Use the calculator below to get an estimate based on USDA’s Low-Cost Food Plan of what you should be spending to feed your family healthy meals...
DIARY - One couple takes the challenge to track their meals and spending. Read about their food expenses, menus, and experiences in Reflections on Eating the Thrifty Diet Plan.
United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Low-Cost Food Plan
The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) of the USDA uses the USDA’s Food Plans and current food cost data to calculate, each month, the Cost of Food at Home for four levels: thrifty, low, moderate, and liberal.
Thrifty Food Plan is the least costly of the four levels and is used at the basis for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) formerly Food Stamp Program allotments. The plans provide sufficient food so that all meals can be eaten at home or carried out of the home. All of the plans provide the calories and nutrients recommended by the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The low-cost and moderate-cost plans provide diets consistent with those of most persons. The liberal-cost plan permits greater variety, more meat, and a different mix of fruits and vegetables than the other plans.
When reading the table, it is important to keep in mind that this information is based on nationwide averages, it excludes non-food items purchased at grocery stores, and it assumes ALL meals are eaten at home. Footnotes are provided to assist in adjusting food costs based on varying family sizes. View the food plan tables.