Shop home first
Write down what is already in your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer before making a list.
FREE BUDGET TOOLKIT
Spend with a plan.
Waste less food.
A simple printable worksheet, a flexible starter pantry, and Amy's best first steps for making healthy meals fit a real household budget.
START WITH$25flexible pantry staples
Plan overlap
Choose meals that reuse rice, beans, vegetables, or cooked protein during the same week.
Keep one flex night
Turn leftovers into bowls, soup, or breakfast-for-dinner before buying another meal.
PRINTABLE WEEKLY WORKSHEET
Give every grocery dollar a job.
Print this page or save it as a PDF. Fill it out before you shop, then bring the finished list with you.
1. Food I already have
2. Meals I will make
3. What I actually need
4. One flexible backup meal
Try eggs and rice, bean bowls, soup, or loaded potatoes.THE $25 STARTER PANTRY
Five staples.
Dozens of meals.
Prices are broad estimates and vary by store and location. Choose store brands and compare unit prices when safe for your dietary needs.
RiceBreakfast bowls, lunch bowls, skillets$3–$6
Certified GF oatsBreakfasts, snacks, simple desserts$4–$7
Beans or lentilsSoups, bowls, chili, salads$4–$7
EggsBreakfasts, rice bowls, quick dinners$3–$5
Frozen vegetablesSoups, skillets, sides$4–$7
Always choose packaged ingredients labeled for your dietary needs. Costs are practical estimates, not guarantees, and will vary by store, season, brand, and location.