1 Week, $100 Dollars: Whole Foods Market for the Family on a Budget

by Brooke on November 6, 2012 150 comments »

Here’s the challenge: feed a family of 5 on organic meals from Whole Foods Market for a whole week. Think it sounds impossible? So did I. After all, our grocery budget sometimes pushes $250/week, and that’s shopping the cheap aisles of our ho-hum local grocery store. So, when Whole Foods Market contacted me and served up the challenge, I was more than ready to hop on it and see if it was realistic at all. Turns out, feeding your family on organics for a week isn’t just possible, it’s an entirely fun way to challenge yourself, save pennies, and help care for our world one dollar at a time.

Wanna take the challenge?

Read on to discover how I fed my family on $100 last week, then get in on the $100 Whole Foods Gift Card giveaway at the end of this post!

SHOPPING LIST

  • 2 onions……………………………………$1.99
  • 3 cloves garlic……………………………$1.72
  • 3 lbs, Apples……………………………..$5.97
  • 3 lbs Sweet Potatoes…………………..$5.97
  • 1 lbs Butternut Squash……………….$1.99
  • 1 tomato………………………………….$0.98
  • Fresh Basil……………………………….$2.97
  • Yogurt…………………………………….$3.39
  • Jam…………………………………………$2.69
  • Peanut Butter……………………………$4.79
  • 2 loaves Ezekiel Bread………………..$7.58
  • 2 dozen eggs…………………………….$4.29
  • Milk………………………………………..$3.98
  • 1 pound  Bulk Pancake Mix………….$2.98
  • 1/2 cup bulk organic sugar………….$0.99
  • 3 packages Ramen…………………….$3.57
  • 1.5 lbs White Cheddar………………..$7.99
  • Prepared Pizza Dough………………..$2.99
  • Canned Pizza Sauce……………………$3.29
  • New Frozen Fried Rice & Chicken….$5.99
  • Frozen Blackberries…………………..$3.99
  • Red Pepper & Tomato Soup………..$3.00
  • Cheddar Cheese………………………..$7.99
  • Soba Noodles……………………………$1.99
  • Beef Bones……………………………….$4.50
  • 3 lb Pork Shoulder…………………….$8.97
  • Hamburger Buns……………………….$2.99
  • 2 slices Uncured Bacon……………….$2.14
TOTAL SPENT……………………………………$111.68

MENU PLAN

Breakfast

  • Baby Pancakes with Blackberry Syrup

    Mix Whole Foods Bulk Whole Grain Pancake Mix according to package directions.  Spoon onto a hot griddle by the tablespoon. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of frozen blackberries, 1/4 cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Cook until boiling. Serve blackberry syrup over pancakes. 

  • Cereal & Milk

  • Blackberry Yogurt Smoothie

    1 cup frozen blackberries, 1 cup vanilla yogurt, blended until smooth with just enough water or milk to create a sippable consistency.

  • Soft Boiled Eggs & Toast Soldiers

    Soft boil  eggs (my favorite photos and instructions here). Toast Ezekiel bread until crispy, slice into thin pieces for dipping into egg yolks.

  • Tomato & Basil Omelet

    Mix 3 eggs with 2 tablespoons of milk. Salt and pepper to taste. Pour into a hot, well-oiled skillet. Cook until set. Remove, sprinkle with fresh diced tomatoes and basil. Serve and enjoy!

  • Cheesy Scrambled Eggs on Toast

    Scramble eggs. Top with 2 tablespoons of cheese. Serve over toasted Ezekiel Bread.

  • Hard-boiled Eggs

Lunch

  • Ramen Noodles

  • School Lunches all Week

    Peanut Butter & Jelly Tea Sandwiches

    Sliced Apples

    Yogurt packed in reusable containers

Dinner

  • White Cheddar Cheese Pizza with Basil

    (Slather Whole Foods Pizza Dough with spaghetti sauce, top with cheddar, bake at 400 degrees)

  • Frozen Fried Rice & Chicken

    Ready-made for those extra-busy weeknights.  Grab and go straight from the freezer dinner’s section of Whole Foods. 

  • Red Pepper & Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

    Ready made soup served with Cheese Grilled between Slices of Ezekiel Bread

  • Pho, Beef Broth & Soba Noodles sprinkled with Fresh Basil

    Simmer beef bones all day in garlic-spiked salt water (a la this post here). Toss in soba noodles just before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil. Serve with chopsticks.

  • Kahlua Pork on Whole Foods buns with Roasted Acorn Squash

    Slow Cooker Meal! Toss pork into a crockpot (a la this recipe right here). 30 minutes befor serving, drizzle slices of acorn squash with coconut or olive oil and salt & pepper. 

  • Baked Sweet Potatoes topped with Leftover Kalua Pork & Plain Greek Yogurt

 Top Tips for Shopping Organic on a Budget at Whole Foods

  • Look for a Produce Department representative & ask them to trim any vegetables to the size you need. For instance, if you only need 1/4 cup of broccoli, ask them to cut off that portion of the veggies and go home with just as much as you need. The remaining portion will either be donated to a local homeless shelter, put into a Whole Foods veggie mix, or composted.
  • Ask the Fish & Meat departments to marinate or season your meat for you. It’s free! Even better, the Fish Department can cook your fish for you while you shop, meaning you can head home with a fully cooked meal for no additional cost!
  • Get to know the Bulk Aisles! Many of the best deals come from this section, because you can buy or try only just what you need, without paying exorbitant prices
  • Sign up for the weekly Whole Foods emails. These weekly emails come straight to your inbox, and include all of the sales for the coming week. You can find the sign-up forms right by the customer service desk, or click here to do it right from the comfort of your own casa. Better yet, by signing up for the Whole Foods email newsletters, you’re helping the company meet their goal of becoming a paper-free entity within the next 2 years.
  • Grab a copy of the monthly Whole Deal magazine and check out the regular feature on Budget Meals and Recipes. Or visit the Whole Foods website for more budget-conscious food ideas.

Ready to take the Whole Foods 1 Week-100 Dollar Challenge?

Here’s how you can win one $100 gift card to Whole Foods! Up to three entries per person. The winner of the giveaway will be announced by November 15, 2012.

  • Leave a comment & tell me your BEST value-shopping tips or experience
  • Like Cheeky Kitchen & Whole Foods on Facebook
  • Follow Cheeky Kitchen & Whole Foods on Twitter
  • Post about this giveaway on your own Facebook or Twitter account with a link to this post

Shop Organic! Spend Wisely! Save the World & Your Red Hot Bod!

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150 Responses to “1 Week, $100 Dollars: Whole Foods Market for the Family on a Budget”

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  1. 101

    Hilary B. on November 8, 2012 at 8:02 am Reply

    I follow whole foods on twitter

  2. 102

    Sheila K. on November 8, 2012 at 9:17 am Reply

    Make a list and stick to it!

  3. 103

    Sheila K. on November 8, 2012 at 9:18 am Reply

    I like Cheeky Kitchen & Whole Foods on Facebook (Sheila Korman)!

  4. 104

    Sheila K. on November 8, 2012 at 9:19 am Reply

    I follow Cheeky Kitchen & Whole Foods on Twitter (@skkorman)!

  5. 105

    Sheila K. on November 8, 2012 at 9:21 am Reply

    I posted this giveaway on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheila.korman/posts/345257795569504

  6. 106

    Amanda Sakovitz on November 8, 2012 at 11:14 am Reply

    I buy store brands and I try to buy sale items

  7. 107

    Amanda Sakovitz on November 8, 2012 at 11:16 am Reply

    I like both pages on facebook as amanda sakovitz

  8. 108

    Amanda Sakovitz on November 8, 2012 at 11:17 am Reply

    i follow both on twitter @aes529

  9. 109

    Amanda Sakovitz on November 8, 2012 at 11:17 am Reply

    facebook share
    https://www.facebook.com/amanda.sakovitz/posts/375900322498527

  10. 110

    Nicole F. on November 8, 2012 at 11:59 am Reply

    I am a big fan of the bulk bins or Whole Food’s 365 brand. I will also base my meals around their sale flyer if I can!

  11. 111

    Nicole F. on November 8, 2012 at 11:59 am Reply

    Followed on Twitter!

  12. 112

    Nicole F. on November 8, 2012 at 12:00 pm Reply

    “Liked” on Facebook!

  13. 113

    Rose on November 8, 2012 at 12:49 pm Reply

    I would be terribly grumpy if I didn’t know how to save BIG every week. I find it a challenge that I like to WIN. Nothing pleases me more than chuckling over how little I spent!! That requires work! Lots of studying up on knowing prices so you recognize a value when you see it, coupons in flyers, store coupons and online. Shop sales, some online websites will even show you what will be on sale the next week. I do not make up menus, then shop. I shop first, then make up menus. You need strong will power (I mean won’t power) to forgo making a favorite recipe if the ingredients are not available at that time at a good price. That is why you stock up BIG on anything with tremendous buy, esp after it being on sale, with store and commercial coupon, etc. What could be more fun? Well, enjoying the “fruits” of your labor with sitting down with family to tasty, healthy food, with money left over for other things.

  14. 114

    Arthur on November 8, 2012 at 2:42 pm Reply

    I don’t know how you did it because I find Whole Food outrageously expensive and over-hyped. Most of their produce is from countries where they cannot even guarantee what pesticides were used. Their corporate policies are awful.

  15. 115

    Kristen M. on November 8, 2012 at 3:30 pm Reply

    My best tip is to stick to the shopping list and fill the shopping list with basics that your family loves. I make sure there is room in my budget/list for things like fresh fruit and yogurt. While I like to switch things up every once in a while, I’ve found that the tried and true items are most appreciated and within budget. There is nothing worse than splurging on a special meat that no one eats!

  16. 116

    Kristen M. on November 8, 2012 at 3:31 pm Reply

    I follow you both on twitter.

  17. 117

    Tina M on November 8, 2012 at 3:47 pm Reply

    I use coupons and combine with store sales.

  18. 118

    Tina M on November 8, 2012 at 3:48 pm Reply

    Like Cheeky Kitchen & Whole Foods on Facebook

  20. 120

    addie | culicurious on November 9, 2012 at 8:01 am Reply

    I love to buy the Whole Foods 365 brands. They are a better value than the national brands at regular grocery stores. The bulk aisle is also my friend and I shop the meat section for items on sale. I usually buy extra and freeze the rest until I’m ready to use them.

    I follow you both on Twitter and Facebook and have tweeted about the giveaway from both my Twitter account.

  21. 121

    bugeyed lindsay on November 9, 2012 at 9:21 am Reply

    When you buy kale salad which is charged by weight, it’s pretty affordable. The soups are a good value as well.

  22. Pingback: "Eating Great for Less" Blogger Challenge Part Deux | Master Cleanse A.K.A. Lemonade Diet

  23. 122

    Heather o on November 9, 2012 at 12:23 pm Reply

    I follow whole foods on twitter.

  24. 123

    Heather o on November 9, 2012 at 12:24 pm Reply

    I always shop sale items and stock up on everyday staples when they are on sale.

  25. 124

    Heather o on November 9, 2012 at 12:26 pm Reply

    I follow cheeky kitchen on twitter.

  26. 125

    Lori Hoff on November 9, 2012 at 9:18 pm Reply

    I create my weekly meal plan based on the weekly sales, and also use coup0ns. Making a list (and sticking to it!) is a must! I loved this post, and appreciate all the helpful hints you shared.

  27. 126

    kristen on November 10, 2012 at 7:13 pm Reply

    I use coupons to maximize my savings. Mambo Sprouts always has printable coupons that can even be combined with Whole Foods printables

  28. 127

    Ttrockwood on November 10, 2012 at 10:17 pm Reply

    My tips are to shop the sales and buy produce that is in season

  29. 128

    Ttrockwood on November 10, 2012 at 10:17 pm Reply

    Liked you on fb (terri)

  30. 129

    Ttrockwood on November 10, 2012 at 10:18 pm Reply

    Liked whole foods on fb (terri)

  31. 130

    Ttrockwood on November 10, 2012 at 10:18 pm Reply

    Follow whole foods on twitter (@terri)

  32. 131

    Marcia Goss on November 11, 2012 at 1:00 pm Reply

    I check the store ad every week for the sales, and try to match up coupons to sale items and stock up.

  33. 132

    Marcia Goss on November 11, 2012 at 1:02 pm Reply

    I like Cheeky Kitchen and Whole Foods on FB. (Marcia Goss)

  34. 133

    Marcia Goss on November 11, 2012 at 1:02 pm Reply

    I follow Cheeky Kitchen and Whole Foods on Twitter @mgoss123.

  35. 134

    Marcia Goss on November 11, 2012 at 1:03 pm Reply

    https://twitter.com/mgoss123/status/267703962306768896

  36. 135

    Thomas Murphy on November 11, 2012 at 4:57 pm Reply

    I shop sales and in bulk to save.

  37. 136

    Thomas Murphy on November 11, 2012 at 4:57 pm Reply

    i like both pages on fb thomas murphy

  38. 137

    Thomas Murphy on November 11, 2012 at 4:58 pm Reply

    i follow both on twitter as thomasmurphy40

  40. 139

    Rose on November 12, 2012 at 10:48 am Reply

    tweet-le dee tweet-le dum – tweeted the giveaway https://twitter.com/chrysolite111/status/268032178032627713

  41. 140

    Bonnie on November 12, 2012 at 4:09 pm Reply

    I try and only buy food that is in season (fruits and veggies) and then also I meticulously meal plan! I pan on using this EXACT list next week!

  42. 141

    natalie on November 12, 2012 at 8:27 pm Reply

    i make a weekly menu and also shop/plan my menu according to what’s on sale that week! since we also have an extra fridge in the garage, when frozen items are on sale i’ll stock up on frozen shrimp/fish and meats!

  43. 142

    Rachel Wolfe on November 13, 2012 at 12:49 am Reply

    I usually try to do my shopping on Wednesdays so that I get the double-ad discounts. This helps me save money on twice as many items. I also try to purchase items that can be turned into multiple meals. For example: last week I bought pinto beans to cook in the crock pot. I was able to use them for tacos, burritos, and nachos. I saved the broth and turned the broth into a delicious, savory chicken soup.

  44. 143

    Rose on November 13, 2012 at 1:23 pm Reply

    This may sound trite but don’t shop on an empty tummy, and don’t shop when you’ve had a long day and/or are tired. Give shopping your prime time energy. Be prepared with flyers, coupons, and go through those aisles with an eagle eye. I have to admit I try to “discover” something new every day, and even so, I recently realized I always have skipped the frozen aisle at Whole Foods. duh!!!!

  45. 144

    Wild Orchid on November 13, 2012 at 5:49 pm Reply

    My best tip is to combine coupons with sale prices.
    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

  46. 145

    Wild Orchid on November 13, 2012 at 5:50 pm Reply

    Like Cheeky Kitchen & Whole Foods on Facebook — Wild Orchid
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

  47. 146

    Wild Orchid on November 13, 2012 at 5:51 pm Reply

    shared on fb–https://www.facebook.com/crave.tosave/posts/465794503459976

  48. 147

    frost on December 11, 2012 at 4:46 am Reply

    cool! this is a really nice challenge. i’ll see if i can survive this.

  49. 148

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  50. 149

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