In these challenging economic times, the costs of groceries can be overwhelming. The LSU AgCenter offers some brief suggestions on ways to save money. This article suggests ways to save money while shopping and still eating healthfully.
Plan
The most important step in saving money is to plan ahead. This means making a menu, writing a grocery list based on that menu, and sticking to the list while shopping. Basing your menu around the food that is on sale that week can be a money-saver.
Alternately, if you have a standard menu that you cycle through, buy items for the meals when they are on sale and store them in the freezer or pantry.
The grocery list should include food for all meals and ingredients for one or two super quick meals for days when the original plan doesn’t work out. Research shows that a person can cook a quick meal and have it on the table in a shorter time than driving to a fast-food restaurant. Not only is it quicker, it is much less expensive and healthier.
Choose Healthy Food
A 2002 study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that eating healthier food can save money. The families in the study saved money by reducing portion sizes and cutting down on “extras”—foods that add calories but little nutritional value. So, when shopping, consider the nutritional value of food for the price.
10 More Money-Saving Tips
1. Buy produce in season. Each season has wonderful fruits and vegetables that are reasonably priced.
2. Use sales and coupons. In addition to shopping sales, using coupons wisely can be a money-saver.
3. Brown bag it. Make your lunch rather than buying lunch. Use leftovers for meals at work, school, or wherever you a re going. If you don’t have access to a refrigerator, use freezer packs.
4. Use frozen, canned, or dried products. They are often less expensive than fresh ingredients, yet equally nutritious.
5. Save on protein foods. Non-meat protein sources such as beans, eggs, and legumes are an inexpensive source of protein. When you do buy meat, choose smaller portions of lean meat, poultry, and seafood.
6. Waste not, want not. Before you buy perishable foods, decide whether you will be able to use them while they are still fresh. Leftovers can be used for soups, stews, salads and casseroles to create a new version of the food.
7. Go generic. Store brands are usually less expensive than national brands. Sometimes they are the same product with a different label. And all food manufacturers follow standards for safe, quality food.
8. Buy prepackaged only if you need to. They almost always are more expensive.
9. Buy and cook in bulk. Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money, if the food gets used. Some stores have bulk bins that let you choose how much you buy. Cooking larger quantities of food and freezing them in family-size or individual-size portions can also save money and yield tasty meals that only need to be heated.
10. Plant a garden. Although gardening season is winding down, start planning a garden for next year. If space is an issue, consider container gardens for tomatoes, herbs, and other produce. The extension office has resources on freezing, drying and canning your harvest, so you can enjoy summer’s and fall’s bounty all year long.
For related stories to grocery shopping and saving money, visit the LSU AgCenter homepage at http://www.lsuagcenter.com/. Also, contact Margaret at the LSU AgCenter Office located at 511 Roussell Street in Houma or call (985) 873-6495. E-mail questions or comments to MBurlew@agcenter.lsu.edu.