Veggies are cheap? How’s that for a young bride’s perspective?
She said it as she sat in our living room beside her fiance. Matt and I have been meeting with them once a week since November, offering mentor-ship and guidance before they tie the knot in March.
This particular visit, we were discussing finances. Were they on the same page about spending and saving? Did they have any questions about necessary line items in a budget? Did they plan to have joint accounts? How did they plan to communicate about spending? How might they handle potentially lean times? What challenges had they already encountered? What might offer the most financial peace in their marriage?
Somewhere in there, one of them brought up grocery shopping. They already cook many of their evening meals together, either at her apartment or his – so beyond paying for all the aspects of an upcoming wedding (oy!) they had definitely experienced times of figuring out money and spending and budgeting together in the area of food. Imagine our shock, then, when this young couple offhandedly said, “Whenever we find we’re spending too much money on food, we also recognize we’re eating less healthy, too. So we cut back by buying more vegetables since they’re so cheap. Then we’re saving money and eating better too!”
I guess she hadn’t heard (the myth) that it costs too much to eat healthy. That they needed to skimp on the grocery budget by avoiding the fresh produce. Instead, she’d already figured out the truth:
Vegetables are a great way to stretch the grocery budget and stay healthy too.
This young bride-to-be went on to share that she’s found it easy to buy several different kinds of veggies to make soups and stews and stir-fries for very little money. Certainly this is much cheaper than eating out! But they found that it was also cheaper than shopping most of the aisles in the grocery stores. When they stayed on the outskirts of the grocery store – mostly getting veggies, fruits, meat, and dairy – the savings really showed.
As far as I could tell, this couple hadn’t read this information in any article or book. They’d simply learned by experience. Eat out – spend more, feel worse. Walk the aisles and throw tempting boxes and packages into the cart – spend more, feel worse. Fill the cart with vegetables and a little meat then make homemade meals – spend less, feel better.
I’d say “out of the mouths of babes” but I believe this really is more of a case of “wise beyond their years.”
Great Ways to Save on Fresh Veggies and Fruit at the Store
Gardens, farmer’s markets, and orchards aside – here are the best ways I’ve found to save oodles of money at the store on produce.
1. Comparison shop or price-match.
Last week, a pint of blueberries was marked at $3.54 at Walmart. A store within my price-matching range had them priced at $1.69/pint. Yes, please. I bought four. Twice.
2. Buy “in season.”
When it’s strawberry season, I can get them for $1.50 or less per pound. When it isn’t strawberry season, they look terrible and cost almost $6.00!
3. Consider the staples.
Carrots, onions, cucumbers, and lettuce (different varieties) are almost always low in cost – on sale or not. We keep those on hand at all times and we go through them like crazy. While not fresh – I’ve found that it’s also financially savvy to always have a supply of frozen peas and green beans on hand. I supplement these staples with produce in season and on sale – but I know that if all else fails we have carrots and green beans.
What ways have you found to be most effective to save money on vegetables and fruit? Do you find that buying fruits and vegetables actually helps you save money?
Laura S says
They are only cheap if we eat them! For my family, that means washing and chopping veggies as soon as I get home. If I store them first, they rarely get eaten. If I truly don’t have time to wash and chop the veggies when I get home (I washed them with the dishes tonight), then I spend a little more for the prewashed, precut bags of veggies and/or salad. I might be spending more than I could, but at least they are ready to eat. And yes, it is much less expensive to carry around a bag of baby carrots than it is to drive through any restaurant for a snack.
My other tip is to go to the market where foreigners shop. There are all kinds of interesting things! They prices are great, too. The produce doesn’t always look uniform, but it still tastes the same.
Thanks for this post! It is important.
Alison says
It’s really true. I took a bit of an impromptu 2-night field trip with my kids this weekend. We had a condo, so there was no eating out required. Nonetheless, I bought a few “convenience” or “special” foods to take along before, and I noticed that I had fewer bags for more money than I usually do. We really pay a premium to have someone else do our prep. I’m glad to be back home where my dollars go further. Though a getaway in the middle of the February-homeschool-blues is going to become a must-do each year. We learned so much!
Nathana Clay says
We have learned this too! Vegetables go further than I ever thought. We have pretty much quit cooking side dishes and just load up on fresh fruits and veggies alongside every meal. (I was inspired by your example of doing this.) It keeps us healthier, full of fiber, and makes preparing dinner much easier!
Drew says
Dried lentils are a staple for me. Super cheap, high in protein, and cook quickly with no soaking required. I cook them in the same pot with my rice to make things even more simple.
Barbara says
Have you heard of Imperfect Foods?!
I’m not sure why it’s considered imperfect, but the prices are fantastic!