The cost of groceries is going up right along with the cost of fuel for the car. This makes it even more challenging to feed a family without having to dip into our savings accounts just to buy groceries.

One way to save is to reassess what you normally purchase to see if there is anything that can be reduced or eliminated. I find that reducing the amount of meat I purchase helps a lot on my grocery budget. Buying more in-season fresh vegetables and fruits, more grains, and learning to cook in more frugal ways will save a lot. These are the foods that bring appetite satisfaction more than meat anyway. Loading the plate with vegetables and grains, with just a smidgen of meat or none at all, will give you a filling, hearty, healthful meal that also saves you some money.

Utilizing leftovers is another way to save. If you have only a spoonful or so of a vegetable left, put it into a container in the freezer, It only has to be a quart container. When it’s full, add some chopped onion and tomato juice and you have an economical and healthful soup to serve your family. And, you can feel good about it knowing that you’ve helped to reduce your grocery bill through this very simple measure.

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