Grocery costs can add up. But there are lots of little things you can do to save money while still making healthy meals that your family will love.

Before You Shop. Plan your meals and how you’ll use leftovers. Planning and cooking meals is much easier if your pantry is stocked well. Keep favorite spices, and canned and frozen vegetables handy to help make last minute meals. Making a list before you go to the store will make shopping easier—and help with your budget. 

Save More with Coupons. There are manufacturer coupons and store coupons. Common places to get them:

• Inserts from the Sunday newspaper
• Printable online coupons
• In-store coupons—look for weekly circulars and flyers at the store.
• Catalina coupons—these are the coupons that print from the register and usually have items you like to buy.
• Tear-aways—many stores have coupons by customer service area to give you more savings.
• eCoupons—join store reward programs. They often offer specials coupons you can get in an email, store app or on the store rewards card.
• If you have a smartphone, search for your favorite store’s app. You can receive coupons, make a shopping list, and look for weekly specials. From finding coupons to using them, everything you need to know.

While You Shop. Try to eat before you go to the store. You are likely to buy more food than you need when you are hungry.  While at the store try a few of these tricks:

• Produce that is prepared is usually more expensive. Stick to produce that hasn’t already been washed and chopped for the best price.
• Buy blocks of cheese instead of grated.
• Buy large bags of frozen vegetables.
• Buy full heads of lettuce or spinach. Avoid pre-bagged salad mixes. Uncut fresh vegetables will last longer and can cost less than bagged salad mixes.
• Buy fresh fruits in season when they often cost less. Farmers markets will also have fruit that is in season.
• Buy regular brown rice and oatmeal. Instant rice and oatmeal cost more and have more sugar and calories.

Grow Your Own Food. Planting a vegetable garden can be fun and good exercise. It’s also a great way to have fresh, healthy food for less money—seed packets cost only a few dollars. And kids are more likely to try new vegetables if they help grow them.  You don’t need a lot of room or even a yard to grow your own food. Many vegetables can be grown on a patio in pots. Herbs are a great place to start.Keep Food Fresh. The right storage can help keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer. Freezing food can also save you money if you store it correctly.