I’m trying to cut back on expenses, and I want to figure out what’s normal to spend on food and groceries (meds, detergent, deodorant), etc.
Not including clothes or anything else.
How much do you spend on this monthly?
Can you please share family size and general location?
I don’t think there is any “normal”. If you feel you need to cut back, look at your expenses and see where you can? Just because I spend more doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t cut back if financially you need to or just because I spend less doesn’t mean you have were to cut.
Do you use prepared foods? (Do you have the bandwidth to prepare?
Paper goods? Name brands?
More expensive cuts of chicken/meat or expensive dairy?
Do you throw away food?
Where do you shop for produce?
Do you make impulse purchases?
Is your freezer full of things you don’t really need?
I ask in a non snarky way how this information could help you?
There are so many variables that go into how much a family spends on food - even a family that is identical in terms of size - genders - age of each child will wind up spending a different amount because a family will have different priorities.
Some people choose to spend a large percentage of their money on food because it is important to them but they are frugal in other areas.
Some people work long hours so they have to spend more on take out or buy ready made food.
Some people enjoy cooking which can translate into either spending a lot on food or spending less on food because they are willing to be creative using less expensive ingredients and/or cooking ahead so that they always have something to pull out of the freezer
And obviously income is going to be significant - if money isn't an issue than money will be spent on more expensive foods - in general of course.
There are online calculators for food expenses but kosher food is more expensive so it doesn’t help. I want to get a ballpark idea of what is a normal amount for a family of 7.
It might not make sense but it’s good for me to know where I’m “holding” spending-wise with the current food prices. Help me gauge if I’m spending too much or not.
Does that include fish and meat/chicken? Mine closer to 16
Yes but I don't do alot of expensive protien. Chopped meat goes alot farther and I'll do salmon smaller cuts so cheaper.. I do chicken cutlets too but put more carb or veggie on plate
We are 2 adults, 3 kids. OOT so kosher prices a little higher, regular groceries a little lower. My kids get no food in school. We spend about 1500 a month
We're a family of 7 kah in Lakewood. Oldest is 9. I estimate about $1,700 a month on groceries. Maybe more. We don't eat fancy, it just adds up a lotttt.
Family of 5 and my guesstimate for groceries is around $1200-$1300 a month not even including diapers and wipes and toiletries and paper goods we eat a ton of fresh produce.
we eat a ton of fresh produce.
