by Shirley Norling

Created on: August 03, 2008   Last Updated: August 13, 2011

There are a number of ways to save money on food. As I get older and hopefully wiser and live on a limited income, I have become more aware of the different ways to save money on the food we buy.

Coupon clipping is probably one of the best ways to save. Go through the ads as soon as they come out in the newspapers. You'd be surprised how many buy one, get one free, coupons there are in the grocery store flyer's. Combine these coupons with a discount on senior citizen days, that many grocery stores have, and you get additional savings. If you're fortunate enough to have a manufactures coupon for the product, you can save even more.

Compare quantities on packages. I have found that sometimes the generic or store brand may be cheaper even if you're using a coupon. For example, a 16oz. package of lunch meat @2.99 is a better buy then an 8oz. package at 3.49, even if it's a buy one, get one free. Checking both price and quantity makes one a smart shopper.

Make a menu for the week, if at all possible, before you go shopping. It will help you to stick to buying only what you need. If there is a bargain on larger quantities, make sure that you will have a place to store it if you purchase it. It's not a bargain if it ends up going to waste.

Shop farmers markets for in season fruits and vegetables. You really can get some good savings their, and the produce is usually fresh and tasty. There's nothing like a cob of corn when it's fresh from the garden.

If you have the space, you may even consider growing a small vegetable garden. Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, beans, peas, etc., just can't be beat on a nice summer day. You can buy tomato plants that can be grown right on your patio or deck. What could be better then fresh tomatoes off the vine, on your own front porch?

Another way to save money on food is to be sure and use up all those leftovers. Leftover meat and vegetables make excellent soups and stews. Leftover greens and fruits make good salads. Use them as soon as possible so they don't get soft and spoil. You'll be surprised what you can create with some leftover lettuce, a carrot or two, a tomato and a cucumber.

If you cook in larger quantities, that can't be eaten up in a meal or two, freeze the leftovers. When you're running late some evening, those leftovers from the freezer could be just thing for a quick supper. They could be reheated in the microwave in a matter of minutes.

Coupon clipping, comparing prices, using everything you purchase, are all smart strategies that can make you a smart shopper, I have found.

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