Grocery Budgeting with Amy Cross podcast

In this episode of the Get Organized HQ podcast, Tasha chats with Amy Cross of The Cross Legacy who is known for her expert produce-storing tips and grocery budgeting.

Links in Episode:

• Episode Transcript

MEET AMY CROSS

Amy shares that her family sticks to a $135-per-person monthly grocery budget, even in the high-cost Seattle area. She’s passionate about both keeping produce fresh and making groceries stretch.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

During the pandemic, Amy saw struggling moms online unsure how to keep food fresh between long shopping trips. She began sharing her produce-storing methods after seeing one mom toss out moldy blueberries just four days after purchase.

STRETCHING GROCERY TRIPS

Amy revealed she typically shops once a month, and thanks to her storage techniques, her produce lasts that entire time. She now teaches others how to make fewer trips and still enjoy fresh food throughout the month.

You can get all of Amy’s tips for product storage on her YouTube channel which also includes meal ideas.

KEEPING THE BUDGET LOW

To meet her family’s dietary needs, Amy buys mostly organic foods, and keeps a consistent monthly budget. Even when her household included eight people, she capped spending at $1,000 out of necessity.

BIGGEST SAVINGS SECRET

Amy says one of the biggest money-wasters is food waste. Families often throw away 40–60% of what they buy. Leftovers go uneaten, produce spoils, and items are forgotten in the pantry or freezer.

SMART LEFTOVER STRATEGIES

To avoid waste, Amy keeps proteins and vegetables separate. She repurposes leftovers and freezes extras for future meals.

She posts real-time examples of her meals and grocery hauls online in order to teach others how to do the same and avoid waste.

FAVORITE STAPLES

Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are her go-to staples, as are tortillas (used in place of crunchy taco shells) and chips. Amy looks for ingredients she can use in multiple ways.

GROCERY BUDGET ADVICE

Her first advice to those wanting to cut back is to stay out of the store. Start by just trying to add one or two days in between your normal trips to gradually stretch it out. Also, buy ingredients over pre-made items, build a pantry gradually, and rotate foods wisely.

SHOPPING STRATEGY

Amy used to be an extreme couponer but now shops primarily at Costco and one local store. She stocks up when seasonal items (like BBQ sauce) go on sale and skips coupons since most organic products rarely go on sale.

A DIFFERENT TAKE ON MEAL PLANNING

Rather than planning ahead, Amy tracks meals after she cooks them. She uses past planners and photos to remember what her family enjoys seasonally and pulls meals together based on weather, mood, and available ingredients.

SEASONAL FREEZER CHECKS

She recommends doing a freezer check twice a year—before spring and again before fall—to cycle out foods and avoid waste (like leftover summer shrimp or hot dog buns).

STAYING INTENTIONAL

Even during financially tight times, Amy found peace by controlling what she could, which was her grocery budget. By setting up a separate bank account for food, the family is able to avoid overspending or diverting funds to other things.

SKIPPING TAKEOUT

Amy and her family haven’t had any takeout in 2025, even with the busyness of moving. Instead, they pack snacks and meals on the go to stick to their financial goals.

FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

Amy reminds listeners that big change doesn’t happen overnight, but with intentional choices over time, anyone can build a grocery system that works. It brings peace, financial stability, and calm to the home.

FIND AMY ONLINE

Listeners can find Amy’s grocery hauls, meals, and produce tips on YouTube, Instagram, and at The Cross Legacy website.

WHAT'S BRINGING PEACE

Despite dealing with a pain syndrome, Amy shares that giving herself grace and adopting an 80/20 mindset is what’s helping her find peace right now.