Our food budget is one of the most flexible of all our expenses. We all need to eat and be healthy, but what we choose to buy for ourselves and our families have a huge impact on our food budget. We all need to explore all of our food options. Do not assume that the way you have always done your shopping is the best way. You will probably be pleasantly surprised.

The first thing I did when I wanted to lower my food bill was to think about the meals we ate the most, what I had on hand already and made a grocery list. Lists are invaluable tools. What you need is at your fingertips, you won’t forget anything and you can look at all your options for the items you need.

Next I looked at the sales flyers that I had for my local grocery stores. That way I could see what was on sale and if anything on my list was on sale.

To recap, I live in southern wisconsin. We have discount grocery stores here like Aldi and Save-a-lot. These grocery stores are much cheaper than your typical grocery store. They do not carry  much of a selection. It is typically their store brand and a few featured name brand items. I have found that in most cases their brands are just as tasty as the name brand, for at least half the price! An example would be their brand of canned vegetables sells for 29 cents to 59 cents depending on the vegetable. Have you checked out grocery store prices for a can of peas lately?

Our bodies need fruits and vegetables to be healthy. We need the vitamins and minerals that they provide. However, fresh produce can have a daunting price tag. I usually buy fresh bananas, apples, potatoes, onions, lettuce and cabbage because in my area those are always inexpensive. I love fresh produce. I have an affinity for organic and all natural as well and buy those products as I can afford them. However they are expensive and being on a limited income and being a single mom I cannot afford a 100 % organic diet.  So check out what is on sale at your local grocery stores in their produce sections.

The next best thing is frozen fruits and vegetables. They have a higher vitamin content than canned because there is less processing. They are also much less expensive than fresh produce. There is a wide variety available in the frozen foods section. Check it out. 

Buy fresh produce according to what is in season. If  you are trying to buy strawberries in january your going to pay more for them. Stick to what is in season.

Buy local produce. If you buy locally grown food you know it is fresh when it reaches your table.  Your food will have more vitamins and minerals, which will give you the most for your money and fuel your body efficiently.