by Petra Newman

Created on: October 07, 2008   Last Updated: February 03, 2012

With today's rising costs, women have to strategically organize their monthly budget like a general who maps out his best line of attack. After household expenses, there is little left for food and the age old question "what's for supper?" has become a challenge. How can you still feed nutritious meals to your family when the money you allotted for food will only buy half of yesterday's supplies?

First of all, don't panic. We are not the first nor will we be the last to experience difficult times. Our mothers did it, and I bet they are still cooking up delicious dishes that are simple and inexpensive today. The next step is to design a plan that works for you.

1)   Check out flyers in the newspaper for specials at your grocers.

2)   Cut out coupons . . . but only on items you would normally use. You're not saving money if you use a coupon for something you don't usually buy.

3)   Check out the reduced bin . . . Every grocery store has a place where there are fruits, vegetables and even baked goods that are reduced in price. The fruits and vegetables are slightly bruised and esthetically not as appealing. For example, bananas are quite often in this bin because they have brown marks. They are still high in nutrients and could be used for making banana bread and muffins that you can freeze for later use. Apples can be peeled, cut up for pies, apple crisp, etc.

4)   When buying cereals and breads, always buy whole grain . . . this way your family benefits from nutrients and fiber which are necessary for a healthy body. If you live near a bakery, buy day old bread. It will save you money and still has the same nutritious value as fresh.

5)   Buy in season . . . always take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables. They are less expensive when they're in season. Remember to buy a variety of colors to make sure your family gets the full benefit of vitamins and minerals.

6)   Buy cheaper cuts of meat . . . There is usually a butcher in your grocer who would gladly help you with an order. Sometimes cheaper means tougher, but it doesn't necessarily have to be so. Be creative with stews, stir-fry's, casseroles etc. Crock pots and slow cookers are great for these cuts of meat.

7)   Poultry . . . Chicken and turkey are healthy inexpensive meats that with a little imagination can be made into a variety of delicious meals.

8)   Cut out processed foods . . . . Processed foods have less nutrition and cost more. They're full of chemicals and preservatives, sugars and hydrogenated fats, all of which are detrimental to our health. They may be convenient as a fast food, but lack the high quality nutrients we want for your family.

9)   Buy in bulk . . . . Buy the large bag of rice versus the smaller one, the larger box of cereal, larger package of dried beans and peas, etc. At Christmas when you do any amount of baking, go to the bulk food store. They have a variety of dried fruit, candied fruit, nuts, specialty flours, etc., all at a substantial savings to you.

10)  Shop in your area . . . . When you look for specials, shop in the area nearest to your home. If a can of milk costs $1.50 in your local grocer, it makes no sense spending two dollars for gas to go across town where the can of milk is $1.20.

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