How to Stretch Your Grocery Budget

If you’re looking for ways to stretch your grocery budget, these tips from our Happy Healthy series can help:

Make a menu for the week.

• Get input from family members.
• Ask children for menu suggestions.
• Create meals from leftovers.
• Double recipes and freeze half for a busy day.

Check your pantry, freezer, and refrigerator to see what ingredients you already have.

• Review recipes and make a list of what you need to buy.

Prepare a shopping list and stick to it!

• Remember your shopping list when you go to the store.
• Only shop on the aisles you need items from.

Buy only the amount of food you need.

Don’t shop when you are hungry or rushed.

Watch for sales, coupons, or other offers that may be online.

Pick produce that is in season.

• Seasonal produce is less expensive! Many Mississippi-grown vegetables are in season throughout the year.
• See MSU Extension Publication 3144 “Buy Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Season!” for what to buy and when.
• Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables may also be less expensive options. They will not spoil as quickly.

These tips will also help you if you are food shopping for just one or two. But check out our MSU Extension publication on this topic for more helpful information.

Storing food properly in the refrigerator and freezer will help reduce food waste. Download our MSU Extension fact sheets for refrigerator tips and freezer tips.