Spending on food can represent as much as one-third of a household budget.  Despite careful shopping many consumers are able to reduce this expenditure since they want to buy organic, eat a lot of produce, and buy high quality ingredients for cooking at home.

For better shopping (and healthier eating), especially with the possibility of higher food costs in the future (due to rising oil prices, drought, and massive food shortages), consider these suggestions:

• reduce the variety of foods eaten; focus on 20 items or less
• limit portions
• buy seasonal produce
• find substitutes for foods with the largest price increases
• simplify your meal planning
• reduce use of expensive herbs, spices, and other seasonings
• avoid caffeine, alcohol, over-processed foods, fad-diet foods, and pricey meats

For additional information on creating a low-cost food plan go to:

http://20somethingfinance.com/low-cost-food-plan/

Teaching Suggestions

• Have students interview some friends and family members about their food buying activities.
• Have students create a video presentation with wise food buying strategies.

Discussion Questions 

1. What are short-term and long-term benefits (financial and others) of wise food buying and eating healthier?
2. What are some wise food buying techniques that may be commonly overlooked?