For November of this year, I attempted to do a no grocery spend and instead send my $200 food budget to the local food bank. I did some, uh, creative math to make this work.

Like: I bought 2 turkey breasts, 4 boxes of kcups, and a pack of mashed potatoes from Safeway when they were clearanced/discounted for $31.45 total. I submitted to Ibotta, got $21.26 back. OOP under $10.19. Then I sold the coffee for $20. Now I’m ahead $9.81.

Bacon was on stock up price at Safeway for $2.97. I bought 4 = $11.88. OOP for November for $1.07 at Safeway.

At Grocery Outlet I snagged Egg Beaters 2/ $0.97 (snagged 4) and froze them, plus a canned coffee and snack: $6.52 OOP
At a later date Grocery Outlet had 48 pack Jimmy Dean links for $3.99. I bought that, a bottle of coffee concentrate, marshmallows, and italian dressing for $8.42 OOP Total OOP for November at Grocery Outlet: $14.94 I submitted all of the above to FETCH, and along with a referral bonus, ended up with $5.35 worth of points.

Taking me to: $10.66 OOP spending for November. I donated $100 at the beginning of the month, because it was urgent funds get there sooner than later, and am now sending $89.34.
Doing this sort of math is my dang favorite thing. It just felt like winning, because donations to food bank!

I’m not doing it for December – because I want to treat myself to some seasonal noms, but may continue in January. My pantry/freezer, etc, are just so well stocked at this point. Here’s where I donate to: https://themadf.org/eloises-cooking-pot/ I chose them because I used them years ago, and they operate like a small grocery store – allowing you to pick and choose what serves your family and shop with dignity.