Tips to spend less while feeding your family

Before you shop

Plan meals and snacks for the week:Check your cupboards, refrigerator and freezer.

• Plan meals to use food items you have before they spoil.
• Check for local store sales and coupons.
• After planning make a list of what you need to buy.

Try planning meals without meat one or two days a week. Beans, lentils eggs, peanut butter, or tofu can be used in place of meat and can cost less.

At the store

• Store brand foods most often cost less than name brand foods.
• Try to buy extra canned and dry goods you use often whenever they go on sale. 

• For fresh foods, only buy the amounts you can eat before it spoils.

- Whole fruits and vegetables often cost less than pre-chopped. 
- Plain meats often cost less than pre-seasoned meats.

• Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are sometimes cheaper and will last longer than fresh produce. 

- Look for vegetables with no added salt or low salt. 
- Choose fruits canned in light syrup or 100% juice. 

• Compare the per unit price to find the cheapest option.

- Single serving packages usually cost more. Try to find bulk or multi-serving options.
- Learn more here: www.reallifegoodfood.umn.edu/shop-smart/unit-pricing 

After you shop

• Freeze extra meat in smaller packages to use later.
• Use fresh items first before they spoil.
  - Try storing them in the front of your refrigerator. This will help you see them.
• Replace half the meat or poultry in recipes with beans or lentils.
• Use leftovers for a second meal or freeze them for later.

For budget friendly food tips and recipe ideas, check these websites:

• Food Hero: www.foodhero.org
• Children’s Wisconsin: search “Mission Healthy Kids” at www.childrenswi.org 
• Wisconsin Farmers Markets: www.wifarmersmarkets.org
• - You can sometimes use WIC, Food Share, or SNAP Benefits
• Online cookbook: “Good and Cheap” by Leanne Brown www.cookbooks.leannebrown.com