One of the toughest challenges that many of us face is learning how to save money. That’s especially true as prices for some of our most basic needs — such as
food and transportation — continue to go up. Although setting aside a portion of our income every month is an attractive idea, many of us find it really hard to develop
and stick with a budget that allows us to save for our future.

That’s why we’re starting a series of articles that will examine ways to save money through simple changes. This month, we’ve focused on one of the items that can quickly eat up our budget if we’re not careful: food.

Before shopping:
• Eat a snack to help you avoid buying more than you need.
• Make a list of meals for the coming week. Write a grocery list and stick to it.
• Review store ads and clip coupons, including online at sites like www.coolsavings. com and www.wow-coupons.com.
• Try taking the bus or carpooling with a neighbor.

While shopping:
• Try store generics versus name brands. The more costly name brands often are placed at eye level. Generics that might be less expensive and just as good often are higher or lower on shelves.
• Look for the unit price to compare similar foods. It lists the cost per ounce or pound, so you’ll know which is the best buy.
• Buy in-season fruits and vegetables, which are fresher and less expensive.
• Purchase canned and frozen fruits and vegetables. They’re healthy, too, and last longer.
• Buy dried beans, pastas and rice to extend meat dishes.
• Buy milk in large containers that cost less. Dry milk is the least expensive option.
• Buy a whole chicken, and cut it into pieces at home instead of buying pre-cut pieces.
• Stock up on non-perishable sale items that you’ll use.
• Consider snacks using vegetables and fruits, rather than buying less healthy and more expensive processed snacks.

The White Center Food Bank recommends that:
• If you go to a food bank, be sure to keep your eye out for the items that are most expensive at a grocery store. For example, rather than stocking up on macaroni and cheese — which often costs $1 or less at the grocery — look for peanut butter or cereal.
At home:
• Do “batch cooking” when possible. Cook a large amount of spaghetti sauce, divide it into family-size portions and freeze for future meals.
• Use leftovers to cut preparation time and save food dollars. Prepare a roast and freeze half to use later.

The Auburn Food Bank recommends that you:

• Stretch soup by adding a cup of rice to a can of soup.

• Stretch your gravy by adding a half cup of oatmeal to the gravy mix.

• Add a cup of cheese, a half cup of oatmeal or a cup of rice to help stretch your meatloaf recipe.

• Cut fresh zucchini or eggplant into small chunks and add it to a salad.

The North Helpline Food Bank recommends that you:

• Use items such as rice, beans and pasta, which often are more nutritious, last longer than highly processed foods and can stretch meals.

• Consider adding spices to the rice, beans or pasta dish rather than using cheese or tomato sauces that cost more.

The Highline Food Bank recommends that you:

• Use small portions of instant mashed potatoes to stretch almost any meal. You also can use instant mashed potatoes to thicken soups.

• Stretch a pre-packaged meal such as lasagna or Tuna Helper by adding more pasta to the dish or some instant mashed potatoes. Vegetables also can be mixed in to stretch meals and add nutrition.

• Plan meals with the ingredients you already have.

• Drink water instead of juice or soda pop.

• Use less meat. You will save money and eat less fat.

• Make smaller portions so that you don’t overeat. You can always eat more if you’re still hungry.

The White Center Food Bank recommends that you:

• Check to see if you’re eligible for food stamps. You can apply online for food stamps in Washington by going to www1. dshs.wa.gov and clicking on the link that reads “Apply for Services.” You can find out more by calling the Washington State Information Hotline at 1-888-4FoodWA.

• If you’re a woman who is pregnant or has children younger than 5, check to see whether you’re eligible for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program. To find the WIC clinic closest to your home, go online to www.withinreachwa. org/wicsearch or call 800-322-2588.