We know times are tough for folks living paycheck to paycheck. It always seems like there’s more month than money, and no matter how hard you try to scrimp and save, costs continue to rise.
To complicate things even more, changes to Louisiana’s SNAP regulations are also shaking up shoppers’ eating habits and budgets.
Of course, one of the best ways to save at the grocery store is to create a budget and stick to it, but we’ve compiled a list of tips to stretch your dollar even further, whether you’re on SNAP or not.
5 Easy, Detailed Tips for Saving Money on Groceries
- Check the Price Per Unit
Don’t be fooled by flashy sale tags. Learn to look at the unit price – usually listed on the shelf tag below the item – to find the best deal. A larger size isn’t always cheaper, so compare apples to apples before adding to your cart.
- Shop the Perimeter First
Fresh foods like produce, dairy, and meat are found around the outer edges of most grocery stores, and they tend to offer better nutritional value for your dollar. Center aisles often feature pricier packaged items you may not need. Take a virtual grocery store here to learn more.
- Time Your Shopping Trips
Grocery stores often mark down items nearing their expiration date early in the day or late at night. Look for manager’s specials or discount racks for deals on meat, dairy, and bakery items you can freeze or use quickly. Do you know the best day of the week to go shopping?
- Use a Calculator While You Shop
Use your phone’s calculator or a shopping list app with a budgeting tool to add prices as you go. This helps avoid surprise totals at checkout and keeps your spending on track. And don’t forget to see if your favorite store has an app. You can make lists, see totals, etc. Some apps even let you scan items in the store to tally up along the way.
- Join Store Loyalty Programs & Use Digital Coupons
Many grocery stores offer free loyalty programs with access to exclusive discounts. Download the store’s app or check its website before your trip to clip digital coupons on items you already plan to buy. Remember, don’t let deals tempt you into spending more.
5 Tips for Buying Healthy, Convenient Groceries with SNAP Benefits
- Follow SNAP Budget-Friendly Recipes
Tools like USDA’s MyPlate or the SNAP-Ed Recipes offer healthy, low-cost recipes tailored to your benefits. They make meal planning and budgeting easier.
- Use the Matching SNAP Programs
Search online to see which local farmers’ markets and participating stores offer matching dollars for fruits and vegetables purchased with SNAP. Get more produce for your money. If you don’t know if your favorite store participates in the program, ASK!
- Look for Quick, Whole-Food Snacks and Drinks
SNAP covers many healthy, ready-to-eat options like low-fat yogurt, string cheese, whole grain crackers, apples, juices, teas, and sparkling waters – great for kids and busy families. Check out these back-to-school SNAP snack tips that are good for eaters of all ages.
- Buy Frozen Fruits and Veggies Instead of Fresh
Frozen produce costs less, doesn’t spoil quickly, and is often just as nutritious. Look for bags of broccoli, spinach, berries, and mixed vegetables. They’re perfect for quick meals and smoothies.
- Build a Balanced Pantry
Keep SNAP-friendly staples like brown rice, whole grain pasta, beans, eggs, peanut butter, and tuna on hand. They’re versatile and filling. And don’t forget to freeze an extra loaf of bread during hurricane season so the PB&J sandwiches are readily on hand.
Want to learn more about how to keep your finances straight? Visit one of United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Prosperity Centers to talk to a financial capability expert today and follow our financial capability events online through our Facebook page.
United Way believes everyone deserves the opportunity to earn a living that can sustain a family and build security for future generations. That’s why we’re helping hard-working families make ends meet while connecting them with the education, financial tools, and job training opportunities to empower them to create a better, more sustainable future for themselves and their loved ones.
United is the Way we all can thrive.
Want to help more families access our proven Prosperity Centers? Give today.