BY KIM HUGHES, COUNTY AGENT – FCS –
There are many ways to save money on the foods that you eat. The three main steps are planning before you shop, purchasing the items at the best price, and preparing meals that stretch your food dollars. Here are 10 tips to help you stretch your food dollars.
1. Plan, plan, plan! Plan your meals for the week. Include meals like stews, casseroles, or stir-fries, which “stretch” expensive items into more portions.
2. Get the best price. Check the local newspaper, online, and at the store for sales and coupons. Ask about a loyalty card for extra savings. Look for specials or sales on meat and seafood.
3. Compare and contrast. Locate the “Unit Price” on the shelf directly below the product. Use it to compare different brands and different sizes of the same brand to determine which is more economical.
4. It is almost always cheaper to buy foods in bulk. Smart choices are family packs of chicken, steak, or fish and larger bags of potatoes and frozen vegetables.
5. Buy in season. Buying fruits and vegetables in season can lower the cost and add to the freshness.
6. Convenience foods like frozen dinners, pre-cut vegetables, and instant rice, oatmeal, or grits will cost you more than if you were making them from scratch.
7. Easy on your wallet. Certain foods are typically low-cost options all year round. Try beans for a less expensive protein food. For vegetables, buy carrots, greens, or potatoes. As for fruits, apples and bananas are good choices.
8. Cook once – eat all week. Prepare a large batch of favorite recipes on your day off (double or triple the recipe). Freeze in individual containers. Use them throughout the week or month.
9. Spice up your leftovers – use them in new ways. For example, try leftover chicken in a stir-fry or over a garden salad, or to make chicken chili.
10. Eating out. Restaurants can be expensive. Save money by getting the early bird special, going out for lunch instead of dinner, or looking for “2 for 1” deals. Water is less expensive and healthier than other drinks.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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