Shopping for healthier food options can be a challenge these days, with the abundance of choices available at the grocery store. To maintain a healthy diet and save money, it's important to plan ahead and have knowledge of the best foods and sales. Here are some tips from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for your next grocery shopping trip, to help you make the most out of your time and money.
Before you go shopping, make sure you know how much money you have to spend on food, including the amount on your EBT card. Also, take inventory of the food you already have at home and plan to use it first. Create a shopping list based on your budget, and check prices on the website of your local grocery store. Only buy foods that you can eat before they spoil, and consider purchasing frozen, canned, or shelf-stable foods that will last longer than perishable items. If you decide to buy bulk or large packages of food, make sure you have the time to divide, package, and freeze them.
Before you start shopping, plan your meals and snacks for the week. This will help you choose items more carefully and keep track of leftovers. Look online for coupons, sales, and store specials to get the best value for your money. Sign up for store discount cards or bonus cards, if available, and if you are comfortable providing any information that might be requested.
When you are at the store, try not to shop while you're hungry. Make sure you eat before heading out so that you can more easily stick to your shopping list. Try store brands as they are usually the same quality but cost less. Compare products to find the best deal, and always check the "use by" and "sell by" dates to buy the freshest item possible.
When you get home, store your fresh food in the freezer or refrigerator right away. If you buy a large amount of fresh food, such as meat, poultry, or fish, divide it into smaller portions and freeze them. Remember to label the foods with the purchase date, and always use food with the earliest expiration date first.
