Once you’ve assessed your needs, the next step is to check spending habits - what you typically buy and why. For example, in warm weather, cool treats like popsicles and healthy treats like fruits and veggies become popular to keep everyone happy and hydrated. If the whole family goes on vacation, weekend getaways or day trips, how much food will you need to fix your own meals, and how much money will you need to eat out?Įven the types of food you keep on hand may need to change.Hungry tweens or teens can potentially clean out your cupboards.

At home, play dates with friends or visits from family or friends often include a lunch or a snack for children and adults.

If children go to extended camps, you may be obligated to pay for a meal plan there or send food and supplies.

Children may need food for summer activities or day camps, for example, and they occasionally may be responsible for bringing snacks for others as well as themselves.

For a family with school-age children, summer means no more school food plans for breakfast or lunch.

Groceries are a need, but needs change over time - especially when schedules change.

So, how much of that 50 percent should you be spending on groceries on average, and how do you compensate for seasonal changes like the altered family schedules of summertime? Exactly how do you go about creating a summer grocery budget that will work for you and your family? Take a Moment to Assess Your Needs

Using this breakdown, groceries are lumped in with other substantial needs like housing and transportation. The 50/30/20 rule allocates 50 percent of income after taxes to needs, 30 percent to wants, and 20 percent to savings and paying off debt. Food and household supplies represent a significant portion of a family's budget.

Percentage of household budget for food