Page 64 - Family Resource Guide Spring/Summer 2025

FRUGAL FAMILIES NORTH STATE PARENT FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE SPRING/SUMMER 2025
BUDGET-FRIENDLY GROCERY TIPS
BY STACEY LEIGH KEANEY
With the cost of food rising, watching the family food budget and stopping those budget-busting money leaks, while
providing nutritious meals your family will enjoy has become essential for many families. Here are just a few guidelines to keep the food scale tipped in your favor.
Avoid impulse buys by planning ahead
Before setting foot in the grocery store, make a list of items you need. Stick to your list to avoid impulse purchases, which can quickly inflate your bill. If you are tempted to purchase an item that is not on your list, ask these questions:
• Did I forget to put this on the list and I do need it for meal prep this week?
• Is this purchase a bargain that will save me money in the long run? If so, is it in my budget this week to purchase? If it’s not, think hard about whether it’s a good idea to break the budget wall now to save money later and if you will really use this item later.
If it’s just something nice to have, but not essential and not on your list, pass it by and stick to your list and budget.
Keep an eye out for coupons and deals
You probably already use coupons whenever you can. But be sure to have a look through the coupon section or app from your favorite store(s) and plan your meals around what is on sale. Keep in mind that if one ingredient is on sale, but the rest of the meal ingredients are very expensive, it might be better to plan a meal with overall less expensive ingredients, even if no ingredients are on sale.
I sometimes wait to see what’s on special at the market the day I go shopping, purchase it, then plan meals around it to make the most of the sale item. For instance, if ground beef or pork or tofu is on special, I purchase enough to make several casseroles and other dishes out of the item to last the week.
Prices may vary
Take the time to compare prices, especially for staple items and frequently purchased goods. I am well-acquainted with the stores in my area and which ones offer better prices on canned goods and which offer better prices on vegetables, etc., and I plan my shopping trips accordingly. For me, using higher quality vegetables is important in preparing nutritious meals, so I look for savings on other staples to make up for the cost of better vegetables.
Bulk buys are wise under certain circumstances
Bulk buying can be cost-effective for items that have a long shelf life and that you use frequently, such as rice, pasta and canned goods. However, be cautious with perishable items, as buying in bulk can lead to waste if you’re unable to use them before they spoil.
As a busy parent, I did not have time to can and prepare for storage of bulk purchases of perishable items like fruits and vegetables. After watching my precious purchases spoil because I didn’t have time or energy to prep them for storage, I stopped making those types of purchases and saved money in the long run.
Understanding Food Labels & Dates
(from Good Housekeeping.com)
What do “Best by,”“use by,”“sell by,” mean?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) breaks down food product dating phrases as follows:
• A “Best if Used By/Before” date indicates when a product will be of best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.
• A “Sell-By” date tells the store how long to display the product for sale for inventory management. It is not a safety date.
• A “Use-By” date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. It is not a safety date except when used on infant formula.
• A “Freeze-By” date indicates when a product should be frozen to maintain peak quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.
FSIS says that a food product (except for infant formula) should still be safe and wholesome to consume past the date if handled properly until the time spoilage is evident. Signs of spoilage to look for include an off odor, flavor or texture, in which case the food should not be eaten.
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64 North State Parent Family Resource Guide Spring/Summer 2025 • www.northstateparent.com
The Sater family enjoys shopping for tasty in-season produce at Holiday Market in Cottonwood. Photo by Amber Murray