Stretch Your Food Dollar

Plan ahead and educate yourself to get the most nutrition for your food dollars. Know exactly what you need and be aware of marketing ploys that may encourage you to buy things that aren't on your shopping list.

Keep a shopping list and stick to it. You'll spend less money.

Avoid extra shopping trips. You'll spend less on impulse items.

Check sale ads online or in the newspaper and plan your menus around what's on sale.

Clip or download coupons, but remember coupons aren't always the best buy. Another brand might be cheaper, even without the coupon.

Try not to shop when you're hungry.

Buy seasonal produce. The price will be lower and the produce will be more flavorful.

Stock up on canned and other nonperishable foods when they're on sale.

Buy perishable foods only in amounts that you can consume before they spoil.

Always pay attention at check-out; make sure prices ring up as advertised, especially on sale items.