Smart Shopping Challenge: Small Budget, Big Wins!

Planning meals on a tight budget can feel overwhelming, but our recent Smart Shopping Challenge workshop turned it into an empowering, hands-on learning experience.

Participants gathered with facilitators Rikki Clarke and Jeanne James-Hory to explore practical tools for meal planning and grocery budgeting, based on the Smart Shopping Money Matters workshop from ABC Life Literacy Canada. Together, they learned how to use planning apps and the Save-On-Foods app to estimate costs before heading to the store. They practiced reading shelf labels, comparing unit pricing, spotting the best deals, shopping for in-season produce, and thinking strategically about when and how to shop.

They created customized menus based on their own family needs, learning how to stretch their dollars while still planning balanced, satisfying meals.

After enjoying a shared lunch of sandwiches and homemade Italian Wedding Soup, the real challenge began.

Each participant received a $25 grocery card and was invited to shop for a full family-of-four meal plan for $25 or less.

With instructors alongside them for support, conversation, and encouragement, participants navigated the grocery store aisles; comparing prices, calculating totals, and making thoughtful substitutions. The energy was high and the focus was strong.

Every participant successfully completed the challenge under budget! Some with just pennies to spare. There were big smiles, moments of pride, and even tears of gratitude.

More importantly, they left with new confidence.

“I didn’t know how to do a lot of this,” one participant shared. 

“I learned so much today!” said another.

“Thank you so much, this was amazing.”

This workshop was made possible through the generous support of United Way and Decoda Literacy Solutions, and was offered in partnership with Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre and the Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society.

Download the Smart Shopping Workbook from ABC Life Literacy Canada's Money Matters.