Meijer Kid-Friendly Meal Plan
Switch dietary option for this week:
BUDGET RATIONALE
Why these meals: Chicken drumsticks at $0.99/lb are the standout deal of the week and anchor a satisfying baked dinner for well under $2 total on protein. Pork loin assorted chops at $1.99/lb give you another hearty, kid-approved dinner at about a dollar a person for the meat. Ground chuck at $5.29/lb sounds higher, but a pound and a half makes a full pot of cheesy pasta sauce that kids love and costs under $2 per person for the protein. Johnsonville brats round out the week with a fun, easy weeknight that kids get excited about. The Atlantic Salmon Portions at $8.99 per 12 oz. pack is the one premium night - two packs are needed to feed four people at $17.98 for the protein alone, which is why it is reserved for just one evening and kept simple. The pork shoulder was skipped because the bone-in roast requires 4 or more hours of cooking time, which does not fit the under-60-minute goal for most nights and would have required a dedicated make-ahead day that complicates the week.
5-DAY MEAL PLAN
Monday
Meal: Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Buttered Barilla Pasta
Description: Seasoned chicken drumsticks are roasted in the oven until the skin is golden and the meat is cooked through, served alongside buttered egg noodle-style Barilla pasta that kids can twirl and enjoy. It is a simple, comforting combination that feels like a classic home-cooked dinner without any complicated steps.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks (All natural), Barilla Pasta (12-16 oz.), I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (15-16 oz.)
Prep time: 15 minutes active, 40 minutes oven time (55 minutes total)
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of chicken drumsticks (approximately 8 drumsticks, 2 per person). Cook 1 box of Barilla Pasta. Use 2 tablespoons of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter to toss with the pasta. Season drumsticks with pantry staples before roasting at 425 degrees F.
Tuesday
Meal: Cheesy Ground Chuck Pasta Bake
Description: Seasoned ground chuck is browned and tossed with cooked Barilla pasta and Meijer Shredded Cheese, then baked briefly until bubbly and golden on top. Kids love the cheesy, meaty combination and it comes together quickly on a weeknight.
Sale items used: Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck (2.5 lb. pkg. or larger), Barilla Pasta (12-16 oz.), Meijer Shredded or Chunk Cheese (32 oz.), Campari Tomatoes (16 oz.)
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs of ground chuck from the 2.5 lb. package (freeze the remainder). Cook 1 box of Barilla Pasta. Use approximately 2 cups of Meijer Shredded Cheese. Use the full 16 oz. container of Campari Tomatoes, halved and stirred in. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes to melt and bubble the cheese.
Wednesday
Meal: Pan-Seared Pork Loin Assorted Chops with Buttered English Muffins
Description: Bone-in pork loin assorted chops are seasoned simply and cooked in a skillet until golden brown and cooked through, served with toasted and buttered Aunt Millie's English Muffins on the side. The mild, savory pork and soft muffins are a combination kids find familiar and satisfying.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Assorted Chops (Bone in), Aunt Millie's English Muffins (6 ct./12 oz.), I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (15-16 oz.)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of pork loin assorted chops (approximately 4 chops, one per person). Use 4 English muffins from the 6-count package, split and toasted, with a small amount of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. Season chops with pantry staples and cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat, about 5 to 6 minutes per side.
Thursday
Meal: Grilled Johnsonville Brats on Sara Lee Bread with Ketchup
Description: Johnsonville Fresh Brats are cooked in a skillet until browned all the way through and served on slices of Sara Lee Half Loaf Bread with Heinz Ketchup for dipping and topping. Kids love the fun, hot-dog-style format and the familiar flavors make this an easy crowd-pleaser.
Sale items used: Johnsonville Fresh Brats (19 oz.), Sara Lee Half Loaf Bread (12 oz.), Heinz Ketchup Easy Squeeze (32 oz.)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: The 19 oz. pack contains approximately 5 brats; serve 1 brat per person for 4 servings with 1 remaining. Use 8 slices of Sara Lee Half Loaf Bread (2 slices per person to form a sandwich-style bun). Serve Heinz Ketchup on the side for dipping. Cook brats in a covered skillet with a splash of water first, then uncover to brown, about 15 minutes total.
Friday
Meal: Skillet-Seared Atlantic Salmon Portions with Blueberries and Buttered Pasta
Description: Fresh Atlantic Salmon Portions are seasoned simply and seared in a skillet until cooked through with a lightly golden crust, served alongside buttered Barilla pasta and fresh blueberries as a bright, kid-friendly side. The mild flavor of the salmon and the familiar pasta make this an approachable fish night even for picky eaters.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Atlantic Salmon Portions (12 oz.), Barilla Pasta (12-16 oz.), Blueberries (Pint container), I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (15-16 oz.)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Purchase 2 packs of Fresh from Meijer Atlantic Salmon Portions (12 oz. each), providing approximately 3 oz. of salmon per person after portioning 4 servings from 24 oz. total. Cook 1 box of Barilla Pasta and toss with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. Serve 1 pint of blueberries divided among 4 small bowls as a side. Sear salmon skin-side down in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat for 4 minutes, flip, and cook 3 more minutes.
🛒 Shopping List
SHOPPING LIST
Buy on sale:
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks (All natural) (2 lbs): $1.98
- Barilla Pasta (12-16 oz.) (x3 boxes): $4.47
- I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (15-16 oz.) (x1): $3.89
- Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck (2.5 lb. pkg. or larger) (2.5 lb. pkg.): $13.23
- Meijer Shredded or Chunk Cheese (32 oz.) (x1): $6.49
- Campari Tomatoes (16 oz.) (x1): $2.99
- Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Assorted Chops (Bone in) (2 lbs): $3.98
- Aunt Millie's English Muffins (6 ct./12 oz.) (x1): $1.99
- Johnsonville Fresh Brats (19 oz.) (x1): $4.79
- Sara Lee Half Loaf Bread (12 oz.) (x1): $1.99
- Heinz Ketchup Easy Squeeze (32 oz.) (x1): $3.99
- Fresh from Meijer Atlantic Salmon Portions (12 oz.) (x2): $17.98
- Blueberries (Pint container) (x1): $3.99
Pantry staples needed:
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Olive oil or cooking oil
- Italian seasoning
- Marinara or tomato sauce (for pasta bake base)
🏷️ All sale items this week
SALE ITEMS FOUND
Meats on sale:
- Fresh from Meijer Whole Pork Shoulder Butt Roast (Bone in): $1.79/lb
- Pork Shoulder Boneless Country Style Ribs: $3.49/lb
- Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck (2.5 lb. pkg. or larger): $5.29/lb
- Fresh from Meijer Boneless Pork Tenderloins or Boneless Half Cut Pork Loins: $2.99/lb
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Breasts (All natural): $2.29/lb
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks (All natural): $0.99/lb
- Fresh from Meijer Atlantic Salmon Portions (12 oz.): $8.99
- Fresh from Meijer Atlantic Salmon Mignon (12 oz.): $11.99
- Dietz & Watson Ham, Chicken or Turkey (Deli Dept. only): $9.99/lb
- Dietz & Watson Cheese (Deli Dept. only): $6.59/lb
- Fresh from Meijer Certified Angus Beef Chuck Steak or Roast: $7.99/lb
- Philly Seasoned Shaved Beef Steak (12 oz.) or Certified Angus Beef Shaved Beef Steak (14 oz.): $8.99
- Jennie-O Ground Turkey (3 lb. roll, 90% lean, Fresh): $12.99
- Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Assorted Chops (Bone in): $1.99/lb
- Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Center Cut Chops (Bone in): $2.99/lb
- Fresh from Meijer St. Louis Style Spareribs (Fresh, never frozen): $2.99/lb
- Fresh from Meijer Seasoned St. Louis Style Spareribs (Fresh, never frozen): $3.49/lb
- Holten's Chop House Smashed Burgers or Sliders (24-32 oz., Frozen): $9.99
- Johnsonville Fresh Brats (19 oz.): $4.79
- Wright Bacon (24 oz.): $8.99
- Wright Bacon (40 oz.): $14.99
- Frederik's by Meijer Shrimp Ring (16 oz.): $9.99
- Fresh from Meijer 96% Lean Ground Beef (Average weight 1 lb.): $8.49/lb
- Meijer Baby Back BBQ Pork Ribs (24 oz., Fresh): $9.99
Deli and prepared on sale:
- Fresh from Meijer 1 Lb. Pre-Packed Salad (Deli Dept. only): $2.99
- Fresh from Meijer Ultimate or Sugar Cookies (12 ct./10-16 oz.): $3.98
Produce on sale:
- Blueberries (Pint container): $3.99
- California Yellow or White Nectarines: $0.99/lb
- Campari Tomatoes (16 oz.): $2.99
- Locally Grown Large Seedless Watermelon: $4.99 each
- Frederik's by Meijer Autumncrisp Grapes (2 lb. container): $5.49
- Organic Green or Red Seedless Grapes: $2.29/lb
- Sunset Flavor Bombs, Sugar Bombs or Bomb Squad Tomatoes (12 oz.): $4.99
- Minis Avocados (6 ct. bag): $2.99
- Bulk Honeycrisp Apples: $1.99/lb
- Locally Grown Pascal Celery: $1.79 each
- Large Dragon Fruit or Frederik's by Meijer Yellow Dragon Fruit: $3.99
Dairy and eggs on sale:
- Eggland's Best Cage Free White Eggs (18 ct.): $4.99
- Stok Cold Brew Coffee (48 oz.): $5.49
- Kraft Philadelphia Soft Cream Cheese (7-8 oz.): $3.49
- I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (15-16 oz.) or Imperial Spread (45 oz.) or Brummel & Brown Spread (15 oz.): $3.89
- Chobani Greek Yogurt (4 pk./5.3 oz.): $3.99
Bakery and bread on sale:
- Fresh from Meijer Scones (8 ct./15 oz.), Strudel Bites (15 ct./11 oz.) or Mini Danishes (10 ct./12 oz.): $3.99
- Fresh from Meijer 8" Single Layer Carrot Cake (28 oz.): $9.99
- Aunt Millie's English Muffins (6 ct./12 oz.): $1.99
- Sara Lee Half Loaf Bread (12 oz.): $1.99
Pantry on sale:
- Barilla Pasta (12-16 oz.): $1.49
- Clif Kid Zbar (5-6 ct./6.35-7.62 oz.): $4.99
- Chobani Greek Yogurt (4 pk./5.3 oz.): $3.99
- Powerade Sports Drinks (8 pk./12 oz. bottles) or Meijer Purified Water (40 pk./16.9 oz. bottles): $4.99
- Starbucks Coffee (11-12 oz. bag), K-Cups (10 ct.) or Cold Brew (32 oz.): $7.99
- Maxwell House Ground Coffee (23.1-29.3 oz.): $11.99
- Kraft Mac & Cheese (4-5 ct./22-36.25 oz.): $3.99 (final price)
- La Banderita Fajita or Burrito Flour Tortillas (20-22.5 oz.): $2.49
- Heinz Ketchup Easy Squeeze (32 oz.): $3.99
- Seattle's Best Coffee (11-12 oz. bag) or K-Cups (10 ct.): $6.99
- Jif Peanut Butter or Natural Peanut Butter (40 oz.): $6.49 (final price $5.49)
- Kodiak Granola Bars (5-6 ct./1.23-1.59 oz.): $4.99
- GoGo SqueeZ Protein Pouches (4 ct./4 oz.): $6.99
- Nestlé Toll House Morsels (20-24 oz.): $7.99
- Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Bulk (24.3-27.3 oz.) or multipack (20-24 ct./18-20 oz.): $7.99
- Skittles or Starburst Sharing Size Candy (12-15.6 oz.): $4.49
- Slim Jim Snack Size Sticks (14 ct./.28 oz.): $3.49
- Celsius Energy Drinks (12 oz. can): $5.49 (final price)
- Arizona Tea (128 oz.): $3.49
- Capri Sun or Country Time (10 ct./6 oz. pouches): $3.69
- BODYARMOR Sports Drinks (6 pk./16 oz.) or Monster Energy Drinks (4 pk./12 oz.): $6.79
- Meijer Original Crispy Rice Treats (8 ct./6.2 oz.): $1.89
- Meijer Snack Kits (4.5 oz.): $2.49
- Meijer Juice Boxes (8 pk./6.75 oz.): $2.69
- Meijer Family Size Crackers (12-21 oz.): $3.99
- Meijer Fruit Snacks (22 ct./17.6 oz.): $4.99
- Fresh from Meijer Dried or Freeze Dried Fruit (1-9 oz.): $3.99
- Meijer Applesauce Pouches (12 ct./3.2 oz.): $5.99
- Meijer Shells and Cheese (8 ct./19.12 oz.): $5.49
- Meijer Original Frozen Pizza (14.5-16.9 oz.): $2.99
- Meijer Frozen Prepared Chicken (25.5-32 oz.): $4.99
- Meijer Frozen Pasta (19-64 oz.): $3.99
- Meijer Shredded or Chunk Cheese (32 oz.): $6.49
- Frederik's by Meijer Quiche (12 oz.): $5.99
- True Goodness Organic Milk (64 oz.): $3.99
- Nature Valley Bars (5-6 ct./4.59-8.94 oz.) or Fiber One Bars (5-6 ct./5.34-7 oz.): $9.99
- Totino's Frozen Pizza Rolls (100 ct./48.8 oz.): $9.99
- Cascadian Farm Granola (11-16 oz.): $3.99
- Old El Paso Stuffed Nachos (40 ct./17 oz.): $6.99
- Pillsbury Crescents, Cinnamon Rolls or Grands Biscuits (8-16.3 oz.): $3.99
- Cheerios Large Size Protein or Oat Crunch Protein Cereal (11.02-18.2 oz. box): $3.99
- Annie's Organic Fruit Snacks (10 ct./7 oz.): $5.99
- Bisquick Baking Mix (40 oz.): $4.49
- Gardetto's Snack Mix (8-8.6 oz.): $2.49
- Larabar Bars (6 ct./9.6-10.2 oz.): $6.49
Frozen on sale:
- Purple Cow Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt (48 oz.): $2.79
- Halo Top Ice Cream (16 oz.): $3.99
- Tru Fru Nature's Frozen Fruit (8 oz.): $6.99
- Tyson Prepared Frozen Chicken (18-25 oz.) or State Fair Corn Dogs (21-42.72 oz.): $7.99
- Amy's Entrée or Bowl (8-10.3 oz.): $4.99
- Hillshire Farm Stuffed Croissants or Ciabatta (24-28 oz.) or (2 ct./8-10.74 oz.): $5.49
🛒 Estimated Shopping Cost
Based on sale prices for items in this plan
$71.76
for 4 people · $17.94 per person
📍 Disclaimer: Prices and availability are based on the Meijer weekly sales flyer for the week of August 12, 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 Meijer.