Protect foods after shopping

Go straight home after grocery shopping so perishable foods can be refrigerated or frozen. Warm temperatures are the leading cause of food spoilage, so refrigerate or freeze all perishable foods as soon as you get home. On hot days, take a large cooler in your trunk for cold foods. Likewise, on a cold winter day, fragile produce can freeze if left in the trunk for an extended time.

Protect your purchases

Fragile foods such as eggs, fresh produce and bread should be placed so that they will not be bruised or crushed on the trip home.

Reduce food waste. The average American family throws away 14 percent of their food at home, according to a USDA funded study in 2004. That's almost $600 every year. If leftovers get the “heave ho” because they’re left too long, we’re putting money in the garbage can. Make it a priority to avoid tossing food.

RECIPES

ALL

Corn on the Cob

Tips:

Do not cook more than 4 ears at one time. Each ear takes 3 minutes.

How to get it on SALE--EVERY TIME

Check grocery ads and store websites for sales and coupons.
When you see an item advertised on sale, add it to your shopping list and stock up, making sure to note the brand, package size and cost.

Check and chuck! Check your refrigerator every day, your freezer every week and your pantry at least once a month. Add it to your meal plan before you have to toss it.

When you plan ahead for healthy snacks, you're less likely to reach for the bag of chips when you're hungry.

Ensure a healthy diet!

Include something from each group: fruit, vegetable, protein, bread, and dairy.

Pay attention to prices!

If you know how much something usually costs, you'll know if it is a good deal when it's "on sale."

Plan for double portions

Prepare one portion to cook and serve, and the other to freeze for later.