In today’s economy, finding ways to make your money go a little further is more important than ever. When it comes to grocery shopping, the cost of produce seems to add up pretty quickly. But those nutrient dense foods are essential!
As March is National Nutrition Month, Newsymom and The Tuscarawas County Health department want to share some practical strategies to help you stretch the produce budget.
1.Versatile Vegetables
Make a meal plan for the week that utilizes similar fruits and vegetables. Buying a larger quantity of a few vegetables can be much more cost efficient than buying smaller quantities or single serve.
Planning your meals can help reduce waste and spending. By taking the time to think about what ingredients you need and how much of them you will use, you can ensure you’re only buying as much produce as you need.
2. Shop the freezer aisle
Frozen fruits and vegetables can be a fraction of the price. But they’re just as nutritious! Try using frozen in place of fresh when you need to stretch that produce budget.
3.In season or on sale
Pay attention to which produce is in season or on sale. You can check your grocery stores sales ads ahead of time to fit the discounted produce into your meal plan.
Shopping for fruits and veggies that are in season and locally grown can also help you save money- Check out your local farmers market!
4.Grow your own vegetables
Growing your own produce is an amazing way to feed your family whole, nutritious foods for nothing but a little start up cost in soil and seeds. If you’re not already a gardener, growing your own food can sound a little intimidating. The truth is, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Some plants such as…
- Tomatoes
- Bell Peppers
- Greens like romaine and spinach
- Green beans
- Herbs
.. are all relatively easy to grow through our Ohio summers. You also don’t need a ton of space.. Start small with some pots, buckets or even a small raised bed. Plant two or three of your family’s favorites and save a little money on produce through the warmer months!
5.Get the most out of your purchase
The best way to stretch your dollar is to do everything you can to get the most out of each purchase. Store leftovers properly, get creative with produce that’s nearing expiration and consider learning how to preserve food.
Being able to preserve your own produce opens the door to even more savings. If you have the skill set to preserve food, you can take advantage of produce sales and make the most of anything you may grow.
Buying in large quantities is usually a great way to save. However, you have to be able to preserve or make use of it all for that deal to be worth your money.
Budgeting for wellness doesn’t have to be daunting..
Stretching your budget to ensure your family is getting a completely balanced diet can feel like a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be. By implementing some of these tips, you can make sure to keep those fruits and veggies in the kitchen without breaking the bank.
Citations: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/stretch_fv_budget.pdf