Look for bruised, yet usable, produce to request a discount.
Families of all sizes could effectively slash their grocery budget by making a few changes to their shopping habits. The cost of food is generally on the rise, and eating healthy -- whether you go for fresh fruits and veggies, preservative-free options or organic foods -- is even more expensive. Identify ways in which you can trim the fat from your grocery budget without adding significant time to the chore of shopping in order to see the best use of your funds. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Find a local bumps and dents store. This is a store where the damaged goods go when they are not suitable for the retail grocery stores. It doesn't matter to many people that a can has a tear on its label or that a package of crackers is nearing its expiration date, especially when they are paying pennies for the deal.
2. Save your money, and instead of paying the premium price for a local store, take the trip once a month to drive the distance to a discount outlet. Make a list of what you need and don't be tempted to buy junk food that will waste your money. Buy their frozen products and look for discounts on breads, juices, ice cream and meats.
3. Map out your trip and stop at vegetable stands to pick up fresh vegetables and fruits. Don't be ashamed to ask for their bruised produce. You can easily wash and prep it when you get home, and they sell it for next to nothing.
4. Shop for dairy products at a dairy outlet. You will have to do a little homework to find one with good prices, but many times if you drive to areas that are less economically advantaged, you will find better prices.
5. Plant seeds as often as you can from the produce you buy. Watermelon will grow quickly from seeds you spit out. Buy a bag of dry beans and plant a couple of dozen along your fence. Pop a few cherry tomatoes in a patio pot and cover it with soil and soon you will have a thriving tomato plant. Use the growing season to your advantage. One cucumber plant will give you scores of cucumbers and a little mint will grow into a crazy amount of edible greens.
6. Buy frozen meats when they go on particularly low-cost sales. Turkey is often sold for under 50 cents a pound around Thanksgiving, brisket is discounted around Easter and sausage around July 4. Wait for the sales, buy extra and throw them into your deep freezer.
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