FEEDING YOUR FAMILY WITHOUT STARVING YOUR WALLET FOOD

FEEDING YOUR FAMILY WITHOUT STARVING YOUR WALLET

FOOD PRICES ARE INCREASING Bananas Potato chips Chicken Bologna Non-diet soda Dried beans Whole wheat bread Ground beef Eggs % increase since March 2006 Source: Consumer Price Index March 2006 – February 2008

WHY?

WHY ARE FOOD PRICES GOING UP? Rising energy costs Costs more to grow and harvest food Costs more to process food Costs more to transport food across the U. S. Higher demand for food around the world Increased uses of corn Corn is used for fuel, animal feed and human food Other reasons?

FOOD PRICES: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

What determines how much money we spend on food? ü Our income ü Expenses (home, car, credit card bills) ü Personal preference (taste, appearance) ü Need for convenience ü Food prices in the community ü Frequency of eating away from home ü Others?

DETERMINING YOUR FOOD BUDGET Determine the food budget based on current income and bills Set a food budget after examining current food expenses groceries meals and snacks eaten out vending machines/convenience store

CHALLENGE: TRACK YOUR MONTHLY FOOD EXPENSES Keep track of all receipts for a whole month vending machine purchases receipts from eating-out foods and drinks bought at convenience stores

ADD UP YOUR FOOD EXPENSES: HOW MUCH COMES FROM: Eating out? Vending machines? “Junk” foods (chips, cookies, soda, sweets)? Convenience foods? How much are you spending on food each month? Per week?

GOAL: STAY WITHIN OUR FOOD BUDGET Objectives: Plan your meals and snacks in advance. Buy only what you need at the store (list) Make as few trips to the store as possible Resist the temptations of impulse buys Get the most nutrition for your money Reduce food waste

PREPARE YOUR GROCERY LIST VERY CAREFULLY 1. Look at the foods you already have at home; what meals can you prepare? 2. Keep a “short list” 3. Look at the weekly store ads to plan meals and snacks 4. Clip Coupons – but pay close attention to prices & value

PREPARE YOUR GROCERY LIST VERY CAREFULLY 5. Plan your meals and snacks using what you already have + grocery ads 6. Get the whole family involved! 7. Prepare your grocery list 8. Use a hand basket instead of a shopping cart when possible.

SAVE $$ ON MEALS 1. Try to include foods from at least 3 of the major food groups 2. Prepare meals with leftovers and lunches in mind - Make your own T. V. dinners 3. To cut food costs, go meatless at least once a week

SHOP CAREFULLY TO SAVE MONEY Produce section v Choose fresh fruits & vegetables in season v Check the date on bagged produce v Don’t buy damaged produce

SHOP CAREFULLY TO SAVE MONEY Bakery section v Choose breads with intact packages v (no tears or holes). v Check out items reduced for quick sale v Check for signs of mold

SHOP CAREFULLY TO SAVE MONEY Meat Section v Make sure packages are not damaged v Check the prices of meat that is nearing the sell-by date

CHOOSE CONVENIENCE FOODS WISELY Instant Rice $1. 89 for 7 servings $0. 27 per serving Long Grain White Rice $1. 19 for 20 servings $0. 06 per serving

CHOOSE CONVENIENCE FOODS WISELY Instant Oatmeal $2. 50 for 10 servings $0. 25 per serving 1 -Minute Oatmeal $1. 29 for 13 servings $0. 04 per serving

CHECK OUT THE STORE BRANDS National brands are often placed at eye level; store brands are often on the lower shelves.

CHECK OUT THE STORE BRANDS Shopping List 1 gallon 1% milk 15 -oz box raisin bran 1 loaf whole wheat bread 1 pound boiled ham 1 box macaroni & cheese 1 jar spaghetti sauce 1 pound spaghetti Name brand foods cost $21. 73 Store brand foods cost $13. 89

RESIST IMPULSE BUYS Impulse buy: an unplanned purchase What are some common impulse buys at the grocery store? Why? Sticking to your list can help reduce the urge of making an impulse buy!

IMPULSE BUY Front of the store has flower bouquets, magazines, nick-knacks, candy, school supplies, baked goods, fried foods, …. . . The longer you have to stay in line, the more likely you are to purchase something

Impulse buy Seasonal items displayed early.

IMPULSE BUY Offering free samples of food.

IMPULSE BUY In-store bakery with freshbaked bread. Don’t go to the grocery store if you are hungry.

IMPULSE BUY Endcaps - stacks or displays of items found at the ends of the aisles. People may think that the item is on sale

ALTERNATE FOOD SOURCES Dollar stores Thrift stores Home Gardening Farmer’s Markets Wholesale clubs

DOLLAR STORES Can be a source of good food buys But, remember: just because it is $1, doesn’t make it a good buy Check Fruit labels for nutrition information canned in juice or vs. heavy syrup Check the dates Check the sell-by date Check the use-by date And, Check the packages

THRIFT STORES Great source for economical buys on bread, rolls, bagels and other items Items are often nearing the sell-by date so use right away or freeze Check packages to make sure they are intact

HOME GARDENING Can save money Increases fruit & vegetable intake Increases the use of fresh herbs in place of salt, sugar, etc. Provides physical activity & stress release

FARMER’S MARKETS Fresh produce of the season Nutritional value may be higher Support local growers Save $$ by buying directly from the producer

WHOLESALE CLUBS Advantage you can save money on some items Disadvantages bulk items may Learn to freeze not go to waste if not eaten all items are bargain prices storage of bulk items may be problem

REDUCE FOOD WASTE As much as 25% of our food is wasted. Throwing away food is like throwing away money. Reducing food waste = saving money Selecting foods (especially produce) carefully Planning meals and snacks Learn to freeze

KEEP FOOD SAFE Cheap food is no bargain if you get sick Doctor Store visit, loss time from work or school food safely and properly When in doubt, throw it out

SUMMARY Know your food budget and stick to it Plan meals and snacks in advance Always shop with a list in hand Avoid impulse buys Use convenience foods wisely Consider alternative places to buy food Reduce food waste Keep your food safe

QUESTIONS Edited by: Vincent Mannino County Extension Director Fort Bend