Food City Kid-Friendly Meal Plan
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BUDGET RATIONALE
The four everyday nights are built around the pork loin at just $1.49/lb, Eckrich Smoked Sausage at 2/$5.00, and Ground Chuck at $5.99/lb split across two nights (the 3 lb minimum purchase is used for both the taco night and the burger night, so you are not wasting a single ounce). The pork loin is the standout deal of the week at under $3 for a full family dinner. For the one premium night, Wild Caught Shrimp at $9.99/lb is the best value among the premium proteins - it comes in well under the cod and far under the steak, and a shrimp pasta or shrimp bowl is something kids genuinely get excited about. The steak at $14.99/lb and cod at $11.99/lb were both skipped because they would push the per-person total uncomfortably high. The Ground Chuck minimum purchase of 3 lbs is the biggest cost driver this week, but splitting it across two meals keeps the per-night cost reasonable and avoids waste.
5-DAY MEAL PLAN
Monday
Meal: Sliced Pork Loin with Roasted Russet Potatoes and Corn on the Cob
Description: A simple, satisfying family dinner where a boneless pork loin is seasoned and oven-roasted until juicy, then sliced into portions alongside crispy roasted russet potato wedges and sweet frozen corn on the cob. Kids love the mild, savory pork and the familiar sides, and the whole meal comes together in one oven session with very little hands-on work.
Sale items used: Food City Fresh Whole Boneless Pork Loin, Basket & Bushel Russet Potatoes (10 lb.), Food Club Corn on the Cob (Frozen, 12 ct.), McCormick Grill Mates (Selected Varieties, 2.75-3.5 oz.)
Prep time: 20 minutes active, 45-50 minutes roasting
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of pork loin for 4 people ($2.98). Use approximately 2 lbs of russet potatoes cut into wedges from the 10 lb bag. Cook 4 ears of frozen corn on the cob (one per person) from the 12 ct. bag. Make-ahead note: season the pork loin the night before and refrigerate uncovered for deeper flavor; pull from fridge 20 minutes before roasting.
Recipes:
- One-Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes
Tuesday
Meal: Ground Chuck Beef Tacos with Corn and Salsa
Description: Seasoned ground beef is browned in a skillet with Old El Paso taco seasoning, then loaded into crunchy taco shells with Food Club sliced cheese, salsa, and a side of corn - a classic kid-approved taco night that is fast, interactive, and fun. Kids can build their own tacos at the table, which makes this one of the most popular weeknight dinners for families with young children.
Sale items used: Ground Chuck (Food City Fresh, 80% Lean, 3 lbs. or more), Old El Paso Seasoning Mix, Old El Paso Taco Shells (4.6-7.4 oz.), Food Club Sliced Cheese (Selected Varieties, 6.84-8 oz.), La Mexicana Salsa or Queso (14-16 oz.), Strawberries, Blackberries or Corn (Basket & Bushel, 4 pk.)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Brown 1.5 lbs of ground chuck for taco filling (the full 3 lb purchase is split with Thursday). Use 1 box of Old El Paso Taco Shells (buy 2 boxes at 2/$3.00, use one tonight). Use 1 package of Food Club Sliced Cheese ($1.79 with digital coupon). Use 1 jar of La Mexicana Salsa ($2.49). Use 1 pack of Basket & Bushel Corn (4 pk.) as a side, purchased as part of the 3/$10.00 deal.
Recipes:
- Best Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
- Easy Ground Beef Taco Recipe
Wednesday
Meal: Eckrich Smoked Sausage with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Baby Carrots
Description: Sliced Eckrich Smoked Sausage is pan-seared until browned and served alongside oven-roasted sweet potato chunks and steamed baby cut carrots for a colorful, hearty plate that kids recognize and enjoy. The mild, slightly smoky sausage pairs naturally with the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and carrots, making this a no-fuss dinner with broad kid appeal.
Sale items used: Eckrich Smoked Sausage (Selected Varieties, 12-16.8 oz.), Sweet Potatoes (North Carolina Grown), Baby Cut Carrots (Bolthouse, 1 lb.)
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 packages of Eckrich Smoked Sausage at 2/$5.00 ($5.00 total) to ensure generous portions for 4 people. Roast 1.5 lbs of sweet potatoes ($1.19) cut into chunks at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Steam or microwave 1 bag of Baby Cut Carrots ($1.69).
Thursday
Meal: Ground Chuck Cheeseburgers with Russet Potato Wedges
Description: Thick, juicy ground chuck patties are pan-seared and topped with melted Food Club sliced cheese, served with oven-baked russet potato wedges for a classic American burger night that every kid loves. Using the remaining ground chuck from Tuesday keeps costs down while delivering a completely different meal format with a different flavor profile and texture.
Sale items used: Ground Chuck (Food City Fresh, 80% Lean, 3 lbs. or more), Food Club Sliced Cheese (Selected Varieties, 6.84-8 oz.), Basket & Bushel Russet Potatoes (10 lb.), Sub Rolls (Baked In-Store, 4 ct.)
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use the remaining 1.5 lbs of ground chuck (purchased Monday as part of the 3 lb minimum) to form 4 patties. Use 1 package of Food Club Sliced Cheese ($1.79 with digital coupon). Bake potato wedges from the 10 lb bag (approximately 1.5 lbs). Use 1 pack of Sub Rolls (4 ct.) at $3.99 as burger buns.
Recipes:
- Basic Burgers and Potato Wedges
- Classic American Cheeseburgers with Potato Wedges Recipe
- Baked Potato Wedges
Friday
Meal: Pan-Seared Wild Caught Shrimp with Russet Potatoes and Corn on the Cob
Description: Cooked wild caught shrimp are quickly warmed in a buttered skillet with a sprinkle of McCormick Grill Mates seasoning, then served alongside baked russet potato wedges and sweet corn on the cob for a fun, hands-on Friday dinner that feels special without complicated prep. Shrimp are naturally kid-friendly - mild, slightly sweet, and easy to eat - and the familiar sides keep even picky eaters happy.
Sale items used: Wild Caught Shrimp (Cooked, Previously Frozen, 21/30 ct.), Basket & Bushel Russet Potatoes (10 lb.), Food Club Corn on the Cob (Frozen, 12 ct.), McCormick Grill Mates (Selected Varieties, 2.75-3.5 oz.)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs of Wild Caught Shrimp at $9.99/lb ($14.99 total) for 4 people. Since shrimp are pre-cooked, simply warm them in a skillet for 3-4 minutes - do not overcook. Bake approximately 1.5 lbs of russet potato wedges from the 10 lb bag. Cook 4 ears of frozen corn on the cob from the 12 ct. bag.
Recipes:
- Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
🛒 Shopping List
SHOPPING LIST
Buy on sale:
- Food City Fresh Whole Boneless Pork Loin (2 lbs): $2.98
- Ground Chuck (Food City Fresh, 80% Lean, 3 lbs. or more) (3 lbs - minimum purchase, used across Tuesday and Thursday): $17.97
- Chicken Breast Tenders (Fresh, Family Pack, Sanderson Farms): not used this week
- Eckrich Smoked Sausage (Selected Varieties, 12-16.8 oz.) (x2 packages): $5.00
- Wild Caught Shrimp (Cooked, Previously Frozen, 21/30 ct.) (1.5 lbs): $14.99
- Basket & Bushel Russet Potatoes (10 lb.) (x1 bag): $3.99
- Sweet Potatoes (North Carolina Grown) (1.5 lbs): $1.19
- Baby Cut Carrots (Bolthouse, 1 lb.) (x1 bag): $1.69
- Strawberries, Blackberries or Corn (Basket & Bushel, 4 pk.) (x3 packs - required for 3/$10.00 deal): $10.00
- Food Club Corn on the Cob (Frozen, 12 ct.) (x1 bag): $3.99
- Old El Paso Seasoning Mix (1-1.5 oz.) (x1): $0.79
- Old El Paso Taco Shells (4.6-7.4 oz.) (x2 boxes - required for 2/$3.00 deal): $3.00
- Food Club Sliced Cheese (Selected Varieties, 6.84-8 oz.) (x2 packages - one for tacos, one for burgers): $3.58
- La Mexicana Salsa or Queso (14-16 oz.) (x1): $2.49
- Sub Rolls (Baked In-Store, 4 ct.) (x1 pack): $3.99
- McCormick Grill Mates (Selected Varieties, 2.75-3.5 oz.) (x2 - required for 2/$3.00 deal): $3.00
Pantry staples needed:
- Butter (for searing shrimp and sausage)
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil or vegetable oil (for roasting potatoes and sweet potatoes)
- Cooking spray
🏷️ All sale items this week
SALE ITEMS FOUND
Meats on sale:
- Snow Crab Legs: $8.99/lb (with digital coupon, must purchase minimum 1 pound)
- Food City Fresh Whole Boneless Pork Loin: $1.49/lb
- Ground Chuck (Food City Fresh, 80% Lean, 3 lbs. or more): $5.99/lb
- New York Strip Steak (Certified Angus Beef, Family Pack): $14.99/lb
- Chicken Breast Tenders (Fresh, Family Pack, Sanderson Farms): $2.99/lb
- Boston Butt (Food City Fresh, Whole-In-Bag): $2.49/lb
- Wild Caught Shrimp (Cooked, Previously Frozen, 21/30 ct.): $9.99/lb
- Fresh Cod Fillets (Wild Caught): $11.99/lb
- Fischer's Meat Bologna (Selected Varieties, 16 oz.): 3/$5.00
- Hebrew National Franks (Selected Varieties, 9.43-12 oz.): $6.99 (price partially visible)
- Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Meat (Selected Varieties, 16 oz.): $5.99
- Bottom Round Roast (Certified Angus Beef): $6.99/lb
- Prime New York Strip Steak (Certified Angus Beef): $22.99/lb
- Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers: $11.99/lb
- Kentucky Legend Bacon (Selected Varieties, 16 oz.): $3.99 (with digital coupon)
- Wright's Bacon (24 oz.) or Swaggerty's Sausage Patties (30 ct.): $7.99
- Oscar Mayer Meat Wieners (14-16 oz.): part of Bundle $9.99
Deli and prepared on sale:
- Eckrich Smoked Sausage (Selected Varieties, 12-16.8 oz.): 2/$5.00
- Bistro Deli-Classics Ham Line: $9.99/lb
- Chicken Tenders or Chicken Salad: $8.99/lb
- Hot Bar Meal (Includes Entree, 2 Sides and a Roll): $7.00
- Mustard Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad or Sweet & Tangy Slaw (15-16 oz.): $4.99
- Snack Packs (Selected Varieties, Made Fresh In-Store): $5.00 each
- Fresh Garden Salad (Chef or Chicken Caesar Salad, In-Store Made): $6.00
- 4 Piece Fried Chicken (In the Deli): $5.00 each
- 4 Piece Chicken Tenders (In the Deli): $5.00 each
- 4 Piece Baked Chicken (In the Deli): $5.00 each
- 1/2 Rotisserie Chicken (In the Deli): $5.00 each
- Stacker Sandwiches (Selected Varieties): $7.00
- Nature Valley Crispy Wafers, Soft Baked Bars or Chewy Bars (Selected Varieties, 6.5-8.85 oz.): $2.99
Produce on sale:
- Basket & Bushel Russet Potatoes (10 lb.): $3.99
- Fresh Cut In-Store Watermelon Bowls, Cantaloupe or Pineapple Bowl: $5.00 each
- Gala Apples (Berrier Farms, 5 lb.): $4.99
- Sweet Potatoes (North Carolina Grown): $0.79/lb
- Strawberries, Blackberries or Corn (Basket & Bushel, 16 oz., 6 oz. or 4 pk.): 3/$10.00
- Tomatoes on the Vine (Virginia Grown): $1.69/lb
- Vidalia Onions (Bland Farms): $0.99/lb
- Baby Cut Carrots (Bolthouse, 1 lb.): $1.69
- Watermelon, Cantaloupe or Pineapple Bowl (Fresh Cut In-Store): $3.99/lb
- Very Berry Bowl (Made Fresh In-Store): $5.99 each
- Exotic Fruit Bowl (Made Fresh In-Store): $4.99/lb
- Shortcuts Oven & Grill Ready Pans: starting at $4.49/lb
Dairy and eggs on sale:
- Food Club Sliced Cheese (Selected Varieties, 6.84-8 oz.): $1.79 (with digital coupon)
- Food Club Sour Cream (16 oz.): $1.49 (with digital coupon)
- Food Club Graham Cracker Pie Crust or Chocolate Cookie Pie Crust (6 oz.): $1.49 (with digital coupon)
- Food Club Cream Cheese (Selected Varieties, Two 8 oz. pkgs.): $2.79 (with digital coupon)
- International Delight Coffee Creamer (32 oz.): $3.99 (with digital coupon)
- Coffee Mate Creamer (Cold Foam, 32 oz.): $3.49
- Fairlife Milk (52 oz.): $4.69 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Breakstone's Cottage Cheese (24 oz.): $3.99 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Cool Whip (Frozen, Selected Varieties, 8 oz.): $1.49 (Buy 5, Save $5)
Bakery and bread on sale:
- Apple Fritters (Bakery Fresh, 4 ct.): $5.00
- Bakery Fresh Cookies (Selected Varieties, Dozen): $5.49
- Sub Rolls (Baked In-Store, 2 ct. or 4 ct.): $3.99
- Bakery Fresh Brownies (Selected Varieties): $5.50 (with digital coupon)
- Sweet Squares Cake Slices (Selected Varieties): $3.49
- Food Club Hot Dog Buns (8 ct.): part of Bundle $9.99
Pantry on sale:
- La Mexicana Salsa or Queso (14-16 oz.): $2.49
- Tortilla Chips (In-Store Made): $2.49 each
- Old El Paso Seasoning Mix (1-1.5 oz.), Tomatoes (14.5-15.35 oz.), Food Club Corn or Green Beans (14.5-15.35 oz.): $0.79
- Old El Paso Taco Shells (4.6-7.4 oz.): 2/$3.00
- Jif Peanut Butter (15-16 oz.): $1.99 (with digital coupon)
- Food Club Coconut Flakes (7 oz.): $1.49 (with digital coupon)
- Café Bustelo or Folgers Coffee (22-25.9 oz.): $9.99
- Mott's Fruit Snacks (Family Pack, 90 ct.): $6.49 (with digital coupon)
- Food Club Pudding (Selected Varieties, 1.34-4 oz.): 2/$1.48 (with digital coupon)
- Food Club Grilling Spray (Selected Varieties, 5 oz.): $2.49 (with digital coupon)
- McCormick Grill Mates (Selected Varieties, 2.75-3.5 oz.): 2/$3.00 (with digital coupon)
- Nestlé Toll House Morsels (10-12 oz.): $4.99
- Sticky Fingers Barbecue Sauce (15.2-16.5 oz.): $3.49 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Famous Dave's BBQ Sauce (17.5-20 oz.): $2.79 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Famous Dave's Pickles (24 oz.): $3.49 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Galbani Cheese Shakers (7 oz.): $2.99 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Lay's Stax (Selected Varieties, 5.5-5.75 oz.): $1.39 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Archer Meat Sticks (Selected Varieties, 8-16 ct.): $11.99 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- General Mills Giant Size Cereal (Selected Varieties, 22.2-29 oz.): $4.99 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Bear Fruit Snacks (Selected Varieties, 5 ct.): $2.99 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Ferrero Rocher Squares (Selected Varieties, 3.7 oz.): $3.99 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Jelly Belly Jelly Beans (Selected Varieties): $4.99 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Kraft Barbecue Sauce (17.5-18 oz.): part of Bundle $9.99
- Food Club Drinking Water (32 ct.): part of Bundle $9.99
- Malt-O-Meal Cereal (Selected Varieties, 18-30 oz.): $2.99
- Frito-Lay Multi-Pack Chips (Selected Varieties, 8-10 ct.): $4.99
- Chex Mix, Bugles or Gardetto's (Selected Varieties, Family Size, 13.5-15 oz.): 2/$6.00
- Lay's or Tostitos Chips (Selected Varieties, Tostitos Salsa 15-15.75 oz., Dip 20-15.5 oz., Frito-Lay Simply 4.5-6 oz.): $2.49
- Kellogg's Giant Size Kids Cereal (18.4-28.5 oz.): $2/$11.00 (Limit 2 total items)
- Nissin Geki Spicy Ramen (4 pk.): $3.99 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Lindt Excellence Chocolate Bars (Selected Varieties, Classic or): 2/$9.00
- Pepsi Products (Selected Varieties, 24 pk., 12 oz. cans): $9.99
- Coke Flavors (Selected Varieties, 2 liter btl.): 3/$6.00
- Coca-Cola Products (Selected Varieties, 8 pk., 20 oz. btls.): 2/$12.00
- Sprite Cherry (Selected Varieties, 12 pk., 12 oz. cans): $3.99
- Starbucks Coffee (Selected Varieties, Refreshers Concentrate 32 oz. or Breakfast 12 oz.): $7.99
- Starbucks Coffee Creamer (Selected Varieties, Nestlé Toll House Cookie Dough 14-16.5 oz., Natural Bliss Coffee Creamer 32 oz.): $3.99
- Seattle's Best Coffee (Selected Varieties, 10 ct. or 12 oz.): $6.99
- Nurri Protein Milk Shakes (Selected Varieties, David Bar 2.19 oz., Nabisco Premium Crackers 9-17 oz., Chocolate Vanilla Strawberry Vanilla 11 oz.): 2/$6.00
- Minute Maid Zero Fruit Drinks (Selected Varieties, 52 oz.): $1.99 (with digital coupon)
- Juicy Juice (Selected Varieties, 64 oz., 8 pk.): $2.99
Frozen on sale:
- Hot Pockets (4 ct.) or Red Baron Pizza (Selected Varieties, Frozen, 14.87-23.45 oz.): $3.99
- Edwards Pie (Frozen, Selected Varieties, 24-32 oz.): $4.99 (with digital coupon)
- Stouffer's Family Size Meals (Frozen, Selected Varieties, 31-40 oz.): $7.99
- Hungry-Man Meals (Frozen, Selected Varieties, Healthy Choice Power Bowls 9-9.75 oz., Dolly Parton's 11-12.5 oz., 14-17.75 oz.): $2.99
- Totino's Frozen Pizza Rolls (50 ct.) or Lindt Classic Chocolate Bar (2.8-4.4 oz.): $3.99
- Crav'n Flavor Rising Crust Pizza (Selected Varieties, 14.5-32.7 oz.): $6.00 (BOGO)
- El Monterey Family Size Enchiladas (Frozen, Selected Varieties, 9.4-10.25 oz.): $9.99 (with digital coupon)
- Food Club Corn on the Cob (Frozen, 12 ct.): $3.99 (with digital coupon)
- Crav'n Flavor Fruit Pie (Frozen, Selected Varieties, 36-38 oz.): $5.99 (with digital coupon)
- Breyers Ice Cream (Selected Varieties, Fat Boy Novelties 4-9 ct., Klondike Bars 4-6 ct., 48 oz.): $2.99
- Little Debbie Snack Cakes (Selected Varieties, Eggo Waffles 8-4.14-8 oz., 10-14-16.2 oz.): 2/$5.00
- Birds Eye Vegetables (Frozen, Selected Varieties, 10-12 oz.): $0.49 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Perdue Chicken (Frozen, Selected Varieties, Rosina Meatballs 18-26 oz., 20-26 oz.): $5.99 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- El Monterey Enchiladas (Frozen, Selected Varieties, 9-10.25 oz.): $2.99 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Impossible Foods (Frozen, Selected Varieties, 14 oz.): $5.99 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Snickers Ice Cream Bars (Selected Varieties, Milky Way, Twix, 6-12 ct.): $3.99 (Buy 5, Save $5)
- Yellowstone Meals (Frozen, Selected Varieties, 12-15 oz.): $4.99
- Stouffer's Meals (Frozen, Selected Varieties, 9-20 oz.): $4.99
- Kevin's Frozen Bowls (9-9.5 oz.) or Nissin Geki Spicy Ramen (4 pk.): $3.99 (Buy 5, Save $5)
🛒 Estimated Shopping Cost
Based on sale prices for items in this plan
Some sale prices require the store's loyalty card or a clipped digital coupon. Check the flyer before you shop.
$78.65
for 4 people · $19.66 per person
📍 Disclaimer: Prices and availability are based on the Food City weekly sales flyer for the week of August 26, 2026. Flyers are sourced from store websites and weekly flyer aggregator sites. Actual prices may vary by location. Always verify prices at your local store. We are not affiliated with Food City.