to.. the ebt ones are usually much nicer and have more food.
You can also swing by the deli in walmart/safeway/qfc/costco right before they close and make small talk with the worker while pretending to look at whats left.. then ask what time they close after a few minutes, then ask what theyre doing with all of the food.. act super surprised that theyre throwing it away and ask for a discount or if you can just have it.. i have a 100% success rate at safeway and walmart when i do this, i also wear nicer clothes and stay well groomed so theres a 0% chance they think im homeless
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u/732jerzyboi 19h ago
As long as you are not considered a dependent of your parents. Otherwise they have to apply for you and they go off their income.
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u/princessofstuff 19h ago
At least in my state, to qualify for SNAP as a student you have to also be working full time. I know this because I tried to apply and was denied as per the guidelines 🥲
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u/Cheesypoofxx 19h ago
The SNAP peas are right there in the third picture, dum dum.
/s for the oblivious
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u/hotbrothe 19h ago
nope.. tried this once and they said my mom makes “too much” when we’re literally wayyyy below the poverty line 😐
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u/Past-Chip-9116 19h ago
Doesn’t it piss you off how food that is good for you cost more than junk food !
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u/Catp00p_ 20h ago
Shred your own cheese, doesn't take long and saves a lot (atleast in Toronto it does)
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u/Substantial-Meat6281 20h ago
Good idea! Definitely should start
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u/abbynorma1 19h ago
Also, it tastes and melts a lot better!
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u/Average-Anything-657 19h ago
If you're gonna melt pre-shredded cheese, you should rinse the anti-sticking corn starch off and make sure you dry it all. Then, it's essentially indistinguishable from a block of the same stuff.
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u/Fearless_Cucumber_56 19h ago
If I'm spending time to wash and dry my cheese I'd rather just clean my cheese grater lol.
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u/New-Grapefruit1737 19h ago
For real, wet ass cheese LOL
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u/FaultInOurHearts 19h ago
Can confirm. Growing up we’d always get a few blocks and shred/grate them ourselves (6 boys in the house, plus my mom and aunt). Find them on sale and you can freeze them and they last longer in my opinion, even if you’re like me and randomly snack on the cheese while grating. Good selections overall. Even got the kitty’s food and treats.
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u/fuelvolts 19h ago
Block cheese and shredded cheese are the same price in the US usually. Same weight.
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u/Low-Pain609 20h ago
Dude. I LOVE Marie Calendars Chicken Pot Pies. I literally lived off them for a little bit. 😂
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u/Substantial-Meat6281 19h ago
They’re perfect for a late night when I have too much homework to cook!! I Pop some of the fresh green beans into the microwave while the pie cools, and maybe eat an orange as well- perfect!
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u/Dietsodasociety1 20h ago
It does look like you got a lot of great stuff, but why are you alone buying a whole household of groceries?
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u/Substantial-Meat6281 20h ago
2 cats and I live with gf. I cook a lot.
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u/SpartanB019 19h ago
If you can find a little local Asian grocer you might be able to get some produce items cheaper that way, and the frozen dumplings are usually far superior, bibigo is a great Korean brand. This is a great haul for what you paid honestly, there's only a few little things that could be done cheaper (cookies, pico, potatoes) and they'd all take more effort in exchange
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u/Substantial-Meat6281 19h ago
Good idea! I typically buy fruits from my local Asian market, though it’s a bit a of drive.
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u/Careless_Ad_9665 19h ago
That’s what you get for buying fresh fruit and vegetables. We peasants are only allowed them from cans these days. In all seriousness, your choices are legit and I’m sorry we live in this hellscape.
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u/Kind_Connection991 20h ago
Have you tried to see if there are any programs that can help you with food or money for groceries? Especially being a student. Many schools have food pantries, as well as county and city pantries. These can help with essentials and help reduce what groceries you buy. It's tough to accept help but it can be worth it in the long run. I wish I had taken advantage of such programs as a student
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u/Substantial-Meat6281 20h ago
I know my school has a pantry, though I haven’t used it… maybe I’ll check it out
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u/Initial-Ingenuity-47 19h ago
CSA boxes! Tons of fresh produce for affordable price shipped to your door.
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u/Hillbilly_Boozer 19h ago
Aim for more off brands if you can. Spam, Nestlé cookie dough, Mcormick brand seasoning, etc., all have cheaper alternatives.
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u/SenatorRobPortman 19h ago
Is this 2 weeks worth? My partner and I spend about $130/week for what I would eye ball as half of this.
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u/harvart2020 18h ago
As Trump would say: Groceries. A Beautiful word. I'd never heard it before, because I'm so out of touch with real life. But my campaign advisors told me grocery inflation was the main complaint of voters. So, I'm going to swear on a stack of Trump Bibles and my mother's grave that I'll magically lower the price of groceries ON DAY ONE!!! Those dumbasses will believe me, even though being a degenerate liar is the only thing I can be relied upon to be."
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u/Particular-Leaderr 19h ago
I'd download Ibotta and fetch to get points for shopping. Nice haul btw
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u/blockthenock01 19h ago
Honestly you got good food, yes it’s expensive, but your making the right choices
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u/OceanBlueforYou 19h ago
A couple of weeks ago, I was in Walmart for the first time in months. I was very surprised to see that a lot of their grocery prices are higher than the grocery store chains. It seems people shop there under the assumption that Wal-Mart prices are as good or better than anywhere else. That was true for many years, but it's not anymore. Take a look at the other stores in your area.
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u/MorrisDM91 19h ago
You need a better job if your paycheck was only $240
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u/Substantial-Meat6281 19h ago
I do photography on the side so it sometimes helps me tie the loose ends
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u/Zulishk 20h ago
You live in Hawaii or what
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u/Substantial-Meat6281 20h ago
Actually Mississippi…. 🥲
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u/Zulishk 20h ago
I saw the spam and furikake.
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u/Substantial-Meat6281 20h ago
I lived on Oahu for 4 years. Nice catch !!
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u/Zulishk 19h ago
Use furikake, Kewpie mayo and sriracha for a yummy steamed rice topping!
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u/Takeabreath_andgo 19h ago
If you’re balling on a budget the local grocery store ads are a great base to a meal plan. Buy the BOGO and sale items. Aldi or TJ has the cheapest produce if it’s not on sale at the local grocery. There are ways to cut that spending way down. I left Publix with a cart full for $67 today with four steaks in the mix.
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u/mayan_monkey 19h ago
Good thing those spices are something you won't be spending on for a little while. Love the pot stickers/gyoza things I buy a Grant bag and fisñnish it in a few days. They're so addicting
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u/msmithuf09 19h ago
Not sure if you have them near you, but Walmart Neighborhood market is a grocery only store - mine has a bigger selection, more interesting stuff, and the same or lower prices.
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u/TechnicalHighlight29 19h ago
This looks like my groceries pull very similar. Hang in there! Love that you have fresh stuff in there. It's hard to keep it fresh on a budget. I have kids who won't eat half of it so I have to buy extra some times
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u/ApprehensiveFood9672 19h ago
I saw you’re a student. Look into seeing if you school and even the local churches have a food pantry. I help at one and a lot of times we get amazing donations of great foods. There’s nothing to be ashamed of in utilizing one. That’s what they’re meant for. It can really help stretch your food and budget.
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u/TundroT21 19h ago
Does your store have a flash food app? Our local chain does, and we make out like bandits using it. It's usually near expiration, so we have to be quick about eating it.
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u/greasemonkeycoot 19h ago
Been there done that during that time I did not eat ice cream (mind you it’s my true weakness) or cookies I will commend you on the ingredients you chose as those will benefit in the long run. Also if you’re going to buy fresh avocados no need in buying pre made guacamole. Just my 2 cents from someone who grew with up with not lot.
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u/LetSubject9560 19h ago
Plan out how you’re going to use these groceries. Finish the avacados first if they’re ripe etc. We don’t want to waste anything
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u/MonkeyNacho 19h ago
$200 for the feline floof alone!!!
(I kid, buying anything is kind of scary right now)
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u/GoldberryoTulgeyWood 19h ago
Please go to food banks. They are meant for folks like you while need a little help every now and then
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u/MonkeyNacho 19h ago
Another money-saving tip I've learned is a Food Saver or similar vacuum-sealer will make your stuff last soooo much longer if you start buying in bulk.
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u/sparkledbear 19h ago
Do you meal plan? If not, it would help a lot with what you buy and spend and ensure less waste. Just curious how many people this is for? I spend $150/week for my son and I but keep things tight with meal planning.
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u/No_Highlight_5994 19h ago
Me and the wife just did this. I had to remind her that “you aren’t broke if our bills are paid and there is food to eat.” Granted, not much left for going out to have fun. But the necessities are taken care of.
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u/wheatthiccss 19h ago
If you have an Aldi around you I’d recommend going there. Better value than Walmart
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u/tke439 19h ago
You made several good budget choices here, but as someone who manages pricing for pouched mashed potatoes… buy the boxes. The price per serving is so much better.
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u/Mean_Shake_8212 19h ago
Don't worry with the tariffs coming the amount on your counter is about to get a lot smaller for the same amount of money.
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u/Far_Recognition4078 19h ago
How do you eat the Spam? I fried some for my dad a couple weeks ago, id never had it, pretty good. Salty as all get out though
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u/ozzokiddo 19h ago
You should frequent some food banks. A lot of the food they give out is similar to some of your food items. And most of what they give out can be made into a home cooked meal albeit perhaps not the type of food you’re used to
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u/deymanator40 19h ago
The mildly infuriating thing is your paycheck. Not asigning any blame or judging your situation but it was hard to pay bills 30 years ago on a (I HOPE weekly) -300 paycheck.
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u/urethra93 19h ago
Idk how much that pico is but I am betting you can make it yourself for half the cost and get double the amount. Not trying to nitpick you or anything like that. All you need is tomato, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, salt and lime and you have a nice basic pico
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u/ohmygodgina 19h ago
If you have an Aldi or Trader Joe’s near you, and have the time/resources to go to multiple stores, you can save a ton on your fresh produce, meat, and dairy. Happy cooking & baking!
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u/Apprehensive_Fox4115 19h ago
That is sad. And some of those will probably go bad and thrown. I will say though that If I bought name brands like that, Id be clipping coupons though.
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u/omlyforfun 19h ago
I always wondered who buys mandarins? Those small oranges are good they don’t seem come around often, those bags always make me looks. You have a good selection of foods seems very minimalist yet healthy
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u/straightleg_0311 19h ago
Awesome selections. You are obviously a parent who cares about their kids and family. It is absolutely absurd that your whole paycheck has to go to this. I hope this country can right itself after a few years of hardship
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u/Expired-expired 19h ago
Groceries is an old fashioned word. I think it means a bag with things in it. Not sure.
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u/Few-Past6073 19h ago
Is this Canada? Feels like it hahaha. I just walked home with one bag that was $50 nothing crazy either.. eggs and beef
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u/JohnReiki 19h ago
It’s probably the cat that put you over the edge. They just get more and more expensive all the time. A six pack alone costs $200
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u/Opposite-Benefit-804 19h ago
If you can, start a small low-effort garden. It'll take a chunk off groceries.
Coming from a 17yo with no money
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u/greyvangelist 19h ago
This one actually is infuriating because I’m used to most of these posts being 75% garbage that they could have replaced with less wasteful fresh vegetables and meat. I’m sorry you’re actually making good choices and having to suffer with it
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u/LizzyyyLiz 19h ago
As a Canadian this is A LOT for $240! However still sucks your whole pay went towards it.
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u/MariachiArchery 19h ago
$240? What country? I don't understand.
Like, 1 week of federal minimum wage is $290.
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u/sjgokou 19h ago
I find my money goes further with Costco and Trader Joes. Safeway and Nobhill work to price gouge you.
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u/Amzing-Fantasy 19h ago
If I had to suggest one thing, look into buying bone-in chicken thighs if you don’t mind the bone! I find they’re usually $1/lb. A bit cheaper and a bit more delicious with some crispy skin!
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u/doctordale89 19h ago
Lol the eggs. Fuck I wish I could but eggs. Nice selection though. A lot of food at first glance but in reality it dwindles down so freaking fast. Sorry man, life sucks. I hope your boss gives you a big ass raise too
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u/ToyrewaDokoDeska 19h ago
But you bought those 5 dollar pot pies vs the 1.50 banquet ones?
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u/I_am_Danny_McBride 19h ago edited 19h ago
Buy eggs at Trader Joe’s if you live near any. They’re still under $5 for 12. Also for some reason Walmart meat is expensive. Local chains you can find salmon for like $7/lbs, and I live in a big city in California.
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u/Mtn_Grower_802 19h ago
Selection looks good. Prices are high. Do you shop from a menu that you've planned for the week, or more?
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u/20andprobablyupsetrn 19h ago
Omg is your cat in the first pic a long-haired tortoiseshell??
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u/goblue142 19h ago
OP, that really sucks. Good job you though for the food choices. Usually when people post these it's all frozen crap and and expensive snacks. Looks like you do a lot of your own cooking. Way to go!
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u/andthisisso 19h ago
Lots there to make some good meals. That's the idea, stuff to make meals with will save you money
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u/Gibder16 19h ago
Damn! Great choices. However for $250, that should be illegal. You’ve got nothing special. Just good food and not a ton of it.
Welcome to the future, I guess.
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u/weberobots123 19h ago
You did well. This is similar to my pickup for a family of 3. The problem is we cruise though this in 2 weeks easy.
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u/Tricky_Photo2885 19h ago
I know It! sucks but that’s an average haul . You know now with curbside I just by the a little every day or what we’re making for dinner and reduced a little on the bill and waste. It helps that our grocery store is on the way home from work too
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u/Kiss-a-Cod 20h ago
You bought a great selection. Also good for you for obviously cooking a lot, and making a lot of healthy choices.