Avoiding the Dollar Menu

Food is quickly becoming the number one concern of cash-strapped Americans according to a recent study from the International Food Information Council. With the economy in a downward spiral many Americans are opting to eat from the dollar menu at many fast food restaurants to save money. Unfortunately, the couple of dollars saved today will cost much more later in regards to healthcare costs.

As households struggle with falling incomes and with food prices expected to jump 6 percent this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, families are scrimping on groceries. Nearly six in 10 Americans said they’ve cut back on the quality or quantity of the food they buy, according to an annual hunger survey released this week by Hormel Foods Corp.

The good news is that we can still eat healthy on a budget. However, it does take some effort. Try these tips for getting your diet and budget to agree.

Save on staple items: Watch for sales on milk, bread, eggs, pasta, cereal, rice, dry beans, etc.
Buy in bulk, but don’t buy more than you will use because waste is costly, too. Check out wholesalers like Sam’s, BJ’s and Costco. Some of them even accept coupons so your membership will pay for itself!
Use coupons. Check out weekly sales at all of your local grocers. Combine what is on sale with your coupons for extra savings.
Plan meals around what is on sale. (This has been especially challenging for me, but I have seen the fruit of my efforts, so I will stay at it.)
Say no to processed foods. Processed foods usually cost more and have less nutritional value.
Do not pay for convenience. For example, buy whole carrots instead of pre-cut ones. You will save yourself over a dollar depending on what store you are in.
Focus on the perimeter of the store for most of the items on your list instead of the aisles. The majority of fresh foods are found on the perimeter and more processed foods on the aisles.

Stay tuned for more dollar stretching tips and please share some of your own.

Share and Enjoy: