Open Arms of Minnesota

SNAP Challenge: Shopping at Walgreens

By Kevin Winge

Day one of my second annual SNAP Challenge is off to a good start. Knowing that some SNAP recipients have transportation issues, this year I’m shopping for all of my food at my nearest convenience store – Walgreens. My SNAP week is off to a good start, not because of the kind of food I was able to purchase at Walgreens, but because – with careful shopping and coupon clipping – I was able to really stretch my $30.25.

Open Arms’ registered dietitian did a great job of creating a Walgreens menu. What she didn’t know, however, is that many of the items on my menu would be on sale this week. For example, a gallon of skim milk was $2.99 instead of $3.49. Although I really dislike canned green beans, and probably haven’t eaten any since elementary school back when Lyndon Johnson was President, I was excited to see that a single can was only .69 with a coupon compared to its usual price of $1.79.

The bottom line is that I spent $8.09 less than I thought I was going to. That meant I could splurge on a box of Grape Nuts cereal and still have $5.30 remaining in my budget for the week. I’m holding off until Walgreens coupons come out next Sunday to see what else I might buy for later in the week.

Here’s my grocery list so far:

Ramen Noodles (6 pack) – $1.89

Coffee – $3.99 on sale (not food, I know, but I gotta have it)

Gallon of Milk – $2.99 on sale

Dozen Eggs – $1.89

Wheat Bread – .99 on sale

Yogurt – .69

Oatmeal – $2.59

Peanut Butter – $2.99

Can of Green Beans – .69 with coupon

Can of Fruit Salad – $2.19

Raisins (1 oz. 6 pack) – $1.00

Grape Nuts Cereal – $2.79 on sale

Now it’s time to enjoy my first SNAP breakfast: a cup of coffee, 8 ounces of milk and one cup of oatmeal.

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Open Arms of Minnesota is pleased to bring you a wide array of Holiday Treats to satisfy your sweet tooth this season! This year’s Holiday Treats can be purchased through our online shop via the link below. 

Holiday Treats will be available for pick up at the following times and locations: 

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