Learning for Better Living: Meal Planning -- Stretching Your Dollar
Brenda J. Procter
Department of Consumer and Family Economics
To make the most of your food dollar, you need to
- Be aware of the foods your family is eating now.
- Know how much you are spending on food.
Plan your meals. Planning meals one week at a time will help you
- Save time, energy and money.
- Get adequate nutrition.
- Avoid last minute shopping.
Here are some tips to help when you shop for food
- Make a shopping list and follow it. Avoid impulse buying.
- Compare stores. Discount food stores and national chains usually offer better prices.
- Shop alone and only once a week.
- To avoid crowds, shop early in the day and early in the week.
- Don't shop when you're hungry.
- If you have the storage space, buy large size packages. Buying larger sizes may save you money.
- Check the unit price label on the shelf to be sure.
Read food labels for ingredients and nutritional information. Compare prices. Know the price of each item before you put it in the basket.
Note
Take time to plan meals, a shopping list and a food
budget.
MP720, new Spetember 1995
