Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half! with Stephanie Nelson, The Coupon Mom

One of the challenges we all have is figuring out how to eat healthy foods while trying to save money. Fruits and vegetables are healthy, but can be so expensive. This week I saw fresh strawberries for $8 a pound! Don’t get discouraged–there are some ways to save money on fruits and vegetables:

1. Buy seasonal produce: Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often less expensive and fresher than those that are out of season. Look for produce that is in season in your area and incorporate it into your meals. Find out what is in season in your neck of the woods with this Farmer’s Almanac guide.
   
2. Shop at farmer’s markets: Farmer’s markets can offer great deals on fresh produce. You can often find fruits and vegetables at lower prices than at grocery stores, especially if you buy in bulk. Plus, going to a farmer’s market is a fun outing.
   
3. Buy in bulk: Purchasing fruits and vegetables in bulk can save you money. Look for deals on large quantities and freeze any produce you don’t use immediately. You can thaw vegetables later to use in soups, casseroles or stews. I freeze bananas and berries to use in smoothies or oatmeal as a natural sweetener.
   
4. Use coupons and discounts: Check your local grocery store’s weekly ads and online coupons for discounts on produce. Some stores also offer loyalty programs that can help you save money. Be sure to download your stores’ apps to get easy digital coupons for produce bargains. Find the best produce deals for your store using your CouponMom.com Deals Lists.
   
5. Grow your own produce: Consider growing your own fruits and vegetables if you have the space and resources. This can be a cost-effective way to enjoy fresh produce, and it can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Find easy techniques for container gardening and enjoy fresh produce for pennies.
   
6. Choose frozen fruits and vegetables: While fresh produce is ideal, frozen fruits and vegetables can be a good alternative, especially when they are out of season. They are often less expensive than fresh produce and can be just as nutritious.
   
7. Compare prices for produce at different stores. Yes, there can be a wide range of prices on common produce items so it’s worth comparing. In many cases, you can compare prices using the stores’ websites so you don’t have to spend much time or gas driving around to different stores.
   
8. Plan your produce purchases to avoid wasting food. Americans waste up to 40% of their grocery dollar by allowing perishable foods to go bad before using them, or by throwing away unused leftovers. It’s worth taking a little time each week to think about your meals and snacks for the week to determine the right amount to buy. That simple strategy will save you hundreds of dollars a year–to do something more worthwhile than adding to our landfills!

By following these tips, you can save money on fruits and vegetables without sacrificing the quality of your meals or compromising on your health.