SPEND LESS On Your Next Grocery Trip

The truth is a little bit can go a long way. We can enjoy nutritious foods in our lives with a little knowledge on how to practically plan and budget them in.

Note that everyone’s lifestyles will be different and not all these tips will apply to you. Feel free to reach out to anything that can be included with these 3 tips listed below!

1. Meal Planning

Before heading to the store, check what items are already present to save any extra purchases. For example, let’s say you have some potatoes in the pantry, think about what dishes can those potatoes be used in (soups or homemade fries) and what other ingredients would go along with them? This method of planning can help organize a grocery list so that you are being mindful of what is already present in the kitchen and what can be added.

Another idea spinning off the tip above is planning for meals that use similar ingredients. A great example of finding multiple ways to use one ingredient is Spinach being used for pasta sauce, a stir fry, and a smoothie. When being creative, we can find different ways to use our purchased ingredients. An additional example includes peanut butter; Peanut butter can be used for an oatmeal topping, baking and a toast spread.

Lastly for meal planning, a helpful way to save expenses and some time (especially for those with kiddos) is to plan for meals that make a lot of leftovers such as pastas and soups! This can be budget friendly and convenient for those hectic days!

2. Some Budget-Friendly Considerations

When the produce item isn’t on sale or in season, consider buying frozen veggies or fruits. Most frozen veggies and fruits are frozen at their peak of freshness and contain an abundant amount of nutrients.

Meats are commonly the most expensive purchase at the grocery store. Another expense saving consideration is to incorporate plant-based protein options throughout your week. You can start by experimenting with a combination of plant-based proteins with a smaller quantity of meat. Then after figuring what ways you enjoy eating plant-based proteins, you can plan out some meatless meals throughout your week. Plant-based proteins such as beans and lentils are inexpensive and can be used for a variety of

meals/saved for a long duration!

3. Seek Support Assistance

Find out about the variety of resources that are out there in your community for further assistance.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a program for lower income families that provide support for those who are eligible with monthly benefits to help ensure families are being fed with adequate nutrition.

Check out your local food bank. Many food banks receive donations and surplus amounts of food that can be handed out to families. Look up your local food bank and see what assistance they can support you and your family with!

This blog post is not intended to replace medical advice. Always speak to your health care provider for any advice and questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

References:

https://www.eatright.org/food/planning-and-prep/eat-right-on-a-budget/feed-your-family-healthfully-on-a-low-income-budget

https://www.eatright.org/food/planning-and-prep/eat-right-on-a-budget/budget-friendly-tips-to-feed-your-family

https://www.eatright.org/food/planning-and-prep/smart-shopping/shop-healthy-on-a-budget