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Cooking and Budget Shopping

Tips for Effective Shopping and Cooking on a Budget

Being on a budget makes many people, from college students to employed professionals, adopt various measures to utilize their money effectively. According to the USDA:

  • The average monthly cost of food at home, as of July 2020, for a family of four under a low-cost plan is $891.10.
  • The family would typically comprise of two adults between 19 to 50 years of age and two children between six to 11 years of age.
  • Over a 30-day month, this would represent a daily expense of $29.70.

Here are some tips to help you shop for food and cook at home on a budget:

  • Plan your meals.
  • Stock your kitchen with essential food items.
  • Make your purchases in bulk.
  • Consider using coupons.
  • Clean out your kitchen regularly.

You do not need to consume unhealthy food just because you’re on a budget. By making small changes to your habits and lifestyle, you could prepare considerably healthier and tastier meals at home, without spending a dollar more than you would need to at any fast-food restaurant. When you need to adhere to a budget, ensure that you refine your shopping habits along with the way you manage the food in your kitchen. This would go a long way toward keeping you physically and fiscally fit.

Learn to eat healthy on a budget! Here are some tips for making healthy eating more affordable. Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank. You can eat healthy food that's affordable. The key is to hone in on strategic budget-friendly picks, make sure you're stocked with the right kitchen staples and take steps to minimize food waste. With a little practice, you'll learn healthy eating on a budget is possible.

If you are interested in learning more about how to shop and cook on a budget, click here: https://illinoistreasurer.enrich.org/articles/eating-out-and-cooking-on-a-budget

Useful links:

  1. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/shopping-on-a-budget-infographic
  2. https://cvshealth.com/sites/default/files/aetna-covid-19-holiday-shopping-on-a-budget.pdf
  3. https://populationhealth.humana.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/GCHKVE7EN-Food-Insecurity-Flyer-Medicare.pdf