I'm not noticing that much of a difference. I use coupons when I remember to bring them with me, and I have a few "shopping reward apps" that give me points that I can trade in for store credits. But I've always done that. I also finally learned how to make my sister-in-law's sauce and lasagna. Sounds unrelated right? Well...
$50 in ingredients nets me:
Enough lasagna for two people for 3 nights of lasagna dinner, plus an extra lunch-sized serving or two.
AND
Enough sauce for 4 chicken parmesan dinners
AND
enough leftover meatballs, sausage, and sauce for 2 macaroni and meatball dinners PLUS 3 more sauces for two weeks worth of macaroni and meatball dinners/lunches or meatball subs.
The only thing extra I have to buy, is chicken cutlets, ground beef (on sale on Tuesdays at Fresh Market for $2.99/pound), a loaf of bread for the garlic bread, and a package of salad to last a few days' worth of meals.
Total additional cost might be $25. So $75 for almost two months' worth of lunches and dinners at least twice a week, for two people.
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