With rising food prices, it can be challenging to purchase groceries and prepare healthy meals. Below you will find 10 tips that can help stretch your food dollar.1. Plan menus and make a list: Entering a grocery store without a shopping list can result on an additional 5-10 items. Try planning menus and writing a shopping list that corresponds with the store aisles or categories.2. Use coupons and rewards cards: Clipping coupons can save you (on average) 10-15 percent on your grocery bill.3. Buy store brands: These products are often less expensive than national brand products and usually maintain the same quality as national brands.4. Compare unit prices: Many stores show this right on the price tag, so it is easy to compare products.5. Read food labels: Make sure you try and find the most nutrient dens products using the % Daily Value on the nutrition facts label. Five percent or less is low-try to aim low in saturated fat, Trans fat, cholesterol and sodium. Twenty percent or more is high -try to aim high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.6. Buy on sale and in bulk: This can be a great way to save, but only buy larger quantities if you have proper storage.7. Shop the perimeter: This is where you will find the most nutritious products like fresh fruits and vegetables.8. Shop seasonally: Fresh Produce often costs less when it’s in season. Check here for a list of what’s in season now.9. Keep foods safe and prevent food waste: Reference dates printed on food products, such as the use by and sell by dates, to help select the freshest products.10. Pay attention at check-out: Make sure products ring up right at the register (especially any sale items you have in your cart).
