What's the Beef?

Shopping for Healthy Foods on a Limited Budget

Today’s rising food costs are causing a shift in the purchasing occurring a grocery stores. The rise can be caused by high gasoline prices, viral outbreaks, rising exports, and weather patterns. Recent rises in food prices are estimated to increase even more in the next year. According to the USDA economic research service, the cost of food at supermarkets is expected to rise 0.5-1.5%.The general population often associates healthy eating with high costs. This can make it difficult, especially for finically struggling adults, to provide nutritionally adequate meals. A question for allied healthcare professionals passionate about healthy eating would be; does it cost more to eat healthy? According to a study conducted by the USDA in 2013, healthful foods are not more expensive than less healthful foods. In all instances, grains and diary cost less than the comparative food items. The study looked at grains, protein, diary, fruit, vegetables, and “moderation items” (products high in sodium, added sugar, or saturated fats).The study looked at price for average portion, price per calorie, price per weight, and cost associated with meeting the recommended daily intake. Grocery shopping on a budget often feels like a daunting task. This can become an easier task when simple preparation steps are taken. Planning meals out ahead of time, using sale flyers, and organizing recipes for the week with similar ingredients can help. A shopping list can help reduce the amount of money grocery shoppers are spending. It helps keep consumers focused on what they need by reducing impulse buys. This can help keep total costs down. Grocery lists can be hand written or done on mobile apps. Generic brands are often cheaper than name brands. Often store-brands are 25% to 30% less than their name-brand equivalents. Even swapping a few items for generic brands can help shave off extra costs. Shopping at bulk resellers such as Costco or Sam’s can help cut costs in the long run. Usually, bulk items costs less per item. This can be beneficial for large families. Even smaller families can cut costs by buying things like toilet paper or paper towels in bulk. These items will not expire before they get used! One last way to help reduce food costs is to buy in season. Utilize local farmers markets, they are often cheaper than grocery stores, and you will be stimulating your local economy. Shopping for healthy food choices on a budget is not always easy. Food costs are on the rise along with the rate of obesity. By using these several tips, shoppers can pick nutritious foods that will not break the bank.

TR

Reference:

July 2017 Issue

CPE Monthly: Shopping for Healthful Foods on a Budget — Learn About Trends in Food Costs and Consumer Purchasing Behaviors to Help Clients Buy Healthful Foods on a Tight Budget
By Amari Thomsen, MS, RD, LDN
Today's Dietitian
Vol. 19, No. 7, P. 50