Tips for planning meals on a budget

November 29, 2023 admin budgeting expenses, family & relationships, family activities, flyers, food preparation, grocery shopping, grocery stores, Living, meal planning, savings, smart shopping

Credit to Author: Cheryl Song| Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2023 02:12:10 +0000

With rising food prices, finding ways to buy and prepare nutritious, delicious and budget friendly food can be challenging for many families. Here are some essential tips for food preparation and smart shopping to help reduce your grocery bills.

Take inventory and start meal planning with what is available at home. Use your own recipes or a meal planning app, and create a meal plan and shopping list before you head to the grocery store. Shop for ingredients to make healthier meals at home instead of buying higher cost packed food or pre-prepared meals.
Avoid impulse buying by not shopping during busy store hours, or when you are hungry and tired.
Compare store prices. Research and find out which store has the best deals. Sign up for grocery store loyalty programs, subscriptions, apps, and go online to compare prices so you can get the best value for your money. It does take a bit of research but it will be worth it.
Take advantage of store coupons, flash sale and other price matching deals. Stock up for items when they are on sale but beware of deals that entice you to buy unnecessary items. When purchasing sale items, look at expiry dates to make sure the foods are still good for consumption.
Compare prices of generic and brand name products. In some instances, no name or store brand products are more affordable and taste very similar to your favourite brand name. Consider replacing expensive food items with more affordable options, such as opting more for plant-based protein or frozen fruits and vegetables.
Instead of buying the more expensive packaged snacks for children, buy in bulk and use reusable containers to pack children’s school snacks and lunches.
Grow your own fruits and vegetables in community garden or backyard during warmer weather; if possible, grow some herbs indoor using hydroponic kits or near window shelves.
Bulk buying can have great savings for your family but beware of buying more than you consume, which will result in higher grocery costs and also lead to wastage of food.
When buying larger quantities of perishable food, portion them up, freeze or preserve the food so they last longer. Alternatively, share the extra food with others who can use it instead of letting the food rot or spoil.
Craving food from your home country? Explore the many ethnic grocery stores that offer ingredients to prepare meals from your native cuisine. You don’t have to go to an expensive restaurant for that taste of home!
With the increasing food costs, know that there are resources available such as local food banks, community food centres, and school food programs for those who need extra help.
Shop locally and buy fruit and vegetables that are in season in your region. Not only could it lower the costs, but is it great to support local businesses. In addition, it also reduces your environmental footprint.

With the continuous increase in food costs, it is even more important to stay informed and be conscious of your spending, whether you are a student on a low budget or a parent looking to control your grocery bills or looking to increase your monthly savings.

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