This seems to be a hot topic..everyone wants to share their success stories:)
I cook for my family..two adults, a 3 year old, and a 1 year old..and I have one on the way. We also have my husbands parents over for dinner 5-6 nights a week. so, that is two more adults to feed.
I spend roughly 300-350 a month. I say roughly...because I spend 200 on my monthly shopping trip and then I make a few trips within the month to stock up on milk and a few sale items I might see, fresh produce, etc. And diapers and wipes is usually a separate trip...so it all probably adds up to 300-350 total.
I plan my meals for one month. I work out 20 meals (some repeat), and I plan my list according to that. I stick to protein, starch, and veg meals pretty much....except for taco night, spaghetti, etc.
I don't ever buy processed food or already prepared meals. I think they are outrageous in price.
I usually eat leftovers for lunch...or just have sandwiches, etc.
We don't have snack food in the house...no chips, or pop, or stuff like that. Just maybe some crackers, cheese, and raisins for the kids.
I hit Sam's Club first. I get most of my protein there. You really just have to compare prices, etc. But, their quality is great. I break large packages down in to portions that I need for each meal.
I buy the large rolls of saran wrap (usually at GFS), and freeze my meat in saran. (I can't ever seem to get all the air out of the zip lock bags and the food gets freezer burn)Zip locks cost more too.
I check out the produce, and some items I can get there..but not everything. Lettuce is good to buy there.
Next stop is the bread store. Find out if you have one in your area. I go to the Aunt Millies Outlet on Cork in Kalamazoo. I have never spent over 20 dollars(usually around 10 bucks)..and I get a basket full of good bread, english muffins, buns, raisin bread, and bagels. You just can't beat the price anywhere. 79-89 cents a loaf for brand name bread. I have never had an issue with quality and I just freeze it when I get home.
Next stop is Aldi. Save A Lot is good too, but Aldi is closer to me. I get a lot of my groceries here...eggs, milk, flour, oil, dressing, pickles, canned goods, pasta, and even some veggies.
The Dollar General or Family Dollar...those type of places(dollar increment stores, not necessarily "dollar" stores) is where I get toiletries, cleaning supplies, and diapers and wipes, etc. Diapers and wipes are a good at Sam's too.
Then I stop at WalMart or Meijer for any items I couldn't get at all the other stores. Usually just a short list of items.
I stick to my list, but if I find a good deal on meat or something, I pick it up. So, the list can vary a little. Or, if something is too expensive, I take it off the list.
I don't deal with coupons...I know some people have luck with them, but I never find stuff I actually use. It is usually brand name or processed items. I find that buying the same thing at Aldi or discount stores is still cheaper then using coupons. Plus, I just don't have the time! I have the kids and work two jobs from home.
Planning is key. Planning my meals for grocery shopping is great, but keeping the list of meals on my fridge saves me time too...I can figure out what is for dinner much easier and get the meat defrosted, etc. Or I ask my husband to pick something out from the list.
We have less nights where we are scrounging last minute and end up going out to eat!:)
Good luck!