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Struggling against rising food prices in today's tough economy? Shrink your food bill! Here are five practical tips for cutting grocery store expenses:

*1* - GROW YOUR OWN FOOD. Even the Obamas are digging up the White House lawn for a vegetable garden this year, which hasn't been done since Eleanor Roosevelt's time! Grab a seed catalog and a shovel, and make plans now. If you have a few yards of good soil in a sunny spot, you can grow a garden. If you have limited space, try vertical gardening (growing veggies such as pole beans), or container gardening (tomatoes are easily grown as potted plants).

*2* - BUY FROM THE FARMER'S MARKET. Many communities host farmer's markets, where local growers display and sell their produce and baked goods. You can find locally grown vegetables at reasonable prices. Since no chemicals need to be applied to keep food fresh during shipping, the food is often organic. Plus, buying from local growers is better for your own local economy.

*3* - KEEP AN EYE ON SALES. Before you shop, read the grocery store ad flier for sales and specials on items you can use. Take advantage of "loss leaders" these are low-priced items offered to attract customers. Sometimes you can plan meals around sale ingredients. For instance, fish tends to be on sale during Lent, so you might plan several meals around fish as a main dish. If your shopping needs are not critical, you might wait to go to the store until the start date of a good sale.

*4* - STOCK UP. When you find a bargain, stock up. For instance, if you see broccoli on sale for $1.38 a bunch, buy several bunches, wash and chop it up, and freeze what you won't use within a few days. Use zip-lock bags or 2-3 cup Tupperware-style containers. You can also freeze bread or meat when you find it on sale. For nonperishable items, such as cereal, flour, and canned goods, or personal hygiene items such as toilet paper or shampoo, buy extra at the sale price and store it until you need it.

*5* - REDUCE RED MEAT. Beef is the priciest item on many shopping lists. However, raising cattle takes a lot of the earth's resources and increases atmospheric greenhouse gases. The wise shopper leans toward different protein sources, such as fish, eggs, nuts, dried beans, or chicken, which are also less expensive. Chicken, for instance, can be used in a variety of recipes and costs from 69 cents to around $2 per pound, making it a bargain compared to beef.

The above five strategies will you save money at the grocery store. Shop wisely, garden and cook at home, buy locally, and eat healthy these methods will reduce your food bill.

Learn more about this author, Pamela Baum.
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