Eating on a Budget

Many of us are aware of how quickly grocery bills can add up. Thankfully, there are resources that can improve the supply of nutritious food that we have in our homes. Listed below are some of the resources that are available to you as well as some ideas on how you might cut down your grocery bill.

Food Access Websites:

·        SNAP or WIC : hungerfreecolorado.org or call 855-855-4626 Available 8am-4:30 PM

·        Nutrition.gov – TOPICS: Food security and Access

·        Denvergov.org — Food Assistance

·        Food Banks of the Rockies (also available as a smart phone app)

·        Food Pantries.org, Metro Caring.org, Project angel Heart.org

·        Children: National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program

·        Seniors: Nutrition Programs for Seniors, Meals on Wheels

TIPS- Food Shopping on a Budget:

1)     Make a grocery list before you shop

2)     Find the deals- locate the lowest “unit price” next to the price of a product

3)     Buy food in bulk and in season

4)     Wash and cut all produce immediately after purchasing to avoid waste

5)     Cut veggies and fruits yourself rather than buying precut

6)     ChooseMyPlate.gov/Budget – website for more budget-friendly grocery shopping tips

7)     Shop Simple MyPlate (smart phone app is also available) for budgeting and recipe ideas

8) Start a garden! Although this is not available to everyone, planting your own fruits and vegetables is very cost effective and typically only costs a few dollars if planting from seeds

Sample Budget Friendly grocery list: 

Veggies- Frozen Mixed Veggies, Spinach, Lettuce, Baby Carrots, Cucumbers, Zucchini, Cabbage, Celery, Canned Veggies

Fruit- Apples, Tomatoes, Bananas, Fruits in Season, Canned Fruit (with no added sugar)

Grains- Brown Rice, Rolled Oats, Bread, Pasta, Tortillas, Crackers (all should be whole grain)

Dairy- Low Fat Cottage Cheese, Greek Yogurt, Cheese Stick

Protein- Canned or dried beans/lentils to cook yourself, Canned Tuna or Chicken, Peanut Butter, Mixed Nuts (sometimes in the sale section), Frozen Meat(turkey, fish, chicken) Reduced Sodium Deli Meat, Tofu, Canned Soups with Meat or beans

Healthy Fats- Fish, Canola Oil, Sunflower seeds, Ground Flax Seed