Budget Tight? You Can Still Eat Right!
Read on for tips for how to stretch your food dollars through budgeting, food selection, and of course, with our low-cost recipes.
How Much Money is Available For Food?
First you need to know the resources that you have available to spend on food. Once you've determined that, make a shopping list based on the resources you have to spend. When shopping, buy only the amounts of fresh foods you can use before it spoils and be sure to also consider frozen or shelf stable items that will last longer.
Planning: Making Meals With Foods On Hand
Before going to the grocery store, check what foods you already have. Once you know what foods you have, ask these questions:
- What meals and recipes can I make using the foods I have?
- Can I mix foods together to make a tasty and nutritious meal?
- What foods does my family need for good health?
Then...
- Plan what recipes you will make using your list of foods.
- Use other foods on your list such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to complete the menu.
- Once you plan your menus, make a new list for missing foods you need to buy.
Shopping: Before, During, and After
Before Shopping
- Make a shopping list. This helps you stick to your budget.
- Plan your meals. Planning helps put leftovers to good use.
- Look for coupons, sales and store specials.
- For added savings sign up for the store discount card.
During Shopping
- Don't shop when you are hungry. It is easier to stick to your shopping list.
- Try store brands. They usually cost less.
- Compare products for the best deal.
- Check sell by dates. Buy the freshest food possible. It lasts longer.
After Shopping
- Store food right away to preserve freshness.
- Freeze food to prevent spoiling.
- Divide foods into small portions for children and elderly to prevent waste.
- Use foods with the earliest expiration dates first.
Tips: Best Buys for Cost and Nutrition
- Look for bargains on day old bread. It costs less but is still nutritious.
- Buy regular rice, oatmeal and grits instead of instant to save on money, sugar and calories.
- Buy large bags of frozen vegetables. Seal tightly in the freezer between uses.
- Avoid pre-bagged salad mixes. They are usually more expensive and spoil faster.
- Buy fresh fruits in season, when they generally cost less.
- Frozen and canned fruits are a smart choice all year round.
- Buy fresh, low-fat milk in the largest size that can be used before spoiling. Larger containers cost less than smaller sizes.
- Ultra-pasteurized milk has a longer expiration date and won't spoil as fast.
- Chuck or bottom round roast has less fat and is cheaper than sirloin.
- Dried beans and peas are a good source of protein and fiber. They last a long time without spoiling.
- Look for specials at the meat counter. Buy meat on sale for big savings.
- Buy meat in large bulk packages to save money. Freeze portions you might not use right away to prevent spoiling. This works great with all meats, but can be especially budget-friendly with ground beef. See also: Freezer Friendly Food.
