FEEDING YOUR FAMILY WITHOUT STARVING YOUR WALLET

FOOD PRICES ARE INCREASING

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

BananasPotato chips

ChickenBologna

Non-diet sodaDried beans

Whole wheat breadGround beef

Eggs

Source: Consumer Price Index March 2006 – February 2008

% increase since March 2006

WHY?

WHY ARE FOOD PRICES GOING UP?

Rising energy costsCosts more to grow and harvest foodCosts more to process foodCosts more to transport food across the U.S.

Higher demand for food around the world

Increased uses of cornCorn is used for fuel, animal feed and human

foodOther reasons?

FOOD PRICES: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

What determines how much money we spend on food?

Our income

Expenses (home, car, credit card bills)

Personal preference (taste, appearance)

Need for convenience

Food prices in the community

Frequency of eating away from home

Others?

DETERMINING YOUR FOOD BUDGET

Determine the food budget based on current income and bills

Set a food budget after examining current food expensesgroceriesmeals and snacks eaten outvending machines/convenience store

CHALLENGE: TRACK YOUR MONTHLY FOOD EXPENSES

Keep track of all receipts for a whole monthvending machine purchasesreceipts from eating-outfoods 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

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.

PREPARE YOUR GROCERY LIST VERY CAREFULLY

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 Choose fresh fruits & vegetables in season Check the date on bagged produce Don’t buy damaged produce

SHOP CAREFULLY TO SAVE MONEY

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

SHOP CAREFULLY TO SAVE MONEY

Meat Section Make sure packages are

not damaged Check the prices of meat that

is nearing the sell-by date

CHOOSE CONVENIENCE FOODS WISELY

Instant Rice

Long GrainWhite Rice

$1.19 for 20 servings$0.06 per serving

$1.89 for 7 servings$0.27 per serving

CHOOSE CONVENIENCE FOODS WISELY

Instant Oatmeal

1-MinuteOatmeal

$1.29 for 13 servings$0.04 per serving

$2.50 for 10 servings$0.25 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 List1 gallon 1% milk15-oz box raisin bran1 loaf whole wheat bread1 pound boiled ham1 box macaroni & cheese1 jar spaghetti sauce1 pound spaghetti

Name brand foods cost $21.73

Store brand foodscost $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 reducethe 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

Seasonal items displayed early.

Impulse buy

IMPULSE BUY

Offering free samples of food.

IMPULSE BUY

In-store bakery with fresh-baked bread.

Don’t go to the grocerystore 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 buysBut, remember: just because it is $1, doesn’t make it a good buy

Check labels for nutrition informationFruit canned in juice or vs. heavy syrup

Check the datesCheck the sell-by dateCheck 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 growersSave $$ by buying

directly from the producer

WHOLESALE CLUBS

Advantage you can save money on some items

Disadvantagesbulk items may go to waste if not eaten

Learn to freeze

not all items are bargain pricesstorage of bulk items may be problem

REDUCE FOOD WASTEAs 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) carefullyPlanning meals and snacksLearn to freeze

KEEP FOOD SAFE

Cheap food is no bargain if you get sick Doctor visit, loss time from work or school

Store 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