How Shopping Once a Week Saves Me Time, Money, and Waste

Yes, you can spend less and save lots of time on your groceries with these simple changes.

Several years ago, I realized I was spending way too much time and money in the supermarket every week. On top of that, I was overbuying and dealing with way too much food waste. I’d throw out produce that went bad before I got to use it, and my pantry was cluttered with random ingredients from impulse buys. Something had to change.

That’s when I made a conscious decision to shop just once a week. Whatever I had on hand is what we would use for the week—no midweek runs, no extra trips. If I saw a new recipe that required ingredients I didn’t have, I’d wait until the next shopping day. Over time, I noticed huge benefits:

✅ We saved a ton of money.
✅ I wasted much less time.
✅ Best of all—way less food waste.

My kids also got used to this routine. Now, they know—if they want something, they put it on the list and wait for the next shopping day.

Of course, there are exceptions. If we have last-minute Shabbos guests or one of my kids needs something specific for school, I’ll make an extra trip. And since I develop recipes, sometimes I need to run to the store for an ingredient I forgot or didn’t realize I’d need. But as tempting as it is to grab extra things while I’m there, I stick to what I came for and wait for my regular shopping day for everything else.

And if I do forget something? I improvise. I use what I have, and I make a note to buy it next time.

Here’s what helps me make it work:

1. Keep a Running Grocery List

We keep a list in the kitchen, and any time we run out of something, it goes on the list. That way, I don’t have to remember everything when it’s time to shop, and no one is surprised when we don’t have their favorite snack midweek.

2. Plan Your Shopping Day

I used to shop every Wednesday, but as my schedule got busier, I switched to Sundays. I sit down, make a loose meal plan for the upcoming week and Shabbos, and jot down a list of what we need.

3. Focus on Produce and Protein

My main grocery haul is always produce and proteins (fish, chicken, and meat). I stock up on enough veggies and fruits, keeping in mind the salads and dips I’ll need for Shabbos. When it comes to protein, I decide what to buy based on sales and what looks good—unless I have a specific recipe in mind.

For produce, I make a rough estimate in my head of how much fruit we’ll need—enough for each kid to take at least one snack a day, plus some for snacks at home. If, for whatever reason, my family doesn’t eat much fruit for a week or two and I’m left with too much of one type, I’ll repurpose it into a crisp or compote instead of letting it go to waste.

For vegetables, I always buy my basics for chicken soup, then add root vegetables and other essentials that I can use in different soups. I also do a quick mental calculation of what I’ll need for salads and dips throughout the week, including Shabbos, so I don’t overbuy.

With protein, I make sure to have enough for dinner every night of the week plus Shabbos. I freeze it and decide later on in the week what to make based on what we’re in the mood for. This way, I have what I need on hand but still have flexibility in meal planning.

4. Use a Vinegar Bath to Keep Produce Fresh

One of the best habits I’ve picked up is soaking all my produce in a vinegar bath as soon as I get home.

Here’s how:

1. Fill a clean sink with water and add 1–2 tablespoons of vinegar.
2. Let the produce sit for 5–10 minutes.
3. Rinse and air dry before storing.

I know this feels like an extra step, but trust me—it makes a huge difference! It removes bacteria and mold spores, keeping produce fresh for up to two weeks. Plus, since everything is already washed, meal prep is easier—you can just grab and go.

5. Plan for Shabbos Early (Even If You’re Not an Early Planner!)

I know what some of you are thinking—I could never think about Shabbos early in the week! I used to feel the same way.

So instead of planning a full menu in advance, I keep my house stocked with basics like olives, pickles, and chickpeas. That way, when Thursday comes, I can see what’s left of the produce and decide which salads and dips to make. I actually love this approach because by the end of the week, I naturally use up what’s on hand instead of overbuying just for Shabbos.

6. Embrace the Routine

Now, shopping once a week is second nature. I no longer waste time on multiple trips, my grocery budget is way more manageable, and I throw out way less food. Plus, my kids are learning patience and planning by knowing that if they want something, they need to wait until the next shopping day.

So if you’re constantly running to the store and feel like you’re wasting time, money, and food, try making the switch. It might take some adjusting at first, but trust me—it’s worth it!