10 Ways to Ease Your Grocery Bill With Food Prices Rising

With the rising prices of fuel I have noticed a marked rise in food prices.  We are a family of four and healthy eating is a part of our life so I have had to find a few ways to ease the grocery bill. 

1. Go to the Market. Shop at Rochester area farmers markets, and the Rochester Public Market.  You will get fresh and tasty produce at a lower price.
2. Buy what is in season. When buying fresh produce, “in season” fruits and vegetables are typically priced 20-30% lower than out of season ones.
3. Use frozen or canned veggies/fruit. Frozen or canned produce can be as healthy as the fresh stuff and is often a whole lot cheaper. Make sure to buy canned goods packed in water or 100% fruit juice. 
4. Plant a garden to grow your own vegetables. We have not done this in our family, but many of our neighbors have with great success.
5. Plan ahead.  Plan your family meals for a week at a time and try to go to the grocery store once to pick up all the neccessary ingredients.
6. Cut coupons. This does not mean buy items just because you have a coupon or because it’s “on sale”.  If it’s an item your family normally uses and needs, buy it! Then, buy 1 extra to keep in the pantry for the following week.
7. Cook from scratch. Many convience foods are more expensive.
8. Buy generic. We are pretty lucky to have Wegmans in Rochester. Wegmans brand products are often just as good if not better than some brand name products.
9. Do NOT shop hungry.  You tend to buy more snacks and items that are not on your list.
10. Eat at home.  Eating out is far more expensive than eating at home.