Those are all wonderful suggestions for snack foods. I hadn't realized olives were okay. Black or green?

As far as expense goes, do you have a COSTCO nearby? I buy my frozen chicken breasts there and am able to defrost them one at a time if I choose to. I can also get frozen or fresh veggies there, cheese, pepperoni, tuna and many other items at a lower price than in the grocery store. Sam's Club, BJ's are the same types of places so if you don't have a COSTCO near you, you might try one of the others.

Other than that, look for sales at the grocery stores. I just got two top round london broils at my local grocery store for under $7.00 because they were on sale.

Good luck!