SNAP Challenge

Finding it really hard to believe that a family of four could eat 3 meals a day that are well balanced nutritiously I went to a local grocery store to make a meal plan. The portions are different for the adults and kids, and I made different a meal for the adults from the kids for lunch.

Breakfast:

• 2 eggs with red and green peppers and onion $0.75
• 1 1/2 slices whole wheat bread (toasted) with peanut butter $0.23
• 1 cup milk $0.20

Total: $1.18 x 2 adults = $2.36

• 1 egg with red and green peppers and onion $0.38
• 1 slice whole wheat bred (toasted) with peanut butter $0.18
• 3/4 cup milk $0.15

Total: $0.71 x 2 kids = $1.42

• 1/2 pound grapes to share among all 4 $0.50

Total: $0.50
Grand total: $4.28

Lunch:

• 2  slices whole wheat bread $0.24
• 1 slice of honey ham $0.25
• 1 slice of pepperjack cheese $0.30
• 1 cup salad(veggie lovers) with Ranch dressing$0.44
• 1/2 grapefruit $0.72

Total: $1.95 x 2 adults =$3.90

• 1 slice whole wheat bread with peanut butter $0.18
• 1 large carrot with ranch dressing $0.24
• 1 small apple $0.32

Total: $0.74 x 2 kids = $1.48
Grand total for lunch: $5.38

Dinner:

• 2 cups of brown rice $0.60
• 2 cups of baked beans $0.99
• 2/3 cup Frozen corn $0.43
• 2/3 cup Frozen peas $0.40
• 3 1/2 cups milk $0.70

Total: $3.12 for all 4, adults will more likely eat more than kids

• 2 servings canned fruit cocktail (kids only) $0.87

Grand total for dinner  $3.99

Dessert:

• 1/2 cup Chocolate ice cream $0.21
• 1 bananas $0.14

Total: $0.35 x 3 (kids share one) = $1.05

Grand total for all day: $14.70

As I was out shopping, I decided to shop smart and buy things on sale, for an example- whole wheat bread, salad, red bell peppers, baked beans and the ice cream!This challenge has taught me to portion food I buy and when to buy things on sale. There is nothing wrong with a low income college student or family to indulge in some chocolate ice cream. I also learned that people who have a limited budget do not always need to buy calorie dense foods like chips, soda and fast food; they are still able to afford fresh nutritious foods and make a well balanced meal out of them.