Eating on a Budget

Healthy eating does not need to be expensive. In fact, spending money for convenience, like fast food or takeout, can add up and cost more than healthier choices that are prepared at home. There are many ways to stretch your food dollar budget and still eat healthy, delicious meals.

Tips for Eating Well on a Budget:

To ensure you get the best nutritional bang for your buck, follow these best buys tips!

• Plan meals ahead of time and make a shopping list
• Check what items you already have at home so you don't buy extras you don't really need
• Buying in bulk is often less expensive than packaged foods and allows you to choose the amount you need. Save money on all your staples, such as pasta, potatoes, rice, flour, oatmeal, spices, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and beans
• Shop around the perimeter of the store first. This is where you can usually find the basics: vegetables and fruit, milk products, grain products and meats, poultry and fish
• Store brands and generic products are often less expensive than brand name products, with comparable quality
• Look at the bottom and top shelves when shopping. High-priced items are often placed at eye level
• Compare prices by the unit to get the best bargain
• Bring your lunch from home more often