How this mom feeds her family for two weeks on just $70—her Dollar Tree meal plan is going viral!

What if you went into a store with just $70 and walked out with enough food to feed your family for two weeks?

One budget-savvy mom has done exactly that, using a Dollar Tree meal plan to create 14 days worth of dinners, each costing $5 or less.

Her method has gone viral, offering struggling families a lifeline amid rising grocery prices.

The GrayVine is here to unpack this mom's ingenious approach and offer insights into how you can replicate her success.

Whether you're a grandparent looking to help your family save or someone facing a tight budget, this story is a testament to the power of resourcefulness!



The mom in question took to social media to share her emergency meal plan, designed to help families get by when money is tight.

Her video, which quickly went viral, showcases a journey through the aisles of her local Dollar Tree, selecting ingredients for budget-friendly meals that don't skimp on taste.


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Check out these 14 meals for $5 or less! Image source: Dollar Tree Dinners / YouTube


She emphasizes the importance of community resources, such as free school breakfast and lunch programs and local food pantries, reminding viewers that there's no shame in seeking assistance.

Her message is clear: it's about getting food on the table.



The meals she's put together are not only cost-effective but also include a “kid-friendly favorite” to ensure that even the pickiest eaters are catered to.

Here's a glimpse at the variety she's managed to achieve:
  1. Beanies & weenies with vegetables & bread
  2. Bean and rice burritos
  3. Spaghetti with vegetables and garlic bread
  4. Chili dogs with vegetables
  5. Fried bologna sandwiches with vegetables
  6. Cheddar broccoli rice with smoked sausage and broccoli
  7. Cheesy taco chili
  8. Chili mac and cheese
  9. Bean and cheese tostadas
  10. Ham and cheese sandwiches with soup
  11. Pizza mac and cheese
  12. TikTok spaghetti (Million dollar spaghetti)
  13. Creamy tuna pasta with cheese
  14. Scalloped potatoes with smoked sausage and broccoli (casserole style)
The total cost for these two weeks of meals comes out to approximately $70, leaving a little wiggle room for any additional items or personal touches you might want to add.


It's no secret that inflation has been hitting Americans hard, with staples like eggs, coffee, and meat seeing significant price hikes.

Stories of customers queuing in separate lines just to purchase eggs illustrate the lengths people are going to in order to manage their budgets.

Yet, amidst these challenges, this mom's Dollar Tree hack shines as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with a bit of creativity and planning, feeding a family on a budget is still possible.



Inspired by this mom's approach? Here's how you can put her plan into action:

1. Inventory Your Pantry: Start by taking stock of what you already have at home. You might be surprised at what you can repurpose.

2. Plan Your Meals: Create a 14-day menu, using the mom's suggestions as a guide. Look for meals that use overlapping ingredients to maximize your budget.

3. Shop Smart: Head to Dollar Tree or your local discount store. Stick to your list, but be flexible if you find a good deal on an alternative ingredient.



4. Prep and Store: Once you've shopped, prepare and store your meals. Consider batch cooking and freezing portions for later use.

5. Get the Family Involved: Turn meal planning and preparation into a family affair. It's a great way to teach kids about budgeting and cooking.



The response to the mom's video has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for her tips.

Dollar Tree employees themselves have noticed an impact, with customers coming in with lists based on her recommendations.

Together, we can build a community of support, sharing knowledge and resources to help each other through these challenging times.
Key Takeaways

  • A budget-conscious mum has shared her method for securing 14 days' worth of meals for only $5 each from Dollar Tree, a budget store in the US.
  • The meal plan is designed to support families coping with the current economic pressures and includes dishes that are both cost-effective and appealing to children.
  • The initiative received a positive response, with many expressing gratitude for the tips on how to stretch a tight food budget during tough times.
  • The video suggested purchasing common ingredients in bulk to use across multiple meal plans, helping to further reduce costs and manage a small grocery budget successfully.
We at The GrayVine encourage you to share your own budget meal planning tips and experiences in the comments below. Have you discovered any cost-saving hacks at your local stores? What are your go-to budget meals that don't compromise on flavor or nutrition?

Also read: Unbelievable finds: 7 insane Dollar Tree deals you can’t miss!
 
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News, deals, games, and bargains for Americans over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, The GrayVine is all about helping you make your money go further.

The GrayVine

The GrayVine searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for over 60's. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, we're all about helping you make your money go further.
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