Many people feel that they do not have the money to eat as healthfully as they would like to. Although it is true that California seasonal produce (or produce in other states), organic foods, and other healthy items can be costly, there are ways to save money on healthful items. If you take the time to shop thoughtfully, you can certainly save and eat well. Here are some tips for doing so.
1. Buy local, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Sometimes this can be more expensive, but sometimes it can definitely be less. When food is shipped from far away places, it has to be stored and transported. This is not only bad for the environment, it can also be costly for the store. Therefore, out-of-season items shipped from far away sometimes cost more than local ones.
2. Compare prices at different stores. While one store may charge less for dry goods, another may charge less for fruits and vegetables. When you learn the stores with the best prices on individual items, you can maximize your savings. This can take extra time, but it gets easier as you learn to build the trips into your schedule, and it can certainly be worthwhile.
3. Buy from wholesale markets. Because these markets get their products directly from the source, they pay less in overhead costs such as shipping. Therefore, they can charge their customers less. In addition, you can be sure that your food has been handled by fewer people than the food at larger chain stores.
4. Frequent farmers' markets. This is a great way to buy local food that is in season. This food is even closer to its source than food from wholesale markets. The sellers are often the farmers themselves. With this type of direct commerce, you can often get local food of much higher quality for a better price than you pay at the grocery store.
5. Take advantage of food assistance. If you have a large family, or have fallen on hard times and have little to no income, do not be embarrassed to apply for food assistance. This program can be a great way to stay on your feet when times are rough. In many states, food stamps can be used at farmers' markets for double the amount that they would be worth in regular grocery stores. In this case, you are saving extra money and getting healthier, more environmentally-sound food, and the farmers are benefiting as well.
6. Buy food on special. Sometimes the specials for the week are random or due to overstock. Often, fruits and vegetables that are older or slightly damaged will be sold for a fraction of the regular cost. Always peruse these options, especially if you are planning to make a stir-fry or a soup. Veggies that are slightly wilted or bruised are find for cooking, and you can often save a lot by using them.
These ideas can help you to save money while still eating a healthful diet. Even on a budget, you can buy California seasonal produce, organic fruits and vegetables, and other healthful foods. You can also stock up when you find an especially good deal, and preserve the fruits and veggies for later by canning or freezing them.
1. Buy local, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Sometimes this can be more expensive, but sometimes it can definitely be less. When food is shipped from far away places, it has to be stored and transported. This is not only bad for the environment, it can also be costly for the store. Therefore, out-of-season items shipped from far away sometimes cost more than local ones.
2. Compare prices at different stores. While one store may charge less for dry goods, another may charge less for fruits and vegetables. When you learn the stores with the best prices on individual items, you can maximize your savings. This can take extra time, but it gets easier as you learn to build the trips into your schedule, and it can certainly be worthwhile.
3. Buy from wholesale markets. Because these markets get their products directly from the source, they pay less in overhead costs such as shipping. Therefore, they can charge their customers less. In addition, you can be sure that your food has been handled by fewer people than the food at larger chain stores.
4. Frequent farmers' markets. This is a great way to buy local food that is in season. This food is even closer to its source than food from wholesale markets. The sellers are often the farmers themselves. With this type of direct commerce, you can often get local food of much higher quality for a better price than you pay at the grocery store.
5. Take advantage of food assistance. If you have a large family, or have fallen on hard times and have little to no income, do not be embarrassed to apply for food assistance. This program can be a great way to stay on your feet when times are rough. In many states, food stamps can be used at farmers' markets for double the amount that they would be worth in regular grocery stores. In this case, you are saving extra money and getting healthier, more environmentally-sound food, and the farmers are benefiting as well.
6. Buy food on special. Sometimes the specials for the week are random or due to overstock. Often, fruits and vegetables that are older or slightly damaged will be sold for a fraction of the regular cost. Always peruse these options, especially if you are planning to make a stir-fry or a soup. Veggies that are slightly wilted or bruised are find for cooking, and you can often save a lot by using them.
These ideas can help you to save money while still eating a healthful diet. Even on a budget, you can buy California seasonal produce, organic fruits and vegetables, and other healthful foods. You can also stock up when you find an especially good deal, and preserve the fruits and veggies for later by canning or freezing them.
About the Author:
If you are in search of a great source for California seasonal produce come to Sam & Ash Farms. For more details on our all natural spices and teas, go to http://samashfarms.com right now.
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