Yes it can be done with just a bit of planning on your part. We all get those ads for what's on Sale at the local Grocery and that's the place to start. Items go on sale in cycles, so buy what's on sale now for future use. Items like pasta, soups, broth, frozen veggies, canned fruit are good for turning leftovers into another meal.

First look for good deals on meat, like Chicken at 99 cents a pound. Buy it whole or in 'family' packs (usually 10 pieces). Buying in 'family' packs allows you to divide it when you get home, honestly does your family eat 10 pieces at a time? If buying a whole Chicken remember that the left overs can be turned into another meal like Chicken tacos, homemade soup or in '1 skillet' dinner type meals.

Don't have time for peeling, cutting and cooking Mashed Potatoes? (I actually don't have the knack for mashing them, they come out lumpy no matter what I do). Check for what's on Sale. Many times they are on Special for around $1 per package. I've found a local Store that sells a name brand instant in a pouch for 38 cents all the time. (And yes I have 4 to 5 of those at all times)

Now for the Veggie. Frozen Veggies are just as good as canned and way easier to make the most of. They are usually sold in 16 oz bags (for anywhere from 79 cents to a $1 when on sale) but who needs a pound of peas for 1 meal? I'm sure you see where this is going, divide them up. I get 2 of everything and divide them up into sandwich bags and get veggies for 3 meals from 2 $1 bags.

Whole Chicken $3 to $3.50

Potatoes 38 cents

Veggies 67 cents

Total Cost $4.55

Added bonus - Left over chicken can be used to make some homemade soup. Just add a bag of mixed veggies, some pasta, chicken broth (both which you have a hand) and for around $3 more you have a second meal.