Not quite living on $31.50, but this is a neat article describing life on $50 a week:
College, unemployment, or an unexpected change in your life situation can mean that a major cut in spending is required as you plan how to survive from week to week. We found that it’s possible to take care of the essentials, with a dollop of comfort thrown in, for less than $50 a week by shopping at the local dollar store.
Sure, the dollar store is a pit stop for cheap snacks, cooking supplies, toys, and other small items, but it’s also a source for food at one very low price. And yes, there may be a stigma attached to dollar store shopping for all your needs, but can you afford to be snobby at a time like this?
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Our suggested menus and shopping list below presume you have some staples on hand, such as mayonnaise and condiments like pickles. Remember, inventory will vary at every dollar store:
Suggest Grocery List:
1 box cereal — $1
1 6-ct pack oatmeal — $1
1 bag coffee — $1
1 loaf bread — $1
1 box pancake mix — $1
1 bottle imitation maple syrup — $1
1 jar jelly — $1
1 jar peanut butter — $1
1 12-ct. carton eggs — $1
1/2 gallon shelf-stable milk/1 gallon fresh milk — $1
1 32-oz. jar apple juice — $1
1 2-ct. pack pre-made pizza crusts — $1
1 jar pizza sauce — $1
1 container grated Parmesan cheese — $1
2 boxes Hamburger Helper — $2
1 bag pasta — $1
2 cans meat sauce — $2
5 5-oz. cans tuna — $5
1 box instant oatmeal — $1
3 1-lb. cans soup — $3
4 10-oz. cans vegetables — $4
1 box crackers — $1
1 pastry crust — $1
1 box New Orleans-style rice — $1
1 can beans — $1
1 box dehydrated mashed potatoes — $1
2 packages frozen chicken — $2
1 pack Country Time Iced Tea Mix — $1
1 bag potato chips — $1
1 6-ct box granola bars — $1
1 bottle barbecue sauce — $1
Total: $43
Not bad. Combined with my list and I’ll bet it’s even less expensive.