Back in late summer of 2008, gas prices were sky high.  The family budget was maxed out.  Going into the red was inevitable.  But I could not allow that to happen.  The only area in the budget that could possible be reduced was the grocery line item.  Mortgage payments cannot be lowered, gas prices could not be reduced, so I set out to save what I could at the grocery store.  

Soon after this decision, I discovered the world of “frugal blogs”.  I was amazed to learn that it was possible to actually pay nothing and possibly get paid by stores if you “played the game right.”   I knew nothing of this frugal world, but was thrilled to take on the challenge and really start saving.

I began “couponing” and “playing the game”.  After just one month, my grocery bill dropped over $100.  As I became more efficient at matching sale prices with coupons and only purchasing meats and produce that was on sale or marked down, our groceries rang in less each week.

Every night for about a week, I would do a price breakdown of our dinner based on that week’s prices of the products used in the meal.  The total kept coming in between $4 and $5.  After a few nights of these price summaries, I was cleaning up the dishes and the phrase “$5 Dinners” popped into my mind.  I immediately challenged myself to making each night’s meal for less than $5. 

These $5 meals.  They must be healthy, balanced and nutritious.  Each dinner consists of a protein source, starch and vegetable.  The goal of $5 Dinners is to prove that it is possible to eat well balanced meals using wholesome and raw ingredients.  The hope is that all will be inspired to not only reduce their grocery bills, but to create healthy and nutritious meals!

Come on over to 5DollarDinners.com and join in the frugal fun!

Erin blogs about grocery store savings strategies, healthy eating and details her mission to make $5 meals for her family every night of the week at www.5dollardinners.com.