Key To Grocery Savings: Make A Budget

Looking to save on your family’s Easter Dinner?

UT Extension offers advice to save money on your family’s grocery budget in the face of rising costs. Family and Consumer Science Agent Paula May said the first thing you have to do to save money is to have a budget.

“Then we need to know what we have in our refrigerators and our pantries,” May said. “What can we use that week? What can we put together and not have to go to the grocery store?”

May said if you do have to go to the grocery store, you need to plan for meals using what you have on hand so that you have less to buy.  May said a a good way to plan your purchases is to look at sale papers and online for what’s on sale from the grocery stores

“I would check to see what the weekly specials are,” May said. “And then my budget might allow me to purchase more of that special and freeze some of it for later.”

May said you can save money by buying food that is in season.

“It tastes better and it’s cheaper,” May said.

Mays said time savings should be a consideration as well. She said preparing food ahead and freezing for later helps to save time.

“You can purchase a whole lot more groceries for the price that you pay for one meal eating out,” May said. “Paying the food prices at the restaurants you can get a lot more at the grocery store for your money.”

For more information on Family and Consumer Sciences, reach out to your county’s Extension office.