Try These Suggestions to Save Money on Groceries
Inflation has been hitting families hard but you may have noticed it the most when you visit the grocery store. The same products and goods you were buying this time last year now cost, on average, 12% more according to the Bureau of Labor statistics. Unfortunately, due to extreme weather, supply chains and other issues, these prices are here to stay for the time being.
We reached out to Quality Care for Children’s Monica Griffin, Assistant Director of Nutrition and Wellness Initiatives, to ask what advice she has for families who want to serve healthy meals on their same budget. See her tips below!
Incorporate less meat into your weekly meals! Meat is usually the most expensive item on the plate so serving some meat-free meals, like on “Meatless Mondays,” can cut back on your food cost. Well-balanced meals include protein, which you can get from beans, nut or seed butters, eggs, cheese, and soy products as well as meat. Try offering family-friendly and low-cost recipes like black bean quesadillas and egg salad sandwiches.
Buy fresh meats as it costs less per serving and is healthier than processed meats (like chicken nuggets).
Compare unit prices. People often assume the bigger container is a better value, but that isn’t always the case. Check price tags for the ‘unit price’ to help you determine which brand and size container provides the best value. Check out the “Spend Smart. Eat Smart” app from Iowa State University which includes a unit calculator you can use at the store, budget-friendly recipes and videos. See more here to understand more about checking the unit prices.
Choose in-season produce. In-season produce is often less expensive, more nutritious, and tastes better- that’s a win/win/win! If you can’t find it in season, check the frozen aisle as frozen vegetables are usually less expensive. Check out GeorgiaGrown.org to find what’s in season in your area.
Limit sugary treats. Sugar-sweetened drinks are the number one source of added sugar. Reducing purchases of soda, sweet tea and fruit punch will help save money at the grocery store … and at the dentist office.
Plan your menu one to two weeks in advance so you can buy foods in bulk or when on sale. Freeze what you are not using right away.
Eat your leftovers! If you have leftover meatloaf, turn it into spaghetti sauce. Left over grilled chicken? How about chicken salad?
Make a list of items that you need for your weekly menu then stick to it. No impulse buys!
Visit the grocery store only once a week or less. Fewer trips to the store mean you have less chance of picking up items you don’t need which means spending more money.
More tips and resources:
Food Pantry Finder lets you search for food pantries in your area and has resources for subsidized groceries.
