Publix Grocery Haul for a Family of 7 — $61 and a Cantaloupe Avalanche

This Publix grocery haul was long overdue. I was completely out of fresh everything, y’all — and when you’re feeding a family of seven, “completely out of fresh everything” is basically a five-alarm situation. Time to make a Publix run. Come with me.

First things first — and I mean first — Mama gets a Diet Coke with the good ice at the Publix deli counter. If you know, you know. That little cup of Diet Coke is basically the reason I enjoy grocery shopping as much as I do. It’s the reward for walking in the door and it sets the whole tone for the trip.

This run was almost entirely produce. I loaded up on Cosmic Crisp apples at $2.99 a pound (if you have not tried a Cosmic Crisp apple I am begging you to), Halos mandarins, cucumbers that were on sale for $1.03, vine tomatoes, bananas, red grapes, Fresh Express Italian Crunchy Blend salad, and Publix brand microwaveable baby cut carrots. I also grabbed a loaf of Cuban bread because we are in Florida and that is just what you do.

There was also a cantaloupe avalanche situation. I’m not going to elaborate extensively except to say that I am a walking mess, I own it completely, and the cantaloupe chunks won. Publix produce sections are arranged beautifully and I am a hazard to them. We move on.

My total was $61.17. I already lost the receipt before I even got to the car — classic — but I remember the number because it genuinely impressed me. A full cart of fresh produce for a family of seven for sixty-one dollars at Publix. I will take it. If you want to see how I put all this fresh produce to work during the week, check out my Weekly Meal Plan — that’s where the real planning happens. Whoops! That link is not there yet. I told you I’m not good at keeping a secret. I spilled it just like I spilled the cantaloupe. Anyway, you will find out about it soon!

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Publix Grocery Haul — About Stephanie Longstreth

Stephanie Longstreth is the home cook, mom, and storyteller behind StephanieCooksForACrowd.com. She cooks for a family of seven in Florida — five kids, two cats, and one husband who appreciates a good meal. Four of her children came home through adoption, and family stories are woven into everything she makes and shares. Find her crowd-friendly recipes, sourdough journey, and real family life on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest @stephaniecooksforacrowd.