Back 2 Basics: How To Shop The Boise Co-op Affordably
Eating healthy doesn’t have to break the bank. Shopping for your family at a natural grocery store like the Boise Co-op Market might seem like a challenge on a budget, but it’s entirely possible! With a bit of planning and a strategic shopping list, you can provide nutritious and delicious meals that last all week. In this post, we’ll show you how to feed a family for a week on a budget, broken down into three categories: breakfast, snacks/lunch, and dinner.
Shopping Tip! Using your monthly Co-op Member perk of 10% off your purchase can save you a lot during this big shopping trip!
BREAKFAST: Simple, Healthy, and Budget-Friendly
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it doesn’t have to be expensive! Keep things simple by sticking to wholesome staples that are filling and affordable.
What To Buy:
Bread
Organic Bananas
Cloverleaf Milk
Field Day Peanut Butter
Field Day Jam
Field Day Maple Syrup Maple
Field Day Oatmeal
Flying M Coffee
Eggs
Annie’s Cereal
American Table Hot Rolled Cakes
Breakfast Plan:
Banana Peanut Butter Toast: Sliced bananas on whole grain bread with a layer of peanut butter.
Oatmeal Bowls: Oats cooked with Cloverleaf milk, topped with bananas.
Cereal: A quick go-to breakfast for busy mornings.
SNACKS/LUNCH: Fun and Affordable
Snacks are essential for keeping everyone happy between meals, especially kids. Choose a mix of healthy and fun options to satisfy different cravings.
What To Buy:
Field Day Popcorn
Organic Valley Stringles Org
Field Day Sparkling Water 6 Pk
Field Day Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips
Field Day Fire Roasted Salsa
Hippeas Puffs Bohemian BBQ
Hippeas Puffs White Cheddar
Annie’s Honey Graham Crackers
Clif Z Bar Iced Oatmeal Cookie & Chocolate Chip
Field Day Animal Cookies
Nature’s Path Toaster Pastries
Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies
Snack/Lunch Plan:
Popcorn: Popped at home and lightly seasoned with sea salt for a healthy, budget-friendly snack.
Granola Bars: Great for on-the-go energy boosts.
Peanut Butter & Jelly: A classic!
Chips: A fun snack for the weekend or family movie night.
DINNER: Easy, Delicious, and Kid-Friendly
Dinner can be the most expensive meal of the day, but with a bit of creativity, you can stretch your dollar while keeping everyone satisfied. Focus on easy-to-prepare meals that kids love and that use affordable ingredients.
What To Buy:
Green Beans
Chinese Stirfry
Chicken Nuggets
Ground Beef
Amy’s Chili
Field Day Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
Field Day Roasted Veggies Pizza
Field Day Tom Spinach Feta Pizza
Field Day Fries Crinkle Cut
Annie’s Macaroni & Cheese
Field Day Brown Rice
Field Day Pasta
Dinner Plan:
Pizza Night: A quick and easy meal that’s always a hit with kids. Serve with a side of veggies.
Pasta Night: Spaghetti with pasta sauce and ground beef.
Mac & Cheese: Serve with steamed frozen vegetables and chicken nuggets for added protein.
Protein Bowl: Use frozen vegetables, chicken, and rice, seasoned with olive oil and spices for a quick and healthy meal.