Five Ways Keep Grocery Costs Down

Perhaps I’m working myself into a tizzy with the lack of rain California has had, but considering California produces one-third of the produce for the nation, I’m a little worried about rising grocery prices. All over the news, farmers are lamenting about how they don’t have enough water to keep their crops at full production and most have already scaled back their growing season. This past weekend I drove north and saw dust bowls where farms use to stand with my very own eyes.

This means…..dum, dum, dum…..higher food costs!

Preparing for the future of higher food costs, here are five strategies to save money:

1. Cut back on meats. The alfalpha that is used in cattle feed has been severely reduced in California. Many farmers are selling large portions of their herds or thinking about it. Instead of paying through the nose for meat products, cut back to eating meat once or twice a week.
2. Shop at a local farmer’s market. Want fresh, locally grown produce? A farmer’s market is a great way to get exactly what you need at modest prices.
3. Don’t forget your local dollar store. This may not apply in all areas, but in California many 99-cent stores sell groceries, including fresh produce. Grab a few key items for only a buck.
4. Stock up and freeze items on sale. Plenty of veggies and some fruits can be frozen either just as they are, or cut and cooked.
5. Plan your meals ahead of time. Going to the store with a meal plan reduces the over all cost of groceries and keeps you from buying things you won’t use.

Obviously, another option is to grow your own food and keep some chickens handy. However, this isn’t an option for everyone. I also don’t have a great plan for saving money on dairy items, especially milk which is expected to see higher prices very soon. Unless you’re willing to switch to soy milk, which is more expensive, all I can recommend is cutting back a bit on consumption.

How do you keep grocery prices down? If they go sky rocketing, what items might you cut out?