It seems this time of year brings forth the anxiousness of re-evaluating our finances and looking to cut costs. For most families, food is one of the highest monthly expenses. How about making a “game plan” before going shopping? Having a “game plan” will help in making fewer trips to the grocery store and buying only the things you need, thus saving you money. Before going shopping, your “game plan” will include planning your meals for a determined amount of time. First, check your cupboards, freezer, and refrigerator and make a note of what you have on hand. Next, make a list of meals that will use the items you have on hand. Begin a shopping list of the items you need to buy. Be sure to check the sales flyer for your grocery store to incorporate the sale items in your meal planning. Try new recipes along with using your family favorites and keep your menu simple. When you get home after shopping, do some of the prep work for your next few meals such as cleaning and cutting vegetables and/or meat. Ask the kids to help or have them assigned to specific responsibilities. Try to keep ahead of your next meal. Consider doubling the amount and then freezing the extras for an easy meal option on your busiest days. Planning and preparing your meals ahead of time will allow for healthier and lower cost meals for you and your family. An interactive tool to help with healthy meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking is available at http://www.whatscooking.fns.usda.gov.
This information was taken from the USDA ChooseMyPlate website. Please visit this site for many more ideas for cost-saving and timesaving healthy meals.
Additional information is available by contacting Janell at the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3036, janellb@montana.edu or in the Chouteau County Courthouse at 1308 Franklin St in Fort Benton.
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Montana State University, US Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
