Eat From the Pantry Challenge - Week One

So it is official. We have started our Eat From the Pantry Challenge! I am super excited to see if we can really make this work for the next four weeks, and a little bit nervous at the same time. I have a well stocked pantry to "shop" from and a freezer full of beef, but you all must remember that I have two kiddos in diapers and two in pull-ups. (While we are on the subject, does anyone have any ideas to help keep your kids from wetting at night?) Anyway, our challenge does become a little bit more complex because Michael and I are following the Weight Watchers program right now. That means lots of healthy fruits and vegetables which we all know are much more costly than canned goods and junky snacks.

In order to make this work for our family, I will budget $30 each week for the next four weeks for milk, produce, eggs, etc. The rest of our meal ingredients will come from our existing stockpile. We have come up with a meal plan for the entire month of January based on what we already have on hand. These meals may be altered based on what sale items I can find each week. I will share with you our menus and our successes each week. By spending only $30 each week for the next four weeks, we will be saving more than $300 for the month! I encourage you all to give it a try - even just for a week!


Meal Plan Monday - Week One
(Okay, so it is Tuesday. Next week I will be more timely. Promise.)

Monday - Mini Meatloaves, Green beans, Corn
Tuesday - Broccoli/Cheese soup, grilled cheese sandwiches
Wednesday - Whole wheat pasta and sauce
Thursday -  Sloppy Joe's and oven-fried onion rings
Friday - Chili and cornbread 
Saturday - Vegetable stir-fry and brown rice
Sunday - Pot roast, carrots and potatoes

Breakfasts and lunches will consist of cereal, fruits, sandwiches, mac n cheese and leftovers.

Anyone want to comment on their own Eat From the Pantry Challenge?