When the money gets tight, it is important to know what resources your family has and be creative using them. Resources include assets such as: time, money, energy, knowledge and skills.
When money is plentiful people don’t pay much attention to what they put in their grocery carts and it is easier to eat healthy.
When money is tight, spending less at the store often means taking the time and effort to plan menus, review grocery ads for specials and cook more at home.
Everyone wants to save money when they shop. The best way to save money is to plan ahead. When you plan before you shop you can save money and get the foods your family needs for good health.
Before you shop:
- Think about some of the meals you will make.
- Look at what you have on hand.
- Write a list of what you need to buy.
According to the University of New Hampshire, the four rules of effective food shopping can save 15% at the grocery store:
If your family usually spends $500 a month on groceries that would mean you could save $75 a month. Saving that much would require that someone in your household puts more time and skill into planning and comparing prices.
Spend Smart Strategy - Put nutrition at the top of your 
shopping list
Choosing more nutritious foods over less nutritious ones gives you more value for your dollar: