re: Family budget question re: groceries/food/consumables

I do not think $12k a year is completely unreasonable if you factor in eating out. If you buy in bulk, make your lunch everyday, use coupons, and eat at or pick up food from a restaurant once a week, I think you could trim the figure to $750 a month.

I do not know what efforts your family makes to take advantage of deals at the grocery store. Buying ground beef, pork tenderloins, etc.. while they are on sale and freezing them will save you money overtime (if you're not throwing away the food). Saving and eating leftovers will save you money over time as well. Make a habit of always having a grocery list with you and only buying what is on the list. Don't go shopping on an empty stomach either.