[Superman]

I like to eat out when the spirit moves me and I don't look at pricing when at the grocery store.

My most excellent lady friend, who lives off the grid and heats with wood, could eat like a queen on 1/10 of my budget. She shops at Grocery Outlet often, buys farm fresh eggs and produce when she can, etc. She can make a gourmet meal out of a fridge that looks empty to you and me.

To answer your question, if I followed her lead, I could eat well on a budget of $50 per week, not counting libations. If I had to choose, I'd cut the food budget but not the libations budget.

One parting note: Whole foods (raw vegetables, non-bleached flour, etc.) are wonderfully delicious and nutritious and surprisingly efficient, financially. With a "family" package of pork chops, a bag of rice and a pile of various vegetables, for example, I can make probably four big meals of Chop Suey for two people.