Additional Coverage:
- My sons are home from college for the summer, so my grocery bill soared to over $300. Here’s how I’m reducing costs. (businessinsider.com)
Feeding a Small Army: How My Grocery Bill Tripled This Summer
My latest grocery store trip ended with a $345 receipt—the highest I’ve ever paid. With three young adults to feed, two of whom are home from college for the summer, my grocery budget has officially exploded.
Summer break always means higher grocery costs, but this year is different. My health-conscious athlete son isn’t just grabbing chips; he’s loading up on protein-rich foods, fresh produce, and supplements, all of which add up. Factor in my other college student (who’s home frequently), my high-school athlete, their friends, summer barbecues, and a constant stream of ice cream, and suddenly I’m feeding a small army.
So, how am I coping? I’ve developed a few cost-reducing tactics.
A free fridge (thanks to a local online marketplace) stores overflow items in the basement, hiding them from perpetually hungry teenagers who claim there’s “nothing to eat.” I also skip warehouse stores; the membership fees and crowds aren’t worth it.
Instead, I watch for sales at regular grocery stores and stock up when possible. Case in point: the six pints of raspberries I bought two days ago (almost gone already!).
Aldi is my go-to for affordable groceries. I supplement with trips to a closer, but pricier, store for specific items or when Aldi’s produce isn’t up to par. These small choices help keep costs down while ensuring everyone stays fed.
Perhaps the most important strategy is my mindset. I remind myself that this is just a season.
My college kids will return to school, the friends will disappear, and the constant snacking will subside. I’d rather enjoy family ice cream nights now and tighten the budget later.
When school starts again, I’ll probably even miss this chaotic, expensive summer. For anyone with kids, from toddlers to 20-year-olds, summer often means more mouths to feed and more money spent.
The key to surviving? Embrace the chaos and enjoy the season.