🌟TEN🌟 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON FOOD COSTS💰

When it comes to saving money on food costs, I know a thing or two about pinching pennies. For many years in the early 2000s, my grocery budget was $100 a month for myself and two kids. It seemed like an impossible task, but I made it work. Even today, with a more generous grocery budget, I still stick to my frugal ways. Why spend more if you don't have to? With food costs as high as they are in the present day, we could all benefit from some cost-saving measures.

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Here's some tried and true tricks I use.

1.     Explore discount grocers. I didn't always shop at these types of stores, in fact twenty years ago, even with a $100/month budget I was still reluctent to step foot in one. Largely because back than I was a avid meal planner (more on that later) and didn't want to shop around for everything on my list. If you shop exclusively at discount grocers, as I do now, it's not always possible to meal plan, or get everything you need for a recipe. Be open to new things and getting creative on the fly, depending on what they have available.

Not all discount grocery stores offer the same variety of products. In my area, there are some that do not sell expired or damaged food, while others specialize in selling exclusively expired and damaged goods. I choose to shop at both types of stores. It's important to note that many canned and dry goods remain safe to eat well past their expiration dates. It's advisable to research the shelf life of items beyond their expiration dates, as this can vary depending on how they are packaged and what they are. I tend to avoid purchasing fresh foods unless they are within a day or two of their expiration date and I plan to use them immediately. Many canned and frozen items can still be consumed long after their expiration dates and are usually available at significant discounts.

2. This one is obvious utilize coupons, check weekly promotions, and use loyalty programs to save money. Get inserts from friends or family instead of buying a newspaper. Retailers often double manufacturer's coupons, increasing savings during sales. Loyalty cards offer discounts on groceries or fuel after reaching spending thresholds. Maximize discounts on planned purchases. Keep in mind that you don't have to be a hardcore coupon user in order to save money. Even small savings, such as a few dollars here and there, can add up over the course of a year.

3. Begin gardening, even if it's only a container garden. For instance, a single zucchini plant can produce ample yield for a family, just like a single tomato plant. Fresh herbs can be grown indoors. You don't require a large area for a couple of plants; all you need is a small balcony or patio with sunlight access. You can further reduce costs by exchanging vegetables with a friend or neighbor who cultivates different produce. Children are also more inclined to eat healthily when it's something they have grown themselves.

4. Planning meals has been a significant aspect of my grocery shopping routine for many years. Every Sunday at 6 am, I would assess my pantry and freezer contents, check sales flyers, organize my coupons, and browse through numerous cookbooks to plan meals for the week. I would tailor recipes based on items on sale, and ensure that fresh ingredients were used efficiently. Considering our weekly activities I would plan ahead for quick cook meals, I managed to complete my meal planning and shopping by noon, despite the time and effort it required.

5. Purchase meat or any items you frequently use in large quantities. I search for discounts on family-sized meat packages, divide them into individual serving sizes, package, label, and freeze them. I apply the same method to bacon, freezing slices separately and only removing what I require. This practice also helps me control my portions as I have to thaw the items before consuming.

6.  Join Facebook free groups. I have been a member of Freecycle for many years, but now that the concept has transitioned to Facebook, it's even simpler to discover complimentary items. I participate in three groups in my area and was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of high- quality food being given away. Frequently, you can often come across fresh produce from surplus homegrown gardens and even eggs from backyard chickens. Make sure to search for free groups in your local area, as it defeats the purpose if you have to travel 30 minutes for a dozen free eggs.

7. Replicate the dishes you love from restaurants in your own kitchen. Opting to dine at home rather than eating out will consistently help you save money, and mastering the preparation of your favorite meals will allow you to enjoy them at any time. Various copy cat recipes can be found online.. When dining out is necessary, opt for ethnic cuisine. Typically, portion sizes for ethnic dishes are quite generous. For instance, when we get Spanish take out, a $14 platter can easily provide me with dinner and two lunches.

8. Utilize a cash back credit card or Rakuten for additional savings. I prefer using my credit card for all purchases to earn cash back, ensuring I pay the full balance each month. Rakuten is a money- saving app that offers cash back rewards for shopping at participating stores. It's simple - why not earn cash back on purchases you were already planning to make?

9. Be resourceful with leftovers and rotisserie chicken to avoid food waste, which is harmful to the environment and your finances. Transform that excess pulled pork into sandwiches, a quesadilla, or a baked potato topping. Rotisserie chicken is a smart solution - the cost of a cooked chicken often beats that of a raw one. I debone the chicken, portion it into bags, and freeze it. This way, I have precooked chicken on hand for recipes or quick fixes like chicken salad. One chicken can provide two meals for a typical family, and most rotisserie chickens are priced around $6.

10. If you reside in a farming community, take advantage of farmer's markets. In Lancaster County, we are fortunate to have an abundance of locally grown produce. It's worth noting that not all farmer's markets offer the same experience. I prefer to visit the markets frequented by locals and steer clear of those geared towards tourists. By doing so, not only will you save money, but you will also enjoy a more genuine experience. Two of my preferred markets are Roots and Green Dragon. Visiting later in the day when vendors are wrapping up can lead to reduced prices and even the possibility of haggling. Additionally, there is a produce auction for purchasing in bulk, which is an excellent choice if you engage in food preservation through canning.

Recall my hesitation to shop at discount grocery stores? Back in 2003, a friend persuaded me to join her as she shopped there exclusively . Not only did I find some fantastic bargains, but I also came across my partner of 21 years in aisle two! Yes, that's correct – I met my boyfriend at a discount grocery store, and he remains my greatest find to this day!💕

Do you have a money saving hack for reducing food costs? I'd love to hear it! Comment below and share your tips!