Money Monday – Save Major Money on Food

Here we go for our first ‘Money Monday’ segment…Enjoy!

1. Pay attention to the seasons. To save money, buy produce in season. Have you ever seen how much a wintertime basket of berries costs? Ouch. Off-season produce usually requires much more energy and resources to produce and transport, and it often retains less nutritional value too. If you buy in-season produce only, you can skim $250 or more off your yearly grocery bill.  

2. If you can’t afford fresh, try frozen or canned. It is usually cheaper to buy frozen or canned fruits and veggies rather than fresh produce at the chain markets.  This depends on the region you live in, so check first.  When it comes to nutritional value, fresh is best, but frozen is a close second.  Canned is fine too, if price is an issue; just make sure you’re always getting organic, and not a lot of added sugar or sodium. Depending on where you live, if you buy frozen or canned, you can save $200 a year and up on your grocery bill.  

3. Support your local farmer. Take advantage of your local farms, farmers markets, co-ops and CSAs.  They are cheaper for many reasons and the money you spend stays in your community – maybe even to a farming neighbor! Remember, costs to the consumer are much lower when you buy from local farmers – so you will reap financial and health benefits (as well as the benefit of supporting your community). Depending on where you live, you can save $300 a year and up by buying local produce. 

4. Grow your own garden…and your bank account! If you make time and room in your yard for a garden you will reap huge financial benefits. An average garden can supply a family of four with at least half of your fruit and veggie needs – all for the cost of a few seed packets or small plants, a bit of watering and some TLC. Conservative estimates for money saved on growing your own produce range from the $750 range…and up. 

Excerpt in part from  We Can (All) Live Green: Simple Steps to Save Money, Stay Healthy and Support the Planet.

Dedicated to Healthy and Thrifty Living –

We Can Live Green