Last year we decided to do this quite last minute, but as we live quite frugally anyway I found it not too bad planning our 5 day menu. The challenge this year was coping with inflation, and a much more astute child!
I explained to the Monkey (who is now 4) that we would be eating differently this week. I also broke the news that he wouldn't be allowed any apple juice, or treats/sweets for the week, as we were doing a challenge to live like people in other countries who don't have as much as we do. His response "I want that day to be over!", my response "its 5 days!".
I had a very detailed spreadsheet from last year, which I was updating, and I'm surprised how many things have gone up in price. All the staple items (bread, milk etc) are the same, but others have jumped up. A pack of Asda Smart Price fresh mince beef and pork was £1.40 last year for 500g, this year its £1.82. Yellow split lentils were 58p for 500g , this year they're 70p. These small differences really add up when you're counting every penny. I've had to cut a few things off this year, we won't be enjoying bread and butter pudding, but we can stretch to a couple of pancakes one night!
We should be doing it Monday to Friday, but it's our church Mens night on Monday, and they're going out for curry, so we're postponing and doing it Tuesday to Saturday instead. We are fortunate that we can choose when we live below the line, some people don't have a choice.
I hope you will follow our journey, and consider sponsoring us as we support Tearfund.
Yes, food sure has gone up in price due to everything else: droughts, cost of gasoline for trucking the food, less land to produce the food, etc.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful practice you are doing. You've inspired me!
I'll be following.....you are good to be doing this again x
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