Be the frugal and savvy shopper!

                                                               Week 4 ( Save $4 )

ouch!

Have you noticed a significant jump in your grocery bill this month?

The fact is there was a huge rise in the fresh produce aisle. Canada imports over 81% of fresh products from around the world during the winter months.  The weak Canadian dollar is not helping especially when it keeps falling and it does affect and impact to the rising of food costs.


Should consumers be held at the mercy to pay at the inflated prices ?  Certainly NOT!

Are there any another alternatives to stretch that dollar even further? 

The answer is Yes! As consumers, we have the power make a difference and find other alternative to ride through the winter months until summer arrives. With the arrival of summer, we can look forward to availability to larger selection of locally grown produce at cheaper prices. 

Here are some tips how to combat the rising cost to help offset and save on your food bill:

1. Make home cooked meals a priority
2. Eating out will cost more Eat at home
3. Check out Ethnic grocery stores
4. Pack a lunch: money saved from lunches can go towards your grocery bill
5. Pack healthy snacks to avoid fast foods
6. Make a grocery list and avoid impulse items
7. Plan your meals around sales items
8. Buy what is on sale
9. Stock up on sales products
10. Check out flyers and online flyers
11. Clip coupons
12. Price match items
13. Watch scanner most store has a policy: if price item is scanned incorrectly, under 10$, if the sale item does not come up on the scanner: item is free
14. Always affordable:  carrots, potatoes, squashes, tin beans , tuna, salmon and legumes
15. Buy frozen vegetables
16. Buy local and seasonal
17. Grow your own vegetables and freeze for the winter months
18. Not all foods are rising across the board: eggs, milk, cheese
19. Keep your receipts to keep track on how much your spending

To be able to eat healthy does not have to be expensive and the good news is that you will get through this cold long winter.  I hope with the rising prices of food, it motivates you to change your purchasing habits.


                                                        Happy Saving!