Why is Food Waste a Problem?

“It doesn’t matter how cheap you buy something, how discounted an ingredient is, if it ends up in the trash, it is now the most expensive ingredient you bought,” said Andrea Woroch, a consumer savings expert.

Food waste is a significant issue in the United States, with the USDA estimating that 30% to 40% of all food in the country ends up in landfills. This can have serious environmental and financial consequences, making it essential to take steps to reduce food waste in our households.

Simple Steps to Reduce Food Waste

• Plan out your weekly menu: Take a few minutes to plan out your meals for the week, whether it’s lunch for the kids or dinner for the family. This will help you avoid buying unnecessary ingredients and reduce food waste.
• Make a grocery list: Once you have your menu planned, make a list of the ingredients you need. Stick to this list when you’re at the store to avoid impulse purchases.
• Shop the perimeter of the store: Focus on buying produce, meat, and dairy products, which are often less processed and more nutritious. Avoid the center aisles, where processed foods tend to be.

Reducing Food Waste with Fresh Produce

• Buy in season: Produce that’s in season is often cheaper and fresher than out-of-season produce. Take advantage of seasonal options like apples, berries, and green beans.
• Freeze for later: If you buy produce that’s out of season or won’t use before it goes bad, consider freezing it for later. Frozen produce is just as nutritious as fresh and can be used in a variety of dishes.
• Canned produce is a great option: Canned fruits, vegetables, and beans are affordable and can be used in a variety of recipes. Just be mindful of added sugars and salt.

Reducing Food Waste with Store Brands

• Shop store brands: Store-brand products are often significantly cheaper than national brands but can be just as good in quality. Try store-brand cereals, sodas, and taco seasoning.
• Read labels carefully: Make sure to read the labels and compare them to national brands. Look for similar ingredients and prices.
• Check out dollar stores: Dollar stores offer a wide range of store-brand products at affordable prices. Look for the Dollar General brand, which offers a variety of private-label products.

Reducing Food Waste with Bulk Purchases

• Buy in bulk: If you can eat a large quantity of a food item, consider buying it in bulk. Just make sure to use it before it goes bad.
• Consider the per-unit price: When buying in bulk, look at the per-unit price to make sure you’re really saving money. Avoid buying things that will go to waste.
• Use leftovers: Plan meals that use leftover ingredients to reduce food waste. Consider making a salad with leftover chicken or using leftover vegetables in a soup.

Reducing Food Waste with Shopping Deals

• Check for weekly deals: Look for weekly deals and sales at your local grocery store. Compare prices to national brands and look for similar ingredients.
• Use store apps: Many grocery stores offer apps that list weekly deals and discounts. Take advantage of these to save money.
• Look for manager mark downs: Keep an eye out for fresh ingredients that are nearing their expiration dates and are being marked down by up to 70%.

The Bottom Line

Save Money on Groceries by Planning Ahead

1. Plan your meals: Take a few minutes to plan out your meals for the week. This will help you avoid buying unnecessary ingredients and reduce food waste.
2. Make a grocery list: Once you have your meals planned, make a list of the ingredients you need.
3. Shop smart: Compare prices and look for deals on the ingredients you need. Avoid impulse purchases and stick to your list.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you can reduce food waste and save money on groceries. Remember to plan ahead, shop smart, and use leftovers to reduce waste. With a little creativity and planning, you can eat healthier and save money on groceries.