Eat Well on a Budget

In addition to saving money with an edible home garden, below are a few tips on how to afford good quality food without spending a fortune.

Stick to the store’s perimeter

Packaged foods, which are typically found in the center of the grocery store, can be expensive (and often unhealthy). Stick to the grocery store perimeter, especially the produce area.

Buy whole foods

Value-added products like pre-chopped onions and fruit may be convenient, but their prices are marked up. To cut costs, opt for whole fruits and veggies and chop them at home.

Pick plant-based proteins

Beans and legumes are nutritional powerhouses high in minerals and fiber. They’re also inexpensive, and have a long shelf life.

Shop for local, seasonal produce

Buying locally is a great way to offset the cost of organic foods. In-season produce is often featured in the center of the produce section, and it’s often abundant, which means it costs less. Typically, it also has to travel less distance, which makes it not only cost-effective, but more energy efficient as well.

Prioritize the Dirty Dozen

Organic produce typically costs more, so choosing organic when it matters most is a good way to prioritize and to save money. Foods on the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list contain the most pesticides. Foods on their Clean Fifteen list contain the fewest pesticides, so you can opt for conventional versions of these if cost is a factor. Keep an updated version of the lists for reference if it’s helpful.

Buy in bulk

Dry goods in the bulk food section tend to cost less than the same amount of the same packaged food. Rather than paying for the package, opt to buy foods like rice, quinoa, nuts, seeds, and spices from the bulk foods section. Consider bringing your own containers for an even more sustainable option.