A Dad’s Viral Trader Joe’s Receipt Highlights a Tough Reality for Big Families
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This dad of six says buying big isn't bad–it's just different.
Getty/andresr
Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah ScottWhen a California dad of six recently took to social media to share a Trader Joe’s receipt, totaling a whopping $444, it went viral. Many people were shocked at how high the total was—but not me. As a mom of five kids, I’m here to tell you that this is a normal amount of money to spend to feed your family on a weekly basis.
Shopping for food (and most other things) is more expensive for all of us these days, no matter the size of our broods. But everything is supersized when you have a big family. And going to the grocery store in particular has produced quite a bit of anxiety for me and my husband in recent years, as we watch our register total balloon. Sergio Gonzalez, the owner of the grocery bill seen ‘round the world, confirms to Parents that the $444 spend is indeed normal for his family of eight.“Prices have been increasing since 2020,” he adds.A May 2024 USDA report backs up the claim that food prices have skyrocketed since the pandemic began, with many categories still on the rise four years later.Meanwhile, another major reaction from commenters upon seeing the cost of the Trader Joe’s trip was, well, judgment.“Shopping at Trader Joe’s instead of Costco with six kids is insane,” one person opines.“Trader Joe’s isn’t meant for a large family,” another remarks.Funny, I never noticed a sign prohibiting us from shopping there before!“Take them to Walmart or something,” another person suggests, while many others express problems with items, such as ice cream, on Gonzalez’s receipt.“It’s interesting to see everyone’s reaction,” Gonzalez says, adding, “[It] exposes many people’s beliefs around family, money, and politics.”When asked why he decided to post the grocery receipt in the first place, Gonzalez says it wasn't his way of complaining about large family life, but just showing the reality of what it can be like.“We need a bigger vehicle than the average family," he notes. "We need two rooms when we stay at hotels. [I'm] just sharing our story.”Getting Selective Instead of Sucked DryEven when we shop at what's considered to be discount retailers, the final bill can still be a hard pill to swallow, especially when you're buying for one or more kids. The numbers add up quickly, no matter the size of your family or where you purchase groceries, folks. Of course, I’d love to say we’ve been able to crack the money saving code, but keeping our fridge and pantry stocked with growing kids and fluctuating prices is a struggle to be sure.While everyone's situation will look a bit different, making a few selective spending adjustments could make a difference in the long run. Some options include:Buying more generic or store brand products instead of pricier name brandBuying particular items at gourmet groceries versus doing a full shop at one locationBuying in bulkPrepping most meals at home during the week and scheduling dining out day(s)I’m eyeballing price points more than ever before, and reaching for the lowest cost option on the store shelf. Nine times out of 10, it works just fine for us. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
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