Mercyworks Food Pantry

How many of us head to the grocery store, hungry and without a list?  We grab those extra bags of chips, cookies, pizzas and candy-bars at checkout, and before we know it we have spent well over our grocery budget!  I know I have been guilty of this and my checkbook pays the consequences in the end!

Planning our weekly or monthly grocery trip ahead of time, can and will save us time and money.  This week at Mercyworks Food Pantry, we discussed “Saving Money: It’s Part of the Plan” and “Eating Right When Money is Tight and Eating on a Budget.”  There are simple ways that we can save money and eat right!  Plan, Purchase and Prepare.  Using these 3 simple steps can help you save money and stick to your budget!

  1. Plan ahead of time! Plan meals and snacks for the week according to your budget.  Make a grocery list and check for coupons sales on the items on your list.
  2. Purchase groceries when you are not hungry and rushed! When we head to the store hungry, we will end up spending more money. Stick to your list and if possible purchase store brand items if it is cheaper.
  3. Prepare food ahead of time. Pre-cook meals ahead of time and freeze on days you have extra time.  When a busy schedule gets in your way, pull these items out, heat and enjoy!  Be creative with your meals, no meat meals, and incorporate your fruits and veggies into these meals.

Eating healthy on a budget, can be difficult, but with some preparation and planning it can be done.  To celebrate the completion of our 6 week class, we enjoyed delicious Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Muffins!

We are thankful for partnership between Mercyworks Food Pantry and OSU Extension and look forward to more classes to come!  If you are interested in any of the programs we offer, please contact us at 513-732-7070 or email Becky at fiscus.22@osu.edu

 

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