Tips for budgeting groceries?

We’re a three person household, only two of us have jobs, me and my mom

Mine doesn’t factor in as she won’t let me pay for anything

We recently looked at how much our groceries cost and it was way above what we can sustain, 1,000 a month, which is a fourth of what she brings home each month (after taxes), and we’re already in some financial trouble

So I’m taking over grocery shopping because I’m more frugal

We’re hoping to get it down to 600 a month ideally, but I doubt just grabbing cheaper brands will do that on its own

Also any tips on how to convince a very stubborn person that he doesn’t need that specific brand?

I anticipate this last one being a possible issue

I saw a Budgetingtalk post where someone mentioned that ordering pickup groceries was saving them money because they knew the total cost upfront and avoided impulse buys. Many people, myself included, agree with this!

Yeah this is part of the reason I’m taking over

Dad tends to impulse buy meats and forgets to cook them so they end up going bad

Impulse buying and food waste are killers. If you can get free pick up or come up with a strict plan, you may be able to shave off a bit of the bill.

Label your meat with the purchase date using bright painter’s tape in large font. Freeze it if it’s not cooked within 3 days.

Learn the “good” prices for groceries and focus on sale items in flyers. Stock up on bulk when there’s a great deal.

When I was on a tight budget, I ate a lot of rice, pasta, instant ramen, chicken leg quarters ($1.50/lb), ground pork ($3/lb), frozen swai ($2-3/lb), and veggies under $1.50/lb (carrots, onions, potatoes, cabbage, etc.). Eating out was limited to McDonald’s, Domino’s deals, Costco, and IKEA food courts. Once a month, my friends and I would splurge at a local all-you-can-eat buffet.

Costco recently changed their rules & you do need a membership card to eat in the food court. I go to one that has an outside food court. You order at a terminal and have to scan your card before ordering.