I found the first month was costing alot more, but that was because we had totally cleaned out the pantry and had to buy alot of new foods. I agree that if you stay away from the "frankenfoods" you will save money. Right now, veggies are expensive, but if you have a garden in the summer you will save alot then. I grow lettuce in my garden, and it's so nice to walk back there, snip off some lettuce and have a fresh salad. And it grows back, so as long as you plant about a 10 day supply, you've always got more coming up. We ended up giving alot away, and we ate a lot of lettuce.

I can't believe that someone has the nerve to call you selfish over this... this HAS to be some family member... it is not selfish to take care of yourself. How can you care for your family if you don't start by caring for yourself? I've said this before in other posts, people today have a totally messed up idea of what "selfish" means, and they throw that word around when they want to manipulate you. Do not let them manipulate you. Where there's a will, there's a way, and if $300 is what you've got to spend, you will find a way to do this woe on $300.
Best to you,

Jenn