$222.59

That's how much my roommate and I spent on food this semester. Split two ways, that was $111.29 for each of us. Granted, we had spent $500.61 last semester, and some of those staples were still in our kitchen. But for 2 girls to spend only $723.20 for 8 months of food, I think we did pretty well. This was a definite money saver for us- since meal plans (per person) range from $1,400-1,900 for the same amount of time. 1/4 the cost. Plus, we had a lot of fun cooking for ourselves.
I must add a few disclaimers. I spent quite a bit of time last summer canning peaches, applesauce, pears, and freezing berries. I helped my brother to dig potatoes for an afternoon in exchange for a basket of my own. I froze sweet corn, braided onions, grew garlic, and froze green beans. In addition, my parents and brother generously provided my roomie and I with meat and eggs. We didn't eat a lot of meat, but a sufficient amount.
My roomie also worked in the dining hall, I worked in college catering, so she ate a few meals a week there, and I was able to eat at work every once in a while.
Oh, and I can't forget about Panera bread. My church gets day-old bread, so I get creative in incorporating that into our diet.
But, we know how to cook- curry, tacos, tabouleh salad, quesadillas, soups, and lots more. We didn't buy cereal, but simply ate rolled oats and yogurt with frozen berries, or made omelets for breakfast. We were even members of a CSA for the fall- receiving fresh vegetables from a local farmer. We wanted to support Spiral Path Farms, and to not have to make weekly trips to the grocery store for fresh veggies.
Tomorrow I graduate. It is so hard to believe that these four years are over. It's hard to say goodbye, but I'm looking forward to the next steps. It feels so good to have achieved this milestone, and I am doing my best to celebrate it well. This week has been full of sweet times with friends- I have gone tubing down the creek, had multiple picnics with different people, slept out in a hammock (twice), played a few rounds of banana grams, drove to my house for lawn games and a campfire, and lots of other little sweet blessings.
My apartment is nearly packed up- I made one last batch of granola since I had just a bit of honey and oil left in their containers, and a big bag of rolled oats. I really like granola- a little too much- so I try to ration how often I make it! We'll see how long I can make this batch last.