I Wonder if This is Still Possible

I keep this link, and a few others like it, handy just in case of a major disaster. But I wonder if it is still feasible with the way prices have gone up. (Please note that this article was written in 2001 and no update has been done.)

Just for kicks I'm going to do a bit of "research" this weekend when I do my shopping.

UPDATE 8/30/08: I just returned from W****** where I do a majority of my grocery shopping. Based on my findings, this emergency list is not possible at $10 if you have no items in your pantry (ie. an odd can of tuna, or a can of veggies). My cost for this list as written below was $18.30. BUT if you live in an area that sells smaller packaging you may be able pull this off or at least knock a buck or two off the total. (Keep in mind your unit cost will higher but your aiming for total cost.) I will highlight in green were you may be able to cut some costs. Also you may be able to beg, borrow, or steal small scale items like salt/baking soda from family and friends if your situation gets to this point.

Taken from "Surviving on a Budget: $10 Grocery List" By Liss Burnell © 2001.

Shopping List:

• Baking Soda (article has a link to make your own)
• $ .48
• Eggs (assuming 1 dozen/change to 1/2 dozen)
• $1.64
• Flour (assuming 5# bag/some stores may have a smaller convenience store size)
• $1.94
• Fruits (purchase what is on sale--I "purchased" 1-banana, 1-peach, 1-nectarine, 1-apple)
• $1.26
• Hamburger (assuming 1# ground beef)
• $2.43
• Rice or Ramen Noodles(assuming a 1# bag of rice)
• $ .88
• Margarine (assuming 1# sticks)
• $ .68
• Milk (assuming 1/2 gallon/quart or smaller)
• $1.91
• Potatoes (assuming 5# bag-only size available/would definitely look for smaller bag or even go with canned whole potatoes)
• #3.97
• Salt
• $ .33
• Vegetables (assuming canned-1-corn, 1-peas, 1-green bean)
• $1.50
• Tuna (assuming 2 cans)
• $1.28

The Menu: ***Please note: original article has links to these recipes

• Scrambled eggs in a Biscuit
• Fruit Smoothie, Hash Browns
• Muffins, many kinds...
• Pancakes, Fruit
• Potato Pancakes
• Tortilla with scrambled or fried eggs inside
• Donut Muffins
• Rice Pudding
• Tortilla with anything you have on hand in it
• Tomatoes/onions/hamburg etc.
• Shepherds Pie (Hamburger/gravy over mashed potatoes/corn)
• Veggies in gravy over rice
• Baked Potato and Vegetables
• Scalloped Potatoes and Vegetables
• Oven Baked French Fries & Salad
• Vegetable Soup w/ or w/o Rice
• Tuna/ Pea Wiggle (serve over toast or biscuits or saltine crackers)
• Scalloped Potato/Tuna Casserole
• Popovers fill with: tuna pea wiggle recipe or gravy/veggie mix
• Chicken Pot Pie

Will update this over the weekend after completing my research! Items "purchased" will be store band products.

***** Just for reference: an alternative $45 Emergency Menu for 4 to 6. As stated in HHW's article this menu more realistic as it does not assume you have any items already on hand. (Prices used are from 2006).