Saving money is a plus, especially when it comes to food. Below is a list of ways to help you save your food dollars.

Plan

• Take time to plan your meals and make a grocery list. This usually takes less time than the time spent going back to the store for a forgotten item.
• Plan your meals to use seasonal foods such as oranges in the winter and peaches in the summer.
• Check kitchen cabinets and refrigerator when making your grocery list.
• Before going to the grocery store, plan a weekly menu of favorite dishes using healthy foods.

Shop

• Make fewer trips to the store. The more trips to the store, the more money you spend. It is hard to purchase only a few items on any trip to the grocery store.
• Find stores with super food sales during special times such as “Friday and Saturday Blow-out Sales” or “10 Items for $10.”
• Find a local farmers market. Fruits and vegetables tend to be fresher and cheaper.
• Think of mileage. Shopping at many stores may not be worth the extra time and gasoline cost.

Buy

• In place of national brands, buy store brands when the taste and quality suit your needs.
• Compare the unit price of food items. The cost per ounce or per pound helps find the best value.
• Buy family packs of meats, cheese, poultry and luncheon meats. Divide into servings, freeze and use as needed.
• Check sell by and use by dates to be sure you buy fresh foods.

Track

• Know the regular prices of items you usually buy. A sale will then be easy to spot.
• Remember the trick is to buy on the markdowns. You don’t have to change your habits. Just buy when items are at low cost.
• Use itemized food receipts when checking out to help track food costs.
• Compare prices of nonfood items at the grocery store with the same item at a discount store.

Click here to view the USDA Nondiscrimination Statement.