By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern
With prices increasing on almost everything these days, many of us are looking for ways to cut back on our spending, including at the grocery store. While it is great to get creative and reduce the amount of money that we spend on the products we need in our daily lives, it is important to not compromise quality, especially when it comes to food. 
Often, fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats may appear the most expensive at the grocery store, while highly processed, unhealthy pre-packaged foods seem cheaper. But, if you break out by the “unit” price, the value you’re getting in the basic items is much better than the processed items. Sometimes, you’re purchasing mostly packaging. Take cereal for example, you may even be purchasing a bunch of air when you open the box and see how much actual cereal you’re getting.
As we all know, maintaining a healthy, nutrient-rich diet is crucial to our overall health and well-being. So, here are some tips on how to stretch your dollar at the grocery store so that you can still buy good, high-quality foods to feed your family!
Watch for ads and coupons
Store ads and coupons are a great way to save a little extra money on the products that you regularly buy. While it may seem like a very small amount of money, it all adds up over time!
Freeze extras
When foods are on sale, buy a little extra and throw it in the freezer! Especially if it is foods that you regularly use. That way you don’t have to pay a higher price next time you need more of that product!
Buy canned or frozen fruits and veggies
Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are actually just as nutritious if not more than their fresh counterparts! This is because they are preserved sooner after they are harvested.
Plan Your Weekly Meals
A plan on what you’ll cook during the week helps you focus. You can purchase one meat item, for example, and use the leftovers for reheating or making sandwiches the next day. When you plan your menu around the weekly circulars that come in the mail, then you’re maximizing savings.
Just because you have to watch your spending doesn’t mean that you have to scrimp on the foods that you buy! Try out some of these creative tips to make your dollar go farther!
For more articles, check out the Fill Your Plate blog!