Whether you’re a student on a low budget or a parent trying to keep the food bills at bay, we could all use some tips on managing our grocery budget properly so we can save more money. Grocery shopping on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your health.   

There are several easy ways to stretch your food budget and still enjoy delicious healthy meals. Here are just a few: 

• Use a Budget 

• • Food is a big chunk of your budget. Having a budget and sticking to it is a big part of making the most of the resources you have. 
  • Use cash when shopping at the grocery store. Cash is a great way to limit those little “splurges” that are so tempting in the grocery aisles. 

• Don’t Shop When You Are Hungry 

• • If you shop for groceries when you are hungry, it can be hard to resist the many temptations found around every corner and at the end of every aisle.

• Make a Grocery List 

• • Making a list helps you not only stick to a budget, but it helps you remember what you need.  
  • Using a pre-made grocery list allows you to “shop” your pantry before heading to the store. Marking off items you don’t need is a great way to “remember” what you don’t need when you are shopping. 

• Plan Your Meals 

• • Planning your meals will save time and reduce stress because you don’t have to spend time thinking about “what’s for dinner”. 

• Learn to Cook 

• • Cooking is way cheaper than eating out and it’s a lot healthier too! Not only can you save money by learning to cook, but you also save in extra calories that come with eating out. 

• Use Leftovers 

  • Save your money. Save your leftovers. Planning for leftovers is not only a great way to stretch your grocery budget, but it saves you time in the kitchen by cooking less!

• Learn how to Stock Your Pantry and Store Your Groceries

• • Having items like canned fruits, vegetables, pasta, and rice that won’t spoil quickly helps stretch your grocery budget.  

• • Remember to check expiration dates and rotate items so that those that are closer to the expiration date are used first. 

Ideas for comfort meal starters from the pantry include: 

• Ramen Chicken Noodle Soup: Ramen Noodles + canned carrots + canned chicken  
•  Minestrone Soup: Pasta + Great Northern Beans + diced tomatoes  
•  Corn Chowder: Canned corn + Canned potatoes + cheese   
•  Southwest Chicken Soup: Canned chicken + black beans + canned diced chilies and tomatoes