Grocery prices are scary. According to the United States Department of
Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (ERS), food purchased at
grocery stores or supermarkets was 8.4% higher in March of 2023 than
in March 2022.

The ERS says grocery store food prices are expected to grow more
slowly this year, but are still above historical average rates. They
predict that overall food prices will increase another 6.6% in 2023.
Yikes!

With these numbers in mind, it takes some careful shopping to cut grocery costs while still trying to eat healthy. Here are some shopping tips shared by Cooperative Extension’s SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education) programs:

• One of the best ways to stick to a budget is plan meals ahead of time. Then take inventory in your kitchen of the items that are needed for the week or the month.
•  Make a price book. Keep track of the prices of foods you use most often. Note the price at each store where you shop. When a food in your price book is advertised on sale, you will know if it’s a good deal or not. If it is---and you have extra food money---you can stock up. When you know regular prices, you can also quickly spot when a “buy one, get one free” sale is really a good deal---or not.
• Make a list. Why? You’ll spend less time in the store. For every minute in the supermarket, you spend $2.17. Also, if you have a list, you’ll eliminate extra trips to the store for items you’ve forgotten and this will save gas, too. If you’re the type that’s tempted at the grocery store, you may want to consider ordering on-line and have someone else shop for you.
•  Where you shop can may cost you money. Bulk food store may not always be a good choice. You may be tempted to buy foods you don’t need and can’t store properly. Also, large food packages make it too easy to eat larger portions.
• Clip coupons for foods you use most often. Most coupons are for name brands, and you may find less-expensive store brands. Coupons for basic ingredients such as vegetables, fruits and dairy products are not common. Also, check weekly store ads for sales, coupons and specials that will cut food costs. Don’t forget that many stores now have on-line offers. If your grocery store has a membership card, sign up for even more savings.
• Avoid spending traps. Only go down aisles that have food that is on your list. Learn the store layout so you can find food quickly. Basic foods are around the edges of the store. Look at the high and low shelves for bargains and healthier choices. More-costly and less-healthy food are usually places at eye level.
•  When purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables, buy those that are in-season. This produce typically has more flavor, is fresher and usually costs less. For foods not in-season, canned or frozen vegetables can offer costs savings. For canned items, choose fruit canned in 100 percent fruit juice and vegetables with “low sodium” or “no salt added” on the label.
• Buy vegetables and fruits in their simplest form. Pre-cut, pre- washed, ready-to-eat and processed foods may be more convenient, but they often cost much more than fruits and vegetables that are purchased in their most basic forms.                         Whole vegetables and salad greens are usually less expensive and stay fresh longer than cut-up vegetables and salad mixes.

Here in Brunswick County, the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service offers educational classes to assist families that receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. These programs focus on good nutrition, cooking, stretching food dollars and being physically active. For details on classes near you contact Angie Lawrence at our office in Bolivia.

Reference: SNAP-ED Connections and Food
Price Outlook, 2023

Syracuse is a Family and Consumer Science team member and can be
reached at N.C. Cooperative Extension, Brunswick County Center 910-253-
2610 or by email at Cheryle_Syracuse@ncsu.edu